The Gauteng Provincial Government has come out strongly in defence of its Gauteng Traffic Wardens programme, popularly known as the “Amapanyaza”, rejecting what it describes as misleading claims aimed at discrediting the initiative.
In a media statement issued on 1 June 2026, the provincial government reaffirmed that the programme remains a critical intervention in strengthening community safety, visible policing, and law enforcement capacity across Gauteng.
According to the government, the programme forms part of a broader strategy to combat crime, lawlessness, and traffic-related offences through the recruitment, training, and deployment of traffic wardens. Officials say the initiative is helping to build sustainable law enforcement capacity, improve coordination between security agencies, and restore public confidence in safety interventions.
The government further explained that the investment in the programme covers comprehensive training, accommodation, uniforms, transport, stipends, operational support, and Peace Officer training. It says these measures are necessary to ensure that recruits are properly equipped to carry out their duties lawfully and effectively.
Defending the effectiveness of the programme, the provincial government stated “Contrary to attempts to portray the programme as wasteful or ineffective, Traffic Wardens continue to play an important role in supporting crime prevention operations, road safety enforcement, by-law compliance and joint operations with the South African Police Service and metropolitan police departments in identified crime hotspots across the province.”
The government also highlighted the positive impact traffic wardens have had during public events, noting that their performance has received favourable feedback from event management companies. Officials say their presence has contributed to safer events while supporting the tourism and entertainment sectors.
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