Africa: Mkhuhlu, Mpumalanga- MEC for the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, says the temptation to do wrong will not overpower the ethos innate in the new traffic officers who pass out at the Mpumalanga Traffic Training College at Mkhuhlu near Bushbuck Ridge.
At the beginning of January 2022, the Department sent 51 learners to the college. These learners have completed the course and will now be posted at all four districts according to their needs.
MEC Lehari implored this cohort to remember at all times the values and ethos they were taught as they will be executing their responsibilities as law enforcement officers.
“Once out there, demonstrate discipline at all times. Discipline is of paramount importance and is a cardinal hallmark of your life as a law enforcement officer. It applies to all aspects of your career in the field, even when off duty.
“What may appear as a harmless act of ill-discipline, even if it relates to punctuality, cleanliness, order or personal conduct, will reflect badly not only on you but on the Department and on your profession”, said MEC Lehari.
MEC Lehari reminded them that one momentary lapse in compliance with the regulations would negatively impact their profession.
“No transgression or infraction is meaningless. This may start small and develop into a culture because it breeds disrespect and sow disunity. I am emphasizing the issue of discipline because once you leave here and enter the world out there, there will be many temptations. Many before you who, like you, had discipline internalized fell by the wayside”, said MEC Lehari.
In addressing the pass-out parade, MEC Lehari reminded the officers of the distance they travelled and the challenges they had to overcome to be trained.
“Remember, the profession you have chosen is a profession like no other. It is not a job but a duty. A job is an occupation, a career, an employment. A duty is a responsibility, an undertaking, an obligation, and a call to serve the nation.
“Every day when you wake up and get into that uniform, remember that you are not going to work, but you are responding to a call of duty. You are accepting the responsibility to face danger with courage. You are accepting the directive to go out there to ensure there is compliance with traffic regulations. Every day, you will meet enormous tests that you will be expected to pass. Because yours is not a job, it is not a career but a duty, a call to serve the nation”, concluded MEC Lehari.