The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng notes the announcement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, regarding the transformation of the Traffic Wardens programme into a new “Super Wardens” model aimed at fighting crime and protecting public infrastructure across the province.

COSATU welcomes all genuine efforts to address the high levels of crime that continue to affect working-class communities. Crime, vandalism, cable theft, illegal dumping, and the destruction of public infrastructure place a heavy burden on workers and their families. Every day, workers face the fear of robbery while travelling to work, businesses lose income due to criminal activity, and communities are deprived of essential services because of damaged infrastructure.

The Federation believes that safer communities are important for economic growth, job creation, and social stability. The protection of schools, clinics, hospitals, roads, public transport facilities, and other government infrastructure is critical to ensuring that workers and poor communities have access to quality services.

COSATU also welcomes the potential for the programme to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly at a time when youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing Gauteng and the country. Any initiative that provides skills development, training, and meaningful employment opportunities deserves support.

However, COSATU stresses that the success of the programme will depend on proper training, adequate resources, clear accountability measures, and strict adherence to the law. Wardens entrusted with law-enforcement responsibilities must be properly trained and supervised to ensure that the rights of residents are protected and that public confidence in the programme is maintained.

The Federation further calls on the Gauteng Provincial Government to ensure that workers employed within the programme enjoy decent working conditions, fair wages, access to benefits, and opportunities for career development. Crime-fighting initiatives should not be built on insecure or exploitative forms of employment.

COSATU acknowledges that crime cannot be defeated through law-enforcement interventions alone. Sustainable solutions require government to tackle the root causes of crime, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, substance abuse, and the lack of opportunities for young people. Greater investment in education, skills development, social services, and local economic development remains essential.

The Federation calls on communities, law-enforcement agencies, organised labour, business, and civil society to work together in building safer communities and protecting public assets. The fight against crime is a collective responsibility that requires unity and cooperation from all sectors of society.

COSATU will continue to monitor the implementation of the programme and engage with government to ensure that it advances the interests of workers, strengthens community safety, and contributes to the broader goal of building a safer and more prosperous Gauteng for all.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Vusi Monyela – 079 493 5002

Provincial Secretary: Louisah Moepeng Modikwe – 082 297 2659