Metro Police and Traffic Learnership – 2026
The City of Cape Town is looking for young South Africans to join its Metro Police and Traffic Learnership for 2026. If you’re ready to start a career in law‑enforcement, you could get paid while you learn everything you need to know about keeping roads safe and helping the community. The programme pays R36.66 for every hour of training and covers both classroom learning and hands‑on practice.
What You’ll Get
- A full‑time training package that covers traffic law, basic policing skills, and the practical work you’ll do on the street.
- A stipend of R36.66 per hour for the entire training period.
- A chance to finish with a recognized certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement and a Law Enforcement Skills Programme (SP4/2012).
When and Where
- Application deadline: 6 November 2025
- Training location: City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Starting date for the learnership: 7 January 2026
Who Can Apply
| Requirement | What We Need |
|---|---|
| Grade 12 diploma | Proof of a matric certificate |
| Age | Between 18 and 35 years old |
| Residency | Permanent resident of the City of Cape Town |
| Languages | Able to speak English and at least one other official language |
| Criminal record | Clean record; no pending cases |
| Driver’s licence | Valid Code B (manual) |
| Tattoos | No visible tattoos when wearing a uniform |
| Employment status | Must be unemployed on the start date |
You also need to be physically and mentally ready for a tough training programme. If you’re pregnant, you won’t be able to complete the physical tests.
Fitness Checks
Every shortlisted applicant must pass a series of physical tests. If you can’t meet the standard for any one test, you’ll not move to the next step.
| Test | Target |
|---|---|
| 2.4 km run | Men: 12 min, Women: 14 min |
| Push‑ups | 30 in 60 seconds |
| Sit‑ups | 30 in 60 seconds |
| Dead‑load carry | 2 × 25 kg over 100 m |
| Tyre drag | 20 m |
| Shuttle runs | 10 shuttles in 60 seconds |
| Wall clearance | 2.1 m |
| Motorcycle reach | Yes or no |
| Comfortable swim | Any stroke, no help |
All tests are elimination‑based. You have to finish each one before moving on.
The Selection Process
- Written exam and interview – Show us you can think quickly and talk clearly.
- Medical check – You must be in good health.
- Drug test – You should be drug‑free.
- Driving test – Proof of a clean driving record.
- Psychological and fitness reviews – Ongoing checks while you’re in training.
- Fingerprints and ID – To run a background check.
Only those who pass every stage will be offered a place in the learnership.
Important Rules
- A training contract will be signed; you’ll not automatically receive permanent employment after finishing.
- You’ll be required to wear a uniform, work shifts, and handle weather changes.
- Keep your body and mind fit all the time.
- If you’re dismissed from any municipality for bad conduct, you won’t be considered.
- Chronic illnesses that affect your work may lead to exclusion.
- If you quit, fail or are dismissed, you must repay the City for the training costs.
How to Apply
- Create an e‑Services account on the City of Cape Town website first.
- Apply online – not by mail or by phone.
- Use a computer (no smartphones) at the City of Cape Town libraries or any public computer that works with the portal.
Documents needed
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your matric certificate.
Apply online for the Metro Police and Traffic Learnership 2026:
Apply now at Cape Town Careers
If you’re a City employee, log in to the SAP portal and complete the internal application.
Shortlisted people will receive an SMS or a call with test dates and locations.
Final Tips
- No criminal record and no pending cases – we only look at clean records.
- The programme doesn’t promise a job after it ends.
- Cheating or trying to change the selection process will get you out of the run.
- If you don’t hear back within three months after the deadline, your application was probably not successful.
Good luck, and if you’re ready to learn about traffic safety and policing while getting paid, this could be a great start to your career.