Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed a major shake-up in the province’s fight against crime — announcing that Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) will soon be reconfigured into Gauteng Traffic Officers and other specialised law enforcement roles.
This bold move forms part of the provincial government’s plan to professionalise the warden programme, tighten its structure, and ensure all officers operate within national legal and operational standards.
Speaking during a briefing, Premier Lesufi said the process would be rolled out in phases to ensure a fair and structured transition. “We are determined to ensure that no one will be left behind as we move forward with this crucial process,” he assured.
As part of the transformation, the Department of Community Safety has been assessing wardens to determine who qualifies for formal traffic officer training. Those who meet the criteria will be enrolled in the NQF Level 4 Traffic Officer Course, offered in partnership with 13 accredited traffic colleges and facilitated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). Once training is complete, successful candidates will be registered through SASSETA, officially becoming part of the Gauteng Traffic Police.
For those who may not meet the training requirements, Premier Lesufi confirmed that alternative opportunities are being created. Many will be absorbed into other government structures such as the Border Management Agency, which will deploy wardens at key national entry points, while municipalities are expected to integrate others for by-law enforcement and community safety duties.
Lesufi emphasised that the decision was not about replacing wardens, but rather strengthening their role in creating safer communities. “We believe what they have been doing is vital to our communities. However, we must eliminate areas of deep concern, particularly around training, mandate, and qualifications,” he said. “This transformation will result in a professional, compliant, and effective unit ready to help us fight crime across Gauteng.”
Under this new model, the Crime Prevention Warden Programme will be phased out in its current form. Over the next 18 to 36 months, wardens will transition into various specialised units — including the Gauteng Traffic Police, Special Law Enforcement Unit (SLEU), and other strategic roles within the public safety sector. Those who do not meet the criteria will undergo targeted upskilling before being redeployed to suitable positions in government.
Premier Lesufi said this reconfiguration marks a turning point in how Gauteng approaches community safety. “We are not just changing titles — we are changing the entire structure and standard of how law enforcement integrates with our communities,” he said.
The initiative is expected to boost public confidence in law enforcement, improve coordination between agencies, and build a stronger, more professional force capable of tackling crime head-on in every corner of Gauteng