The Gauteng provincial government has defended the AmaPanyaza programme following the release of the Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s report into its legality, insisting the initiative was never intended to replace the South African Police Service (SAPS) but to strengthen community safety through lawful and coordinated means.
In a statement, spokesperson for the provincial government, Elijah Mhlanga, described the establishment of the wardens, officially known as Crime Prevention or Traffic Wardens, as a “lawfully audacious initiative” aimed at supplementing existing law-enforcement capacity. He said the project had been mischaracterised by critics as an attempt to form a parallel police force, an interpretation dismissed as false and politically motivated.
“The motive was never to replace the South African Police Service, but to pragmatically address a systemic problem that has, through no fault of the police, forced the police into a reactive ‘fire-brigade’ role,” said Mhlanga.
Gauteng welcomes Public Protector’s report
The province welcomed the Public Protector’s report, noting that several recommendations aligned with its ongoing efforts to regularise and integrate the wardens into formal law enforcement.
The government emphasised that its application for peace-officer status for the wardens had not been rejected, as claimed in some reports, but had been redirected following guidance from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. This, Mhlanga said, resulted in a change in classification from Crime Prevention Wardens to Traffic Wardens – a shift described as a strategic adjustment rather than a retreat.
Public Protector’s findings
The Public Protector’s investigation found that the original deployment of the Crime Prevention Wardens was irregular and unlawful, citing the absence of clear legislative authority for the province to perform policing functions.
The report recommended that the Gauteng Government reclassify the wardens as traffic officers within 180 days and ensure that future recruitment and training comply fully with constitutional and legislative requirements.
Despite those findings, the provincial government maintains that the initiative was well-intentioned and grounded in cooperative governance principles designed to enhance safety and visibility in crime-affected areas.
Integration and training
Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced that the reclassification and training process for the wardens began more than a year ago and is continuing. The province has partnered with 13 traffic colleges to provide the NQF Level 4 Traffic Officer course, and discussions are under way with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as the preferred training agency.
Under the plan, wardens who qualify will become provincial traffic officers, while others will be retrained and redeployed to municipal by-law enforcement or security functions.
“This phased transition is designed to invest in our personnel and strengthen public safety,” the provincial government said.
“The ongoing process is a strategic restructuring and formal integration – not a disbandment.”
Political fallout
The findings have reignited political tensions in Gauteng. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced plans to table a motion of no confidence in Lesufi, accusing his administration of overstepping its constitutional mandate. ActionSA has also criticised the programme, calling it “a demonstration of government’s failure to uphold the law while addressing crime.”
The province, however, insists it has acted within the law and says the reconfiguration process will provide a sustainable and lawful framework for the wardens’ continued contribution to public safety.
“We have always acted within the Constitution,” Mhlanga said.
“Our commitment is to build a safer Gauteng in partnership with all levels of government.”
Background
The AmaPanyaza programme was launched in 2023 to enhance visible policing and crime prevention, particularly in high-crime townships, informal settlements and hostels. The wardens’ recruitment and deployment drew both praise for improving visibility and criticism over legality and training standards.
The provincial government has now committed to completing the realignment within the 180-day timeframe outlined by the Public Protector, saying the process will ensure the wardens operate with professionalism, accountability and full legal authority.
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