KOKSTAD traffic wardens are calling for urgent intervention regarding employment conditions, remuneration, career development and unresolved workplace concerns. The traffic wardens contribute significantly to road safety, law enforcement support and public service. However, they continue to face employment uncertainty, limited advancement opportunities and concerns about working conditions.
For three years, wardens have worked on annual contracts without guaranteed permanent employment. Despite several meetings, no satisfactory resolution has been communicated. Wardens have also raised concerns about annual leave and working beyond normal hours without additional remuneration. These circumstances create financial uncertainty and affect employees’ ability to support their families. The department must clarify employment prospects, entitlements regarding leave days, and arrangements for additional working hours.
The responsibilities of traffic wardens extend beyond traffic control. They assist at roadblocks, support roadside enforcement, issue traffic tickets, enforce municipal bylaws, assist law enforcement operations and manage traffic during municipal events, public gatherings and funerals.
These duties require commitment, discipline and training. The wardens believe remuneration should reflect their responsibilities and operational demands.
A memorandum requesting the up-skilling of traffic wardens to become traffic officers was submitted to the head of department for traffic. Quotations from various training colleges were submitted approximately three months ago, but no feedback has been received.
Wardens have expressed willingness to contribute towards training costs, even sacrificing part of their stipends. This demonstrates their determination to improve their qualifications and build sustainable careers.
The department is urged to respond formally, clarify the proposal’s status and provide a realistic training and career progression plan. Appropriate funding, sponsorships and training partnerships should be explored to prevent employees from experiencing further financial hardship.
The wardens call on relevant authorities to clarify permanent employment prospects and review annual contracts, address concerns regarding leave and additional working hours, provide feedback on the training memorandum and college quotations, establish transparent career development opportunities, explore sustainable training funding and ensure fair treatment, dignity and timely communication.
In response, the Greater Kokstad Municipality clarified that the wardens were trained through a NARYSEC programme to be peace officers, and their contract with NARYSEC was strictly educational with no employment prospects.
“This cohort of crime prevention wardens or trainees was contracted by the municipality in 2024 through EPWP contract which is temporary in nature and had no intention for permanent employment,” said municipal spokesperson Zolani Siqwayi.
He added that their scope of work remains as that of traffic wardens, as they are trained and registered as such with the KZN Department of Transport. He said the allegations that they work long hours are unfounded. He further said the municipality does not have any provision for traffic wardens’ posts in its current organisational structure.
-Concerned Kokstad resident
