ANCYL celebrates the peace officer status for AmaPanyaza

The African National Congress (ANC) Youth League has welcomed the declaration of Gauteng Traffic Wardens as peace officers.

More than 9,000 wardens were declared peace officers last week, following their disbandment in October last year.

They were disbanded after a Public Protector’s report found the unit was unlawfully constituted and should not have been deployed on the front lines of crime-fighting.

ANC Youth League Gauteng spokesperson Kgaugelo Malesa said the move is a step towards saving jobs.

"At the centre of this declaration is the protection of over 9 000 jobs that were previously placed at risk. In a province confronted by the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, with young people bearing the heaviest burden, this intervention represents a bold and necessary act of economic justice."

She said the Gauteng government must now work on professionalising the wardens.

"The ANCYL Gauteng further welcomes the emphasis on professionalisation, accredited training, clearly defined powers, strict jurisdictional limits, and compliance mechanisms. This approach strengthens the rule of law, safeguards communities from abuse of authority, and ensures that peace officers operate as disciplined, accountable, and effective partners in crime prevention and law enforcement."