No Job Losses for AmaPanyaza Amidst Operational Shift

(The Post News) – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has moved to calm fears among the province’s approximately 8 800 newly recruited Crime Prevention Wardens (AmaPanyaza), assuring them that “none of them will lose their jobs” following an official repositioning of the unit earlier in October.

The assurance comes as the provincial government undertakes an operational shift for the wardens, who were initially introduced in 2023 as part of the provincial fight against crime and to provide temporary work opportunities for formerly unemployed young people.

The repositioning involves changes to their legal status, training, and integration into existing law enforcement structures.

Job Security and Retraining

During a meeting on November 2, Premier Lesufi emphasized that the commitment to keeping the wardens employed is a non-negotiable priority for his administration.

“The decision to reposition does not mean retrenchment. Let me be very clear, every single Crime Prevention Warden who was hired will remain on the payroll,” Lesufi stated, addressing concerns that the organisational shift could lead to job cuts or contract termination.

The Premier further added a powerful commitment to the wardens, saying he will never allow them to be retrenched or unemployed as they have put their lives on the line to protect the province from crime.

Moreover, according to the premier, over the next 36 months , the provincial government has committed to retraining the wardens to become fully qualified traffic police officers.

He said this move aims to provide a permanent, sustainable role for the wardens within the province’s safety structures.

Redeployment Strategy

Lesufi further clarified the plan for those who might not transition into traffic policing.

“Wardens who fail or do not qualify for the traffic police training will not be dismissed but will be redeployed to other government departments to provide essential security services,” he said.

The premier highlighted the immense investment made in training the wardens and the crucial role they play in community safety.

“The Gauteng government views the wardens as an essential component of its strategy to saturate high-crime areas and provide rapid response capabilities,” said the premier.

Rationale for Repositioning

The need for repositioning follows public and legal scrutiny over the wardens’ official mandate and their classification as law enforcement officers.

The operational change aims to clarify their role and ensure the unit is fully compliant with legal requirements for officers who perform policing duties.

This includes reviewing their training and standardizing their integration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Metro Police Departments (MPDs).

The repositioning is designed to strengthen the unit’s efficacy by embedding them more formally within the provincial safety apparatus, allowing them to carry out their duties with greater clarity and legal authority.