Well-known motorcycle traffic officer – Inspector Estelle van der Merwe – served the community for 38 years!
Western Cape, South Africa (01 April 2022) – The City’s Traffic Service bid farewell to well-known motorcycle traffic officer, Inspector Estelle van der Merwe, who is embarking on a new chapter in her life after 38 years and eight months of service to the City of Cape Town
Inspector Van Der Merwe started her career on 25 July 1983 as a traffic warden and completed her Traffic Diploma at the then-Cape Town Traffic College at Gallows Hill in 1994.
Her passion for serving and ensuring that all road users abide by traffic rules soon earned her a no-nonsense reputation.
“I have enjoyed my career with the Traffic Department. Serving and assisting the public to the best of my ability was always my great passion. I have learnt to be disciplined in all aspects of my life, and although I have made many friends and foes, I have earned their respect. I am looking forward to the next phase of my life and plan to travel, put my feet up and relax,” said inspector Estelle van der Merwe.
After successfully completing her diploma, Van der Merwe spent the next few years carrying out her duties in Area South as a traffic officer until she was promoted to the rank of inspector in 2003 and moved to Area West. Her last few years were spent back home at Gallows Hill Traffic Department, supervising the wardens.
She would draw and paint in her off time, often sponsoring these works of art to beautify the offices. Inspector Van der Merwe will also be remembered for her love of motorcycles.
Since she obtained her licence in college, she always wanted to ride motorcycles – and nothing else – despite being offered a patrol vehicle on numerous occasions. She rode her traffic service motorcycle until her very last day in service, and true to form, her retirement plans include touring the country on a motorcycle and experiencing true adventure.
“We would like to thank and salute Inspector van der Merwe for 38 years of service to the City of Cape Town – for her dedication, commitment and perseverance. Her long and unreserved service is a motivation to her colleagues to keep on with the good work and contribute to a safer road environment. We wish Estelle a well-deserved break and safe travels as she sets out on her new adventure,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
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