A rare public safety training opportunity has opened for young people who want to build a disciplined career path in traffic law enforcement. The Department of Transport and Community Safety is offering 204 Traffic Learner Officer learnerships with a R70,383 annual stipend, but applicants must meet strict driving, fitness and document requirements.
The twelve-month programme gives successful candidates structured training at the Traffic College. Therefore, this opportunity suits applicants who can handle discipline, physical preparation and public-facing responsibility.
Applications close on 24 July 2026 at 16:30.
What is the Department of Transport and Community Safety offering?
The Department of Transport and Community Safety is recruiting 204 Traffic Learner Officers for a twelve-month learnership programme.
Successful candidates will train at the Traffic College. During the programme, they must take part in strenuous physical exercise and complete the required training activities.
Reference number: LDTCS L1/5/2026
Applicants must use this reference number correctly on the application form.
Who should consider this Traffic Learner Officer Learnership?
This opportunity is aimed at young people who want to enter the traffic law enforcement field through formal training.
It is best suited to applicants who are physically ready, disciplined and able to work in a public safety environment.
Most importantly, candidates must understand that traffic officer training requires commitment. It is not only paperwork and classroom learning. It also includes physical preparation, conduct checks and practical assessments.
How much is the stipend?
Successful candidates will receive a stipend of:
R70,383.00 per annum
This amount supports candidates during the learnership period. However, applicants should not treat it as a permanent salary offer.
What are the minimum requirements?
Applicants must meet the official requirements before they submit an application.
To qualify, applicants must have:
- Grade 12, NQF Level 4 or an equivalent qualification recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- A valid driver’s licence
- No criminal record
- No visible tattoos
- Medical, mental and physical fitness for the training programme
- No record of being declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearm Control Act, 2000, or other relevant legislation
In addition, applicants should have the ability to drive a motor vehicle and communicate well in writing and verbally.
The driver’s licence requirement is important. Applicants who do not have a valid driver’s licence may not meet the minimum criteria.
How can applicants submit their applications?
Applicants can submit their applications through the official online application portal.
The department also accepts hand-delivered applications.
However, applicants must note this clearly:
No email or fax applications will be accepted.
Applicants who submit by hand or post must use the new Z83 application form. The form must be fully completed and signed.
Applicants who need help completing the form can use this new Z83 application form guide before they submit.
What should applicants check before submitting the Z83 form?
Applicants must complete the Z83 form carefully.
They must complete all required fields in Parts A, C and D. In Part B, they must complete all relevant fields in full.
They must also write the correct reference number in the reference number column:
LDTCS L1/5/2026
Where the form does not provide enough space, applicants may attach a curriculum vitae. However, the curriculum vitae must contain the missing information clearly.
A curriculum vitae does not replace the Z83 form. Instead, it supports the application where the form has limited space.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Do not rush the Z83 form. Check the reference number, signature, contact details and qualification information before submission. A small mistake can remove a strong applicant from consideration before the shortlisting stage.
Where can hand-delivered or posted applications go?
Applicants who do not use the online portal may submit their applications to the Head Office or listed district offices.
Head Office
The Head of Department
Department of Transport and Community Safety
Private Bag X9491
Polokwane
0700
Hand delivery: Phamoko Building, Second Floor, Office Number 45, 40 Church Street, Polokwane, 0699
Enquiries: 015 295 1290 / 015 294 8401 / 015 295 1036
Capricorn District
39 Church Street
Snabasa Building
Polokwane
0699
Enquiries: 071 946 8565 / 073 170 6748
Sekhukhune District
Lebowakgomo Government Complex
The Director
Private Bag X61
Lebowakgomo
0737
Enquiries: 015 632 9531 / 015 632 9529 / 015 632 9533
Waterberg District
NTK Building, Modimolle
Corner Limpopo Street and Thabo Mbeki Street
The Director
Private Bag X1038
Modimolle
0510
Enquiries: 014 718 2317 / 014 718 2330
Mopani District
Giyani Government Complex
The Director
Private Bag X9679
Giyani
0826
Enquiries: 015 811 7022 / 015 811 7065 / 015 811 7113
Vhembe District
Thohoyandou Government Complex
The Director
Private Bag X2145
Sibasa
0790
Enquiries: 015 960 3000 / 015 960 3094 / 015 960 3032
What happens after the application stage?
The department will contact shortlisted candidates only.
Shortlisted candidates must complete two pre-entry assessments. One assessment will test practical ability. The other will focus on integrity and ethical conduct.
In addition, shortlisted candidates must go through security clearance, qualification verification and a personnel suitability check.
These checks help the department confirm whether candidates meet the standards for a public safety training environment.
Which documents must shortlisted candidates prepare?
Shortlisted candidates must submit key documents to Human Resource Management offices on the day of the interview.
They must prepare:
- A medical certificate confirming physical fitness and mental stability for strenuous exercise
- Certified copies of educational qualifications
- A certified copy of an identity document
- A valid driver’s licence
Applicants should prepare these documents early. As a result, they will be ready if the department contacts them for the next stage.
Must applicants pay to submit an application?
No payment is required.
The department clearly states that applicants must not pay any money for posts advertised in the circular.
Therefore, applicants should avoid anyone who asks for payment, registration fees or placement fees.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on:
24 July 2026 at 16:30
The department will not consider late applications.
The department will also not consider faxed applications.
To avoid last-minute problems, applicants should submit early and keep proof of submission where possible.
What should applicants know about feedback?
The department will communicate only with shortlisted candidates.
If applicants do not receive feedback within 90 days or three months after the closing date, they may regard their applications as unsuccessful.
The department will also not pay interview-related costs. Therefore, candidates must cover their own transport, accommodation and meals if the department invites them to attend an interview.
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Final Thoughts
The Department of Transport and Community Safety Traffic Learner Officer Learnership 2026 gives young people a strong route into traffic law enforcement training.
With 204 posts, a R70,383 annual stipend and a twelve-month Traffic College training period, this opportunity deserves serious attention from applicants who meet the requirements.
Applicants should check the driver’s licence requirement, complete the Z83 form correctly where needed, use the correct reference number and submit before 24 July 2026 at 16:30.
