MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay’s Provincial Traffic Office bade farewell to three stellar traffic officers last week, who had 114 years of experience in this department between the three of them.
On Thursday 26 March, the chief provincial inspector, Reinet Sarikakis, the principal provincial inspector, Wayne Skinner, and senior provincial inspector, Jacques du Randt, were given an honour-filled farewell by their fellow traffic officials at the Garden Route Hotel.
The Western Cape Mobility Department’s Minister Isaac Sileku and the chief director of traffic management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, also attended the proceedings.
The farewell began early in the morning. The department had organised a convoy of provincial traffic vehicles to travel from each of the retiring officers’ homes in Mossel Bay to the venue.
Once they arrived, a guard of honour was held for all three. The officers lined the entryway to the hotel and saluted Sarikakis, Skinner and Du Randt as they entered.
Sarikakis was visibly emotional during this, shedding a few tears as she passed by her former colleagues saluting her.
Provincial Inspector Nkosinathi Wright walks down the guard of honour ahead of Reinet Sarikakis, who is pushed by Shaunese Fillies. Wayne Skinner and Jacques du Randt follow them. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
She retired after 42 years in the department. She was the very first female traffic officer in the Cape province in 1996 (this included the Eastern and Northern Cape), and in 2002, she became the first female provincial traffic chief.
Colleague Shaunese Fillies said Sarikakis paved the way for the women in blue to make a career in the traffic department.
“She not only enforced the law, but also guided her station to implement standards and ensure excellence in operations,” she said.
Skinner hung up his uniform after 37 years in the department.
“Whether managing busy roads, ensuring compliance or assisting the public, Skinner approached every task with commitment and integrity,” Fillies said.
“A calm and reliable presence, Skinner earned the trust of both colleagues and public. He leaves behind experienced officers who have learnt a lot from him.”
Du Randt said goodbye to the department after 35 years in service. Fillies said he had served with pride and determination, and that he was always willing to go the extra mile.
The convoy for the three retired officers from their homes to the farewell venue. Photo: Chelsea Pieterse
“For over three decades, you have stood as a pillar in the department, guiding not only traffic, but also the many people who have had the privilege of working alongside you.”
During the farewell, both Bezuidenhout and Sileku made speeches to honour the officers. Bezuidenhout said wearing the uniform of a traffic officer is never just about doing a job.
“It is about standing on the frontline of public safety. It is about long hours, difficult conditions, and making decisions that protect lives every single day. It is also about sacrifice,” she said.
“Your legacy lives not only in the years you have given, but in the lives you have touched, the colleagues you have guided, and the safer roads you leave behind.”
Sileku said with their combined 114 years of service, all three have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to traffic law enforcement, helping to keep the roads of Mossel Bay safe for residents and visitors.
“We wish them good health, happiness and fulfilment in this well-deserved new chapter,” he said.
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