The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has welcomed the move by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to train and integrate the Gauteng traffic wardens into a broader and more integrated crime-fighting interventions in the province.
On Sunday, Lesufi addressed a group of peace wardens, formerly known as amapanyaza or crime prevention unit wardens at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering road safety and enforcement capabilities, Lesufi announced a major restructuring of the corps, adding that this initiative, intended to modernise and elevate the corps’ operational effectiveness, will comprise three integrated streams: traffic officers, traffic wardens, and security officers.
“This reform marks a significant step towards building a professional, accountable and integrated provincial safety service that protects communities, safeguards public assets and creates sustainable opportunities for the youth of Gauteng,” he said.
Lesufi emphasised the need for the revamped programme to align with legislative requirements and national training standards. The proposed hybrid multi-stream model is designed not only to meet contemporary operational demands but also to ensure long-term sustainability.
At the same time, Lesufi indicated that corruption will not be tolerated within the new structure, following reports that at least 320 members of the unit have been dismissed, while others are facing disciplinary processes.
“We cannot build a force that fights crime while tolerating criminal behaviour within its own ranks. We cannot claim to be protecting women and vulnerable members of society while allowing conduct that promotes gender-based violence or harms those we are meant to serve,” he stated.
Reacting to Lesufi’s overhaul of the controversial crime-fighting strategy, EFF provincial spokesperson Dumisani Baleni welcomed it, saying the timing is critical given the uptick in vandalism targeting government facilities.
“The EFF, through its public representatives, has consistently maintained that public resources must be utilised in a manner that advances service delivery, creates sustainable employment and reduces the state’s dependence on costly private tenders,” he said.
Lesufi indicated that to support this transition, Gauteng traffic wardens will undergo an intensive training programme at the provincial traffic college. The programme will combine both theoretical and practical instruction aligned with approved national curricula, equipping members with the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies required to effectively execute their duties within the new structure.
Siyabonga Sithole
iol.co.za
