KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Municipality's Chief Traffic Officer, Anthony Bans, will tomorrow officially bring to an end his career in the municipality's traffic department that has spanned no less than 30 years.

Known affectionately as Oom B amongst his peers, Bans started at Knysna Municipality as a parking attendant all the way back in 1994. 

It was in the same year that he became qualified as a traffic officer and began specialising in driving licenses.

Three years later, in 1997, Bans became an Examiner of Vehicles and an Examiner of Driving Licenses. 

He in turn played a crucial role during the transition of driving licenses to card format in 1998, and served as the examiner of vehicles at the vehicle testing station by 2004. 

Not long thereafter Bans was appointed to the position of Chief Traffic Officer towards the end of the same year. 

In his role as Chief Traffic Officer Bans has taken on many a challenge, but he's continued to face them head-on. "The stereotype of traffic officers who are solely focussed on issuing fines is a misconception," he said. 

"My mission has always been to serve the public to the best of my ability. I've always wanted to share information so the public would understand that we only have their safety as our main concern. It has been an honour to have been allowed this opportunity to make a difference to my community’s safety."

Knysna Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola said that Bans has shown a clear passion for road safety and has left an indelibile mark on greater Knysna. 

"We extend our immense appreciation to Mr Bans for his selfless service and wish him a well-deserved and peaceful retirement. We are eternally grateful for his dedication to, and passion for, road safety. Enkosi Mfene, enkosi Hlathi, Jamabase, Lisa!"

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