The Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDOT) trains its own traffic officers through a bursary that pays for the one-year Traffic Officer Diploma at a traffic training college. The programme takes unemployed young people from the province through classroom and field training in traffic law enforcement and road safety, and most graduates are absorbed into provincial and municipal traffic departments.
Status for 2027 (checked September 2026): the last confirmed round, for the 2024 intake, closed on 10 November 2023. No call for a 2027 intake had been published when we checked. The department only recruits when it has funding for a new class, so watch its website and e-recruitment portal from October 2026. The details below are from the 2024 advert.
About the ECDOT Traffic Bursary
- Qualification: Traffic Officer Diploma, NQF level 4, at a training college in the Eastern Cape or KwaZulu-Natal.
- Duration: one year, combining classroom training with practical field work.
- Coverage: accommodation, meals, study expenses and uniform.
- Contract: trainees sign a one-year bursary contract with the department and must complete the full programme.
ECDOT Traffic Bursary eligibility requirements
- South African citizen living in the Eastern Cape.
- Aged 35 or younger.
- Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent.
- A valid Code B driver’s licence for a manual vehicle.
- Unemployed, with no criminal record.
- Medically fit for strenuous physical training, confirmed by a doctor’s certificate.
How to apply for the ECDOT Traffic Bursary
- Register an account on the Eastern Cape government e-recruitment portal at erecruitment.ecotp.gov.za when the advert is published.
- Complete the bursary application online.
- Upload certified copies of your ID, Matric certificate and driver’s licence, an updated CV, proof of address and a medical certificate confirming fitness.
- Submit before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates complete physical fitness tests, interviews and vetting before the class is selected.
ECDOT Traffic Bursary closing date
The last confirmed closing date was 10 November 2023. No 2027 closing date has been published.
Contact details
- Eastern Cape Department of Transport head office, East London: 043 604 7400
- Website: www.ectransport.gov.za
- District human resources contacts for Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, OR Tambo and Sarah Baartman are listed on each advert.
Other provincial traffic departments and the Road Traffic Management Corporation run similar traffic officer intakes. See our government bursaries page for current calls.
FAQs
🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist
Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
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