The City of Cape Town’s Directorate of Corporate Services (Human Resources Department) invites suitably qualified South African youth to apply for its Metro Police and Traffic Learnership programme. The initiative is designed to develop competent law-enforcement officers in line with the City’s safety and security goals. Learners will undergo both academic and physical training, covering the Further Education and Training Certificate in Road Traffic Law Enforcement and the Law Enforcement Skills Programme (SP4/2012).
Minimum eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet the following:
-
A Grade 12 (Matric) certificate – certified copy required.
-
Permanent residence within the City of Cape Town’s jurisdiction – proof required.
-
Be proficient in English and at least one other official language.
-
Be between 18 and under 35 years of age.
-
Be medically and physically fit for rigorous training.
-
Be mentally resilient and able to cope with high-pressure environments.
-
Have no criminal record or pending criminal matters.
-
Hold a valid driver’s licence (minimum Code B – manual transmission).
-
No visible tattoos when wearing the official uniform.
-
Unemployed as of 7 January 2026 (students and EPWP participants may not qualify unless they meet the unemployed requirement).
Physical fitness assessments (elimination-based)
Short-listed candidates will be required to complete a series of physical tests. Failure in any one test will disqualify you from continuing. These include:
-
2.4 km run (Males: 12 minutes | Females: 14 minutes)
-
30 push-ups in 60 seconds
-
30 sit-ups in 60 seconds
-
Dead load carry over 100 m (2 × 25 kg weights)
-
Tyre drag over 20 m
-
20 m shuttle runs (10 shuttles in 60 seconds)
-
2.1 m wall clearance
-
Motorcycle reach test
-
Unassisted comfort swim
Pregnant applicants will not be permitted to participate in these physical assessments.
Selection and special conditions
Selected candidates must also:
-
Pass a written test and interview.
-
Undergo a City medical evaluation and drug-screen.
-
Pass a driver assessment and psychological/fitness evaluations.
-
Provide fingerprints and ID for criminal record checks.
-
Understand that successful completion of the learnership does not guarantee permanent employment with the City.
-
Agree to work in uniform, shifts, and all weather conditions, and be willing to be assigned anywhere within the City’s boundaries.
-
Be aware that applicants previously dismissed from any municipality for misconduct will not be considered.
-
Understand that if they withdraw, fail or are dismissed from the programme, they may be contractually liable to refund the City
How to apply
External applicants: Apply online via the City of Cape Town Careers Portal.
Internal staff: Apply online via the SAP Portal.
Applications must include certified copies of your South African ID and Matric certificate (no affidavits allowed).
Smartphones cannot be used for the online application process; you may use SmartCape computers at any City library if needed.
Applicants who do not receive a notification within three months of the closing date should assume their application was unsuccessful