Introduction
Traffic Officers or Traffic COP(s) enforce the rules of the road and signs. They focus almost exclusively on maintaining traffic safety and efficiency on the roads. They ensure that all road users including pedestrians use our roads in an orderly and safe manner.
In this blog post, we will be looking into the Top Keywords of Traffic Cop, and many more.
Top Keywords about Traffic Cop
- How do you become a traffic cop?
- Where can I study traffic cop in South Africa?
- How long is the traffic officer course?
- How much do traffic cops earn in SA?
Traffic officers are sworn-in police, but they focus almost exclusively on maintaining traffic safety and efficiency on the roads. This is the focus of their duties, which can include directing traffic, managing accidents, administering federal traffic money, and educating the public on laws and safety guidelines.
WHAT DOES ONE DO IN THIS CAREER?
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 with 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 foot.
Speed-measuring apparatus, alcohol test apparatus, measuring tapes, mass-measuring apparatus, summons books, infringement notices etc.
- 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. Performing duties in all weather conditions.
HOW DO I BECOME A TRAFFIC OFFICER?
You first need to be employed by a Provincial Government, Municipality or Government Agency such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation or Cross Border Road Transport Agency. Vacant posts are advertised by these Authorities in the Open Media.
You therefore need to check your local and national newspapers regularly. You may also contact any Local or Provincial Authority directly to enquire whether vacancies exist and when posts will be advertised.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A TRAFFIC OFFICER?
- South African Citizenship
- Grade 12 or equivalent
- No criminal record
- Code B driving Licence (manual transmission)
- Medical Certificate –that a person may do strenuous exercises.
- Applicants shall not be older than 35 years of age
WHERE DO I TRAIN AS A TRAFFIC OFFICER?
Once you are employed as a Traffic Officer/ 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.
| NAME | CITY/ PROVINCE | CONTACT NR. |
| 1. Limpopo Traffic Training College | Polokwane – Limpopo | (015) 967 0467 |
| 2. Boekenhoutkloof Traffic Training College | Pretoria – Gauteng | (012) 372 8000 |
| 3. KZN Traffic Training College | Pietermaritzburg – KZN | (033) 394 0202 |
| 4. Lengau Traffic Training College | Bloemfontein – Free State | (051) 409 0444 |
| 5. Mangaung Traffic Training College | Bloemfontein – Free State | (051) 412 8100 |
| 6. Gene Louw Traffic Training College | Cape Town – Western Cape | (021) 983 1501 |
| 7. Durban Metro Police Department Academy | Durban – KZN | (031) 701 0462 |
| 8. Johannesburg Metro Police Department Academy | Johannesburg – Gauteng | (011) 429 5010 |
| 9. Tshwane Metro Police Department Academy | Pretoria – Gauteng | (012) 358 0005 |
| 10. Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Academy | Springs – Gauteng | (011) 812 8700 |
| 11. Port Elizabeth Traffic Training College | Port Elizabeth – Eastern Cape | (041) 390 4501 |
| 12. Matjhabeng Traffic Training College | Welkom – Free State | (051) 876 2224 |
| 13. Cape Town Metro Police Deapartment Academy | Cape Town – Western Cape | (021) 447 2366 |
| 14. Mpumalanga Traffic Training College | Hazyview – Mpumalanga | 013 766 7292 |
WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM A PASSENGER IN A VEHICLE AND I NOTICE THAT THE DRIVER OR THE VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE RULES OF THE ROAD?
Phone RTMC’s Call centre Number: 0861 400 800 (Not toll-free) with full particulars of the vehicle and its location. A Traffic Officer will be requested to assist where possible.
I GRADUATED FROM AN APPROPRIATELY RECOGNIZED TERTIARY TRAINING INSTITUTION, WHICH IS PROPERLY REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION. IT SEEMS AS IF MY DEGREE COURSE IS NOT TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY METRO POLICE AND TRAFFIC DEPARTMENTS WHEN THEY APPOINT PERSONNEL. WHY IS THIS THE CASE AND WHAT MUST I DO?
Firstly, make sure you meet the requirements for the position that you applied for.
All Tertiary Training Institutions, registered with the Department of Higher Education, may develop their training courses. The Traffic Fraternity is many times consulted to provide input into the curriculums and course content of these courses. The traffic fraternity has no jurisdiction over Tertiary Institutions. Tertiary Institutions enrol students in terms of their regulations and successful students will graduate with fully recognized Diplomas / Degrees.
All Local Authorities and provincial and Metro Police Departments are autonomous regarding the appointment of officials to various positions. Each Department will decide individually on their appointments. Higher qualifications should put you in a better position to compete for employment should you meet the requirements of advertised posts.
Conclusion
Candidates who meet the entry requirements to advertised posts/internships are encouraged to keep on applying for these positions. Candidates must pay particular attention to how they compile their CVs and application letters. Interviewing-Shortlisting-Committees disregard many applications due to candidates not completing the application forms properly, not signing when necessary, not certifying documents when necessary, not including all documentation as per the advert, etc.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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