How to Become a Traffic Officer in South Africa How to Become a Traffic Officer in South Africa. Here are some frequently asked questions (and answers) to assist you to decide on traffic as your future career. How to become a Traffic Officer in South Africa 1. WHY IS THE CAREER OF A TRAFFIC OFFICER SO IMPORTANT? Traffic officers enforce the road rules and signs. They ensure a safe passage in traffic and that all road users including pedestrians use our roads in an orderly and safe
manner. The main purpose of traffic officers is to ensure the safe and free flow of traffic to prevent road crashes and deaths on our roads. 2. 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, while municipal traffic officers perform theirs within the boundaries of municipalities. Provincial traffic officers are also known as provincial inspectors. They enforce compliance of the National Road Traffic Act, National Land Transport Act and Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act. They control traffic, inspect vehicles for road worthiness, and enforce road traffic signs and the rules of the road.
3. WHAT WILL THE WORKPLACE BE LIKE? Provincial inspectors and traffic officers spend most of their working hours outdoors on the road. A small portion of their time is spent in courtrooms and offices doing administrative duties. They do their patrol duties mainly in motorcars, although some of their duties are performed on motorcycles or on foot. 4. WHAT INSTRUMENTS, TOOLS OR MATERIALS WILL ONE WORK WITH? Traffic officers are responsible for law enforcement. They will be working with a speed-measuring apparatus, an alcohol test apparatus, measuring tapes, mass-measuring apparatus, a summons book, infringement notices, etc. 5. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS OF THIS CAREER? Advantages: Working with people and helping them to obey
traffic rules, assisting to reduce the number of road crashes and thus saving lives. Drawbacks: The need to be able to work with people with difficult personalities, having to work during holidays and on weekends, and performing duties in all different weather conditions. 6. HOW TO BECOME A TRAFFIC OFFICER? You will first need to be employed by provincial government, a municipality or a government entity such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) or the Cross Border Road Transport Agency. Vacant posts are advertised by these authorities in the open media. You will therefore need to constantly check your local or national newspapers. You may also contact any local or provincial authority directly to enquire as to whether vacancies exist within the departments and when the relevant posts will be advertised. 7. 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; and Applicants shall not be older than 35 years of age.
How to Become a Firefighter in South Africa Have you always dream of becoming a firefighter? Do you want to save people s lives? Well, time to help you make that dream a reality. This is How to Become a Firefighter. How do I Become a Firefighter? Being a firefighter may be exciting and cool, but it is also a very dangerous career path. If you feel that you are the type of person to run into a burning building, or to save a person
from a car leaking fuel that may go up at any second, then you re probably made of the right stuff. A firefighter s job is to protect people and properties from fire. They are also responsible for providing assistance in the event of disasters such as earthquakes, floods, vehicle accidents and train derailments. And getting your cat out a tree. (Probably not) The training is extremely physically demanding, so you need to make sure you re in tip top shape. Requirements: 18 years or older Matric (Mathematics and Physical Science an advantage) Physically and mentally fit (evaluations will be conducted) Must not be claustrophobic (have a fear of enclosed spaces) Must not be acrophobic (have a fear of heights) High level of discipline Ability to work in a team Ability to manage traumatic and stressful situations Effective communication skills Learnerships You can also enter the world of fire fighting through a learnership programme. These are often conducted by Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, and they will advertise the programmes as applications open. General Requirements: 18 years and older Matric (preferably with Mathematics and Physical Science)
Complete a 2.4km run in under 11 minutes (males) or 12 minutes (females) Complete 15 bench press repetitions of 25kg Complete 30 sit ups in 60 seconds Carry another person of equal body weight a distance of 100 metres Complete a vertigo test (ladder climb five floors) Claustrophobia test Pass a written test in basic mathematics and comprehension Successfully undergo a competency based interview Successfully pass a medical examination The assessments described above are carried out on an elimination basis. If an applicant fails to meet a required standard, they will not be permitted to proceed to the next assessment. On successful completion of the assessment an applicant is appointed as a Learner Firefighter and enters the Training Program. Candidates are appointed on a contract until training is completed. Thereafter a candidate will complete the 16 week Firefighter 1 course module which consists of a practical and a theoretical component. Training is a combination of real life scenarios simulated in a controlled environment as well as classroom orientated sessions. Throughout the four month course, values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance are instilled, ensuring all recruits have a solid basis to start a rewarding career in the CTFRS. The CTFRS Fire Training Academy, which is located in Epping, is accredited with the LG Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) and South African Emergency Services
Institute (SAESI). Supplementary courses (offered by external service providers) include Basic Ambulance Assistant (BAA), Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Advanced Driving. Additional courses are added to the prospectus as they are developed. Approach your local fire department in your area or monitor your local newspaper. E.g. City Press You start off as a firefighter completing four months of training. Source:Careersposrtal