KZN Launches Major Recruitment Drive to Strengthen Road Traffic Inspectorate

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has announced the commencement of a wide-scale recruitment process for traffic officers, a strategic move aimed at enhancing road safety and building a safer, more prosperous province for future generations.

Strengthening the Road Traffic Inspectorate

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma officially unveiled the recruitment campaign, which seeks to expand and strengthen the province’s Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) — a critical law enforcement unit tasked with ensuring compliance with traffic laws and protecting road users.

“We are looking for honest, hard-working and fit South Africans to join our highly efficient and dedicated team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate,” Duma said over the weekend, adding that the recruitment drive is one of the department’s key interventions in curbing reckless driving and saving lives.

The department plans to recruit 278 traffic officers, broken down into:

• 1 Control Provincial Inspector

• 10 Senior Provincial Inspectors

• 67 Provincial Inspectors

• 200 Trainee Provincial Inspectors

Linking to the Alufakwa Campaign

This initiative forms part of KwaZulu-Natal’s Zero Tolerance – No Nonsense Alufakwa campaign, which focuses on instilling responsible road behaviour and targeting high-risk offences such as drinking and driving.

Duma noted that reckless and negligent driving remain among the leading causes of road accidents in the province. In August alone, more than 160 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Alarmingly, the arrests included public servants such as a senior prosecutor, two police officers, and a correctional services official.

“It is very disappointing that civil servants tasked with the responsibility to enforce the law and uphold it were caught breaking it,” said Duma.

Serious Action Against Offending Officials

The MEC confirmed that the case involving the senior prosecutor has already been formally enrolled in court, with proceedings postponed to October 2025, pending forensic blood test results.

“The arrest of a senior public prosecutor — someone entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law — strikes at the very heart of the justice system and is viewed by this department with the utmost seriousness. We expect that the matter will be handled with transparency, integrity, and in full accordance with the law,” Duma stated.

He added that the department, in collaboration with the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, is closely monitoring this and other similar cases involving law enforcement officials. These discussions are expected to lead to stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms across the criminal justice system.

Road Safety as Top Priority

Despite challenges of limited resources, Duma commended RTI officers and road safety stakeholders for their continued vigilance and dedication.

“The safety of all road users remains our top priority,” he said. “We remain resolute in our mandate to rid our roads of reckless and intoxicated drivers, regardless of rank or profession.”

Application Process for New Recruits

Prospective applicants for the traffic officer posts are encouraged to apply through several channels:

• Hand delivery: Applications can be submitted at the Department of Transport’s headquarters, Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg.

• Courier: Applications can be sent to the Recruitment & Selection Section, Human Resource Administration Directorate, Private Bag X9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200.

• Online: Applicants are strongly encouraged to make use of the KZN e-Recruitment system available at www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs.

Building Safer Roads for the Future

The recruitment of 278 new officers marks one of the most significant law enforcement expansions in recent years within the province. Authorities believe this effort will not only strengthen the RTI’s capacity but also enhance road safety campaigns and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.

By combining law enforcement expansion, tougher accountability measures, and public awareness campaigns, the KwaZulu-Natal government aims to create safer roads and reduce the devastating impact of reckless driving on communities.