Traffic Officer Learnership Programme 2026 Intake

If you are passionate about public safety, disciplined work, and building a stable government career in law enforcement, the Traffic Officer Student Cadet Learnership Programme Intake offered by the Western Cape Mobility Department is one of the most practical entry routes into the road traffic law enforcement sector in South Africa.

This 12-month full-time bursary training programme prepares unemployed youth to qualify for a Further Education and Training Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement, which is the official entry qualification required to become a traffic officer.

Importantly, this programme is not just classroom learning. It includes structured physical training, legal instruction, operational exposure, and real-world deployment preparation — all delivered through the respected Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell.

For many applicants across South Africa, especially those aiming to join Traffic Officer, Metro Police, or SAPS-related enforcement careers, this learnership represents a powerful career gateway.

Check if you Qualify for this Traffic Officer Learnership Before you Apply

Programme: Traffic Officer Student Cadet Learnership
Reference Number: WCMD 08/2026
Department: Western Cape Mobility Department
Training Duration: 12 months
Training Start Date: 08 June 2026
Training Venue: Gene Louw Traffic College (Brackenfell)
Qualification Awarded: FET Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement
Monthly Stipend: R5 000
Closing Date: 05 May 2026
Age Requirement: Must be younger than 35 years
Driver’s Licence: Code B (manual) required
Employment Guarantee: Not guaranteed after training
Application Locations: Worcester, Laingsburg, Beaufort West, Oudtshoorn, Somerset West, Brackenfell, Vredenburg, Vredendal, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Caledon, Swellendam, George

How to Prepare for a Traffic Officer Learnership for 2026

Successful candidates complete the Further Education and Training Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement, which includes:

• Road Traffic Act enforcement procedures
• Public transport compliance inspections
• Criminal procedure basics
• Accident scene management
• Traffic control operations
• Court procedures and evidence handling
• Radio communication protocols
• Defensive driving
• Physical training and discipline development

This qualification is nationally recognised within enforcement environments.

Locations

Applicants may be placed at the following Traffic Centres after selection:

• Worcester
• Laingsburg
• Beaufort West
• Oudtshoorn
• Somerset West
• Brackenfell
• Vredenburg
• Vredendal
• Knysna
• Mossel Bay
• Caledon
• Swellendam
• George

Placement depends on departmental operational needs.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To qualify for this Student Cadet Traffic Officer Learnership Programme, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria.

Basic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have Grade 12 (Matric)
• Possess a valid Code B manual driver’s licence
• Be younger than 35 years
• Have no criminal record
• Be medically fit
• Be physically fit for strenuous training
• Be drug-free
• Be prepared to work shifts when deployed
• Communicate in at least two official Western Cape languages
• Be willing to relocate if required

Uniform and Appearance Requirements

Because traffic officers operate in a uniformed enforcement environment:

Applicants must:

• Not have visible tattoos
• Not have visible body piercings
• Female applicants may have one piercing per ear only

These rules support uniform discipline standards within enforcement units.

Medical Screening Requirements

Shortlisted candidates must undergo:

• Medical assessment
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug testing
• Pregnancy testing (as required for training safety)
• Physical fitness testing
• Driving assessment
• Written assessment
• Interview panel evaluation

Candidates must also provide a medical certificate confirming ability to participate in strenuous training.

Monthly Stipend During Training

Student cadets receive: R5 000 per month

Important notes:

• Meals are not included
• Accommodation is not included
• Transport is not included

Applicants should plan financially before applying.

Work Conditions After Training

Traffic enforcement work includes:

• Shift rotations
• Weekend duty
• Night operations
• Roadside deployments
• Emergency incident response support

Applicants must be comfortable with operational field environments.

Graduates gain a recognised enforcement qualification that significantly improves employability across:

• Provincial traffic services
• Metro Police programmes
• Municipal enforcement departments
• Road safety agencies

Many successful enforcement careers begin with this certificate.

How to Prepare Before Applying

Strong candidates typically prepare by:

• Improving physical fitness levels
• Practicing driving confidence (manual vehicles)
• Learning road traffic legislation basics
• Strengthening communication skills
• Preparing certified documents early

Preparation improves selection chances significantly.

How to Apply

APPLY FOR THE TRAFFIC OFFICER (STUDENT CADETS) LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 INTAKE HERE

Application Support Contacts

Technical application support: 086 137 0214 (Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:00)

Programme enquiries:

Mr T Qunta 021 981 1163 / 1164

To strengthen your application:

• Apply before the deadline
• Ensure documents are certified
• Prepare physically early
• Practice manual driving regularly
• Maintain a clean criminal record
• Stay drug-free

If your long-term goal is a uniformed public safety career, this programme is one of the strongest starting points available in 2026.

CLOSING DATE: 05 MAY 2026