Traffic Training Information
Traffic Training Information
Traffic Training Information
The Road Traffic Management Corporation has committed itself to develop a 21st Century
Cadre for Road Traffic Management in South Africa. This Cadre will produce dedicated and
skilled Traffic Officers who will enforce the rules of the road; who will protect and serve without
fear or favor. They will ensure that all road users, including pedestrians, use our roads in an
The diagram below illustrates the characteristics of the 21st Century Cadre:
A distinction is made between Provincial Traffic Officers and Municipal Traffic Officers.
Provincial Traffic Officers perform their duties within the boundaries of Provinces and
Municipal Traffic Officers perform their duties within the boundaries of Municipalities.
Provincial Traffic Officers are also known as Provincial Inspectors. They enforce compliance
of the National Road Traffic Act, National Land Transport Act and Administrative Adjudication
of Road Traffic Offences Act. They control traffic, inspect vehicles for roadworthiness, and
enforce road traffic signs and rules of the road.
Provincial Inspectors and Traffic Officers spent most of their working hours outdoors on the
roads. A small portion of their time is spent in courtrooms and offices doing administrative
duties. They do their patrol duties mainly in motorcars and some on motorcycles and on foot.
Advantages: Working with people and helping them to obey traffic rules, assisting to
reduce the number of road crashes and thus saving lives.
Drawbacks: Be able to work with people with various personalities, having to work
during holidays and weekends on 24-hour shifts. Performing duties in all weather
conditions.
Once you are employed as a Traffic Trainee you will be sent to one of the 14 Traffic Colleges
approved by the Minister of Transport. Only the following Traffic Colleges and Metro Police
Academies may currently train Traffic Officers in South Africa:
The RTMC will advertise any posts in the national newspapers, should posts become available
in the Corporation. Also check the website of the Corporation for posts on www.rtmc.co.za
and click on the vacancies tab.
10. CAN ONE BE OFFERED A BURSARY & HOW MUCH IS THE TRAINING FEES?
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) does not offer bursaries for the basic
Traffic Officer’s Course at present. However, Local and Provincial Authorities normally pay the
costs related to the training of Traffic Personnel, including a monthly stipend to trainees.
11. WARNING
It should be noted that the Local or Provincial Authorities normally pay the training fees to
Traffic Colleges electronically. Learners must take caution and not pay any individual to secure
“a space” at a Traffic Training College. Applicants are advised to ensure that the Colleges that
they use for the Basic Traffic Officer’s Course is indeed a Traffic College, which is fully
registered, accredited and approved in terms of the National Road Traffic Act. For further
information the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) may be contacted on
telephone number 012 999 5200 or visit our website on www.rtmc.co.za .
Note:
No private person can enrol directly at a Traffic College as a Trainee.
Contact Traffic Departments directly for information on available trainee vacancies,
application forms and opportunities for possible voluntary work.
No one can reserve a "space" for you at a Traffic College.
The training of Traffic Officers is funded by the state for selected candidates when posts
are available - do Not make upfront payment to anyone.
Be aware of bogus colleges, remember you can only be sent by a Traffic Department to
a Traffic College, with NO middle man involved.
Enquiries:
RTMC: Traffic Training
Ms Smangele Ngwenya
Tel: 012 999 5249
E-mail:[email protected]