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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

 

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.