Protocol observed
Our country cannot afford to continue to lose about 16 000 lives and experience serious injuries every year. Not only is the pain and suffering immeasurable for victims and their families, but the cost to the economy is more than R56 billion per annum.
Quite clearly, no sober-minded person will relax in the presence of these horrible statistics. It is precisely because of these reasons that year after year the KZN Department of Transport comes with innovative ways and means of saving lives under the overarching strategy of 100% compliance.
One of our means of saving lives is to increase the number of our Road Traffic Inspectorate officers to give law enforcement more strength. There are currently about 938 RTI officers in this province and this is to rise with the appointment of a large number of new recruits.
Today we congratulate 107 new traffic officers that have endured this past six months of hard work and study, 46 of these are females. Of the RTI officers employed by the department, the ratio of male officers as opposed to those of female officers is 5:3, showing a growing towards achieving the desired gender equity of 50/50.
The department has appointed 102 more new recruits as an additional to the establishment. These recruits commenced with their formal traffic officer training this month. I have a very important message to all traffic officers, especially those who are graduating here today: The government's agenda is clear on its priorities in the coming five years. One of these priorities is fighting against crime and corruption.
Therefore, you must be determined to tackle the problem of road crashes and root out all criminal behaviour on our roads. Your behaviour can either invite or chase away potential offenders from this province. Never indulge yourselves into corrupt practices like bribery. Always remember: the KZN Department of Transport has no place for corrupt Traffic Officers. They belong in jail.
It would be amiss of me not to congratulate students who will receive special awards for their performance. Keep it up. These awards are:
- Sykes Sign Shield – top student
- Instructors Trophy - runner up to top student
- Don Gold Trophy – compliance and control
- Bob Hayes Floating Trophy – top student speed timing
- First Aid - top student
- Bob and Anton – most enthusiastic
- Midlands Co-ordinating Traffic Committee – best dressed officer
- Eddie Elson Trophy – good human relations
- Allan Nienaber Floating Trophy – top student dangerous goods
- Cyril Knoesen Trophy – top shottist
- Minimum Force Institute Trophy – defensive tactics
In conclusion, you have joined the Road Traffic Profession during a very interesting period in its history. KwaZulu-Natal is getting ready for an influx of visitors driving on our roads during the 2010 World Cup.
This is the time when you will not only use Evidential Breathalyser Tests but your professionalism will also be tested in the process. I therefore encourage you to keep on with your good work. Be always polite and professional when talking to road users while firm in situations that demand you to be so.
I thank you.
Source: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
