Notices > National Road Traffic Law Enforcement Code (NRTLEC) > Part 2 : Minimum Requirements for Training and Appointment of Road Traffic Law Enforcement Officers > Chapter 1 : Appointment and Training Requirements

The value and purpose of training within the law enforcement fraternity is paramount for the appointment of road traffic law enforcement officers. The Code prescribes minimum and recommended training requirements. The prerequisites for appointment and training of road traffic law enforcement officers are specified in detail. The prescribed minimum requirements will promote professionalism within a law enforcement authority. It will also promote training and research to encourage the continuous professional development of road traffic law enforcement officers.

1.1	Appointment and training requirements

Within the larger context of training of authorised traffic personnel, this section aims to provide specific gate keeping processes to prevent those who do not meet requirements from entering the traffic profession.

1.2 Basic Traffic Officer’s entry requirements

The following entry requirements must apply before a person will be allowed to enrol for the basic traffic officer’s course:

(a)	National Senior Certificate;

(b)	Code B driving licence (manual transmission);

(c)	The applicant must be employed by a Provincial Authority, Local Authority or the National Department of Transport; or any applicant eligible for this training in terms of the National Road Traffic Act.

(d)	No criminal record (s);

(e)	Completed prescribed Medical Form by a registered medical practitioner as proof that a person may do strenuous exercise; and

(f)	The applicant must be under the age of 35 years on the day of enrolment.

NOTE: In respect of (a) the following shall be applicable:

• A minimum of 50% pass mark in English at Senior Certificate level

• A minimum of 50% pass mark in FIVE other additional subjects at Senior Certificate level.

The following table indicates the levels of performance required for entry to specific levels of study. A Matric Certificate on minimum level 4 is necessary to enrol for the Traffic Officer’s course:

Rating Code		Rating Marks
7	Outstanding achievement	80-100
6	Meritorious achievement	70-79
5	Degree substantial achievement	60-69
4	Diploma adequate achievement	50-59
3	Foundation moderate achievement	40-49
2	Elementary achievement	30-39
1	Not achieved	0-29

1.2.1

The minimum training requirements for appointment as a law enforcement officer shall be as follows:—

I.	During recruitment and training applicants and Traffic Trainees should meet the following fitness standard:

▪	Strength (include body carry and drag)

▪	Flexibility (include landing on the other side of the wall)

▪	Cardiorespiratory (include completing a work related obstacle course)

▪	Speed (include completion of task related to course as fast as possible)

▪	Power (include jump over a 1 meter obstacle)

▪	Agility (include moving as fast as possible between obstacles)

▪	Fears (include high or narrow obstacles)

II.	The SAQA registered occupational certificate: Traffic Officer, registered at NQF Level 6 or as directed by the Corporation.

III.	This qualification shall comprise of at least of the following modules:

Knowledge modules:

I. General orientation;

II. Applied English communication;

III. Professionalism and practice;

IV. National Road Traffic Act;

V. Additional Road Traffic Law Enforcement Legislation;

VI. Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act;

VII. Other relevant legislation;

VIII. Criminal law;

IX. Criminal Procedure Act;

X. Introduction to traffic criminology;

XI. Road safety education and road safety systems;

XII. Basic accident investigation;

XIII. Firearm Control Act;

XIV. Use a firearm in a law enforcement environment; and

XV. Anti-corruption and other related legislation.

XVI. Crime prevention

Practical skills modules:

I.	Ensure road safety on public roads;

II.	Apply tactical survival techniques;

III.	Maintain discipline;

IV.	Tactical use of a firearm in appropriate situations;

V.	Physical fitness;

VI.	Examine vehicles for fitness; and

VII.	Examine applicants for learners and driving licenses.

Work experience modules:

I.	Control and regulate traffic on public roads;

II.	Respond to and manage incidents;

III.	Systematic inspection of vehicles; and

IV.	Set-up of roadside checkpoints in the prescribed manner

Additional requirements should include training in at least one specialised field such as:—

I.	Motorcycle patrol;

II.	Investigator;

III.	Evidence custodian;

IV.	Advanced accident investigator;

V.	Breath alcohol operator;

VI.	Data analyst;

VII.	Road engineering aspects; and

VIII.

Training instructor.

1.2.2

The Modules Crime Prevention and Physical Fitness will be imported from the non-commission SAPS Basic Police Qualification in terms of the service level agreement between the RTMC and SAPS.

1.2.3

Future training requirements (Continuous Professional Development - CPD)

LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT	REQUIREMENTS
Senior management	Advanced public relations Public management Business studies Evidence-based traffic policing practice Minimum ten years in middle management Traffic Diploma
Middle management	Strategic management Financial management People management Project management Knowledge management Intelligence-led traffic policing practice Minimum eight years at supervisory level Traffic Diploma
Supervisory	People management Leadership Project implementation Public relations Offence Rate Monitoring IT skills – Excel Traffic Diploma Minimum five years at lower supervisory or functional level
Supervisory/Functional	Leadership skills Road Traffic Act and regulations Criminal Procedure Act Public Service Act Policies and standard operating procedures (SOP’s) Basic research techniques Communication Investigation techniques Negotiating skills Power Point Presentation and MS Word Decision making competencies Traffic Diploma Minimum five years in a road traffic law enforcement unit.
Functional	Examiner of motor vehicles Examiner of drivers' licences Computer literacy Training on the applicable traffic computer system used by the authority (if applicable) Basic ambulance assistance course Hazardous chemicals course
Trainee/recruit	Traffic officer qualification as prescribed Driving license (minimum 2 years old) Good health record Clean criminal record Advanced driving skills South African citizen Employed by a registered traffic law enforcement authority

1.2.4

Compulsory refresher courses

The following refresher courses apply from functional to superintendent level of employment, and should be attended at least every two years by:

I.	Legislative amendments to the National Road Traffic Act and Regulations as well as other applicable legislation

II.	Changes to relevant traffic systems;

III.	First aid courses;

IV.	Firearm refresher courses;

V.	Velocity meters; and

VI.	Breathalysers.

1.2.5

Recommended refresher courses

The following generic recommended refresher courses apply across all levels of employment:

I.	Customer service;

II.	Report writing skills

III.	Examiner of vehicles;

IV.	Examiner of driving licences;

V.	Stress management workshops;

VI.	Trauma management;

VII.	Radio procedures and protocol;

VIII.

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)

IX.	Procedure for escorting hazardous goods;

X.	Court etiquette, testimony;

XI.	Occupational Health and Safety; and

XII.	Report writing skills

1.2.6 Recommended refresher courses for managers

The following courses are recommended for all senior and executive managers:

I.	Legislative amendments and new legislation;

II.	Changes to relevant traffic systems;

III.	Communication;

IV.	Advanced report writing skills;

V.	Presentation skills;

VI.	Financial management and budgeting;

VII.	Project management;

VIII.

Strategic planning and execution;

IX.	Labour law; and

X.	Management and leadership.

Road Traffic Management Corporation Act, 1999 (Act No. 20 of 1999)

Notices

National Road Traffic Law Enforcement Code (NRTLEC)

Part 2 : Minimum Requirements for Training and Appointment of Road Traffic Law Enforcement Officers

Chapter 1 : Appointment and Training Requirements