BUSHBUCKRIDGE – The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has welcomed 102 new traffic officers, who will join the ranks of law enforcement in the province.
The graduates include 96 officers whose enrolment at the Mpumalanga Traffic College was abruptly terminated in 2021 following corruption allegations. Provincial government suspended the learnership programme after allegations of misconduct and corruption were levelled against officials, including claims that unqualified students were enrolled.
Consequently, the programme was put on hold and students were sent home, but were given a chance to continue early this year after a thorough investigation, finally completing the 12-month programme.
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MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, and Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC, Thulasizwe Thomo handed over certificates to the graduates at the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College’s 6th Passout Parade in Mkhuhlu yesterday, December 18, 2025.
Macie applauded the newly-appointed officers, stating that their appointment is expected to bolster traffic law enforcement in the province and contribute towards the reduction of road crashes and fatalities.
“Today, it’s a proud and significant day for the province of Mpumalanga. We gather here not simply to parade uniforms, but to formally present disciplined and committed public servants, who will serve on the frontline for our road safety, law enforcement and community protection,” said MEC Macie.
In an interview with Mpumalanga Mirror, the graduate traffic officers said the suspension of the programme in 2021 had made their lives difficult. They were unable to secure jobs as they were already on the government system, and it was disheartening to know that some of them had followed the correct application processes.
“Going to college and coming back without completing made us a laughing stock in our communities. But we’re excited that we’ve finally graduated and are ready to serve,” said Lifeman Tibane, one of the graduates.
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Another graduate, Confidence Mabuza, added: “Our families were expecting us to come home and change our situations, but going back without completing made life tougher. Some of us were drowning in depression, but today I’m feeling proud, even though some of us are over the required age of 35. We’re grateful we got a second chance.”
The graduates will resume their duties in various Cost Centres across the province in January 2026.
