Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi
By Lerato Mpembe
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said on Wednesday the provincial government is about to finalise the constitutional standing of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens.
In a significant step towards strengthening crime prevention in the province, Lesufi highlighted ongoing efforts to solidify the legal framework for these wardens during his presentation of the Community Safety Department’s budget. This announcement comes as part of broader initiatives to enhance safety and address persistent challenges like taxi violence, reflecting the government’s commitment to safer communities across Gauteng.
Background on the Gauteng Traffic Wardens
The Gauteng Traffic Wardens, popularly known as AmaPanyaza after the Premier, were introduced in 2023 as a key force multiplier for police in crime prevention efforts. 0 Designed to boost police visibility and tackle crime at grassroots level, the programme aimed to deploy thousands of young people from townships to patrol high-crime areas, assist with traffic control, and support law enforcement operations. 3 Initially launched with 6 000 recruits, the initiative has grown substantially, with more than 8 000 wardens now active in communities. 0
In December 2023, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that the wardens have the same legal status as provincial traffic officers, granting them powers as peace officers. 15 This includes the authority to conduct searches, make arrests for certain offences, issue fines, and manage traffic. 19 However, their deployment has not been without controversy. Critics, including opposition parties, have raised concerns about inadequate training, allegations of abuse of power, and the potential for the programme to be used as a political tool ahead of elections. 3 4 For instance, there have been reports of wardens assaulting members of the public, leading to calls for greater accountability and oversight. 13
Despite these challenges, the wardens have been credited with successes such as flushing out drug lords, increasing patrols in hotspots, and contributing to a visible reduction in some crime categories. 66 Training has taken place at facilities like the Dunnottar military base, where recruits undergo basic law enforcement skills, including crowd control and emergency response. 9 In the 2025 State of the Province Address, Lesufi announced plans to upskill wardens in specialised areas like emergency and disaster management to further enhance their effectiveness. 65
Finalising the Constitutional Standing
Lesufi emphasised that the provincial government has held meetings with the Police Department, Justice and Constitutional Departments, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to finally finalise the constitutional standing of the Gauteng Traffic Wardens. 60 This process aims to address any lingering ambiguities in their legal powers and ensure they operate within a robust constitutional framework. 16 While their current status as peace officers allows them to perform duties similar to traffic police, finalising this standing could expand their role or provide clearer guidelines on accountability and integration with national law enforcement structures. 68
“More than 8 000 Gauteng Traffic Wardens have been recruited as force multipliers since their establishment in 2023 to enhance crime-fighting efforts and police visibility in communities,” Lesufi stated during the budget presentation. 60 He added that this finalisation is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the programme, especially as Gauteng grapples with high crime rates, including kidnappings, which have skyrocketed in recent years. 10
R2.3 Billion Budget Allocation for Community Safety
The Premier delivered a R2.3 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year for the Community Safety Department in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. 40 This substantial allocation represents an increase from previous years and underscores the government’s priority on safety. 47 Funds will support the wardens’ operations, including stipends, equipment, and further training. 52 In the broader provincial budget of R172.3 billion, community safety receives a focused boost to tackle issues like gender-based violence, drug trafficking, and organised crime. 58
Lesufi noted that the budget will also fund high-end technology, such as panic buttons and surveillance systems, which have been part of earlier promises but have faced implementation delays. 69 This financial commitment aligns with the Growing Gauteng Together plan, which elevates crime prevention as a key pillar for economic growth and resident well-being. 71
New Unit to Tackle Taxi Violence
In addition to the wardens’ updates, Lesufi announced the launch of a new unit to tackle taxi violence in the province, in partnership with the Department of Roads and Transport. 20 This comes amid a surge in taxi-related incidents, with around 30 deaths reported in March 2025 alone due to disputes over routes, territorial dominance, and financial conflicts. 30 34 The violence has not only claimed lives of operators but also innocent bystanders, leading to widespread concern and calls for urgent intervention. 28
The new unit, described as a public transport intervention team, will focus on enforcing regulations, combating lawlessness, and mediating conflicts between taxi associations. 22 24 Plans include increasing policing capacity, potential closures of high-risk taxi ranks, and collaboration with national authorities to root out corruption in the industry. 25 36 Lesufi has previously stated that “force power” is needed to address the issue, highlighting the need for decisive action to prevent further bloodshed. 32
This initiative builds on earlier efforts, such as the Gauteng Taxi Industry (GTI) unit, which has been tackling reckless driving and criminality in the sector. 21 With taxi violence contributing to economic disruptions and investor flight, the unit aims to restore order and support the province’s vital public transport system. 72
Looking Ahead: Impact on Gauteng’s Safety Landscape
These announcements signal a renewed drive to make Gauteng safer, with the wardens at the forefront of visible policing. By finalising their constitutional standing and bolstering resources, the government hopes to build public trust and deliver on promises of reduced crime. 63 However, success will be judged by tangible results, including lower crime statistics and fewer incidents of misconduct.
Residents in areas like Soweto, Katlehong, and Pretoria have welcomed the increased presence of wardens, but ongoing monitoring is essential to prevent abuses.
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