Gauteng's AmaPanyaza Wardens to be Phased Out and Retrained as Traffic Officers

Gauteng Government Repurposes Crime Prevention Wardens

The Gauteng provincial government has announced a significant shift in its public safety strategy, with the phasing out of its controversial Crime Prevention Wardens, commonly known as AmaPanyaza. Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, that the approximately 8,800 wardens currently employed will undergo retraining and reassignment, primarily transitioning into provincial traffic officers. This phased disbandment is expected to take place over the next 36 months.

The decision aims to strengthen law enforcement capacity and resolve ongoing legal and operational controversies that have plagued the unit since its establishment in 2023. Premier Lesufi stated that the move is intended to 'eliminate areas of deep concern, which are their training, mandate and qualifications.'

Controversies and Legal Challenges

The AmaPanyaza program, launched in 2023, was initially introduced to complement the South African Police Service (SAPS) in high-crime communities and create job opportunities for young people. However, it quickly faced widespread criticism regarding its ambiguous mandate, inadequate training, and questionable legality.

Despite former Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola designating the wardens as peace officers under Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act in December 2023, doubts about the unit's legitimacy persisted. Police experts, including SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, challenged their legal status, with some describing the unit as 'illegal.' Premier Lesufi acknowledged having to 'answer questions before the Public Protector, Parliament, and even visit hospitals where wardens are being treated for gunshot wounds because they lack protection.'

Retraining and Reassignment Details

Under the new plan, the wardens will be withdrawn in stages and sent to accredited training colleges for reorientation and redeployment. The primary focus of this retraining will be to convert them into provincial traffic officers.

For wardens who do not meet the qualifications for traffic duties, alternative roles will be provided. They will be redirected to municipal by-law enforcement and government security services, following the necessary training. Additionally, approximately 100 wardens are set to undergo specialized training in partnership with the Border Management Authority to assist with managing entry points ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg.

Political Reactions and Program Impact

The announcement has drawn varied reactions from political parties. ActionSA has called for an independent audit into the program's finances, recruitment, and oversight, labeling it a 'costly and failed experiment' and 'proof of poor governance and mismanagement.' The Freedom Front Plus welcomed the decision, viewing it as an acknowledgment of the program's failure and reiterating their stance that it was 'illegal, impractical and dangerous.'

Despite the controversies, Premier Lesufi maintained that the wardens had a meaningful role in reducing crime and supporting police operations. He highlighted a 7.9% drop in crime during the last quarter, attributing part of this progress to the wardens' work. Lesufi previously stated that AmaPanyaza wardens had arrested over 25,000 people since their establishment in 2023.