Are you looking for a real opportunity to launch a career in law enforcement and road safety? The Western Cape Mobility Department has opened applications for the Student Cadet Traffic Officer Bursary Programme 2026. This is a government-funded, full-time training bursary that pays you a monthly stipend while you earn a nationally recognised qualification. Applications close on 5 May 2026, so time is short.
This article breaks down everything you need to know before you apply.
What Is the Western Cape Traffic Officer Bursary Programme?
The Student Cadet Traffic Officer Bursary is a 12-month full-time training programme run by the Western Cape Mobility Department. Successful candidates will study towards the Further Education and Training Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement at the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell, Cape Town. Training is scheduled to begin on 8 June 2026.
This is not a desk-based programme. You will go through structured classroom learning, physical training, legal instruction, and hands-on operational preparation for real-world traffic enforcement work. On completion, you will hold a qualification that is recognised across traffic enforcement agencies, metro police departments, and public safety organisations throughout South Africa.
The reference number for this bursary is WCMD 08/2026.
What Does the Bursary Offer?
Accepted candidates receive a monthly stipend of R5 000 for the duration of the 12-month training period. No accommodation or meals are included, so you will need to make your own arrangements for those. The bursary covers your training costs and gives you a government-backed qualification at the end.
It is important to understand upfront that this programme is a training bursary and not a permanent job offer. Completing the programme does not guarantee you a permanent traffic officer post. However, graduates with the FET Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement are in a strong position when they apply for advertised traffic officer vacancies with the Western Cape Mobility Department or other enforcement agencies.
Where Will You Be Deployed After Training?
After successfully completing training, candidates may be placed at traffic centres across the Western Cape, depending on the department’s operational needs. Placement locations include Worcester, Laingsburg, Beaufort West, Oudtshoorn, Brackenfell, Somerset West, Vredendal, Vredenburg, Caledon, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, George and Knysna.
Minimum Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet all of the following requirements. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
You must have a Grade 12 Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification. You must hold a valid Code B manual driver’s licence. You must be physically fit and in good health. You must be under 35 years of age at the time of application. You must have a clean criminal record with no convictions. You must have no visible tattoos. Female applicants may have one piercing per ear, but no other visible body piercings are permitted.
What Happens After Shortlisting?
If you are shortlisted, you will be required to attend assessments and provide supporting documents. The selection process includes a medical assessment, psychological evaluation, drug testing, a physical fitness test, a driving assessment, a written assessment, and a formal interview.
You will also need to submit a valid medical certificate as part of this process. Shortlisted candidates should prepare well in advance, because selection timelines can move quickly once applications close.
Key Responsibilities of a Traffic Officer
Once deployed, traffic officers are expected to enforce road traffic laws and relevant transport legislation, provide visible traffic control on public roads, actively support crime prevention initiatives, carry out administrative functions linked to law enforcement, and work on a shift basis that may include 24-hour operations.
This is a disciplined, uniformed role that requires physical and mental readiness. You will be representing the Western Cape Government in the field and contributing directly to road safety across the province.
Skills and Personal Attributes
The department looks for candidates who communicate well in at least two official South African languages, work confidently under pressure, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, show both the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and carry themselves with professionalism and assertiveness.
A Word on Scams
The Western Cape Mobility Department has officially warned the public about fraudulent online listings that falsely advertise traffic officer training and request payment from applicants. There are no fees of any kind required to apply for or participate in this bursary programme. If anyone contacts you asking for money in connection with this application, do not pay and report it immediately. Always apply only through the official Western Cape Government recruitment portal.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted online through the official Western Cape Government e-Recruitment portal. Search for the position using reference number WCMD 08/2026. No manual, emailed, or late applications will be accepted.
The closing date for applications is 5 May 2026.
If you experience technical difficulties during the application process, you can contact the support helpline at 086 137 0214, available Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:00.
For direct enquiries about the post, you can reach Mr T Qunta at 021 981 1163 or 021 981 1164.
Why This Bursary Matters for South African Youth
Youth unemployment remains one of the most urgent challenges facing South Africa. Programmes like this one offer something genuinely valuable: a structured, funded pathway into a stable career in public service. You earn while you learn, you leave with a real qualification, and you build a professional foundation in an environment that demands discipline, commitment, and purpose.
As Maxine Bezuidenhout, Chief Director of Traffic Management at the Western Cape Mobility Department, has noted, this bursary gives young people a chance to build a career in law enforcement while making a real impact on road safety across the province.
If road safety, public service, and law enforcement speak to you, this is worth your full attention. Do not wait until the last minute. Start your online application today and submit before 5 May 2026.
Post Details at a Glance
- Programme: Student Cadet Traffic Officer Bursary
- Reference Number: WCMD 08/2026
- Training Duration: 12 months Training
- Start Date: 8 June 2026
- Training Venue: Gene Louw Traffic College, Brackenfell
- Monthly Stipend: R5 000
- Closing Date: 5 May 2026
- Application Method: Online only via the Western Cape Government e-Recruitment portal
- Technical Support: 086 137 0214 (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00)
- Post Enquiries: Mr T Qunta, 021 981 1163 / 1164
2 Comments
I want to be a metro police I have been longing for it
I want to work as a metro police officer because I am deeply committed to serving this community. Having followed the department’s recent initiative on traffic safety, I want to use my skills to build stronger relationships with residents and help create a safer environment. I am passionate about proactive policing and ensuring that people feel secure in their daily lives.