Short Courses
Flagman Course in Durban | 2-Day Accredited Traffic Control Training
Get your road works crew properly trained and legally certified. Abethu Skills Development's two-day flagman course in Durban covers the full OHS Act requirement for traffic controllers — from temporary signage and STOP/GO procedures through to practical work zone management on simulated road conditions.
QCTO & CETA-Accredited (No. 3P3812) | 11,500+ Students Trained | Over a Decade of Experience
What Does the 2-Day Flagman Course Cover?
Flagging sounds straightforward until you’re standing on the edge of a live road with construction equipment operating behind you and a taxi bearing down at speed. A flagman — or traffic controller — isn’t just holding a sign. They’re managing the boundary between an active work zone and moving traffic, often in conditions where a mistake doesn’t get a second chance.
Abethu’s two-day course is aligned to SAQA Unit Standard 258923: Ensure Safety at Road Works in Urban Areas, NQF Level 2. It covers both the theoretical requirements under South African law and the hands-on practical work that turns classroom knowledge into real competence.
The course covers
South African legislation governing road works safety — OHS Act (No. 85 of 1993), Construction Regulation 7, and the applicable provisions of the National Road Traffic Act
The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM) — Volume 2, Chapter 13, Appendix B: the specific guidelines for flagmen operating in temporary traffic control zones
Duties and responsibilities of the flagman — what the law and the site require
Types of temporary road signs: warning signs, regulatory signs, and guidance signs used in work zones
Correct placement of temporary signage, traffic cones, and barriers — distances, sequences, and layout for different road types and speed environments
STOP/GO sign operation — correct body position, signal sequence, timing, and communication with the flagman at the opposite end of the work zone
Flag and sign coordination — how to use flags to reinforce STOP/GO sign visibility in high-traffic environments
High-visibility clothing and PPE requirements for flagmen
Communication between flagmen — radio protocol, hand signals, and managing single-lane alternating traffic safely
Identifying and responding to non-compliant or aggressive drivers
Emergency procedures — what to do when a driver ignores a STOP signal or an incident occurs in the work zone
Night-time and low-visibility flagging — additional requirements and considerations
The two-day format allows what one day cannot: genuine practical work in simulated road zone conditions, not just a description of what the work involves. Students who've only had theory training often freeze the first time they're managing live traffic. Two days removes that uncertainty before they're placed on an actual road works site.
Day 1 — Legislation, Signage and Procedures
The first day covers the legal framework and all the technical knowledge a flagman needs before touching a STOP/GO sign. Participants work through the OHS Act requirements, the Road Traffic Signs Manual guidelines, signage types and placement logic, PPE requirements, and the full STOP/GO procedure in the classroom.
Instructors use real STOP/GO signs, cones, and traffic management materials throughout the theory component so the equipment feels familiar before students are asked to use it in a practical setting.
Day 2 — Practical Simulation and Assessment
The second day puts everything to work. Participants set up temporary signage layouts, run STOP/GO procedures in a simulated single-lane alternating traffic scenario, practise communication between flagmen at opposite ends of a work zone, and work through emergency response scenarios.
Formal assessment covers both the theoretical content from day one and practical competence demonstrated during day two. Every participant is assessed individually before a certificate is issued.
Who Needs a Flagman Certificate in South Africa?
Any worker deployed to control traffic at a construction site, road works zone, utility maintenance area, or any location where work is being done in or adjacent to a roadway needs to be trained and certified as a flagman.
In South Africa, this covers a wider range of workers than most contractors initially assume:
Road construction and maintenance crews
every SANRAL, provincial roads department, or municipal roads contract will include a flagman requirement in the health and safety specification. Contractors who can't produce flagman certificates during site audits face stop-work orders and contract penalties.
Civil engineering and infrastructure projects
water main repairs, stormwater works, kerb and paving construction, and any civil project that temporarily narrows or closes a traffic lane requires trained flagmen. This is as applicable in KZN suburbs like Pinetown, Durban North, and Chatsworth as it is on national highways.
Utility maintenance — Eskom, Telkom, water authorities
planned and emergency maintenance on power lines, telecommunications infrastructure, and water infrastructure frequently requires lane closures or on-street access. Flagmen on these sites must be trained.
Building and construction contractors working near roads
if your site access crosses or borders a public road, if delivery vehicles cause temporary traffic disruptions, or if construction activity reduces the available carriageway, flagman certification is a legal and practical requirement.
Private estate and facility management
large property developments, shopping centre construction, and even residential estate maintenance involving road works typically require trained flagmen as part of the site safety plan.
Others
If a site inspection or audit ever asks to see your flagmen's certificates, untrained workers on site expose the responsible contractor to OHS Act liability and can halt the project until compliance is demonstrated.
The Legal Requirement — OHS Act, Construction Regulations and Road Signs Manual
South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993) places the responsibility for safe working conditions directly on the employer. Section 8 of the Act requires employers to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risk to health. For flagmen, this means ensuring the people managing traffic at your work zone are trained, competent, and properly supervised.
Construction Regulation 7 goes further in the construction context, requiring that workers involved in road works be competent and that their work area be properly managed. The employer of the flagman — not the principal contractor alone — carries responsibility for this.
The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM), Volume 2, Chapter 13 is the technical guideline that governs how temporary traffic control at road works must be set up and managed. Appendix B specifically covers flagmen — their position, signals, PPE, and interaction with signage and other traffic control measures. This manual is what SANRAL and provincial roads departments reference when they audit your temporary traffic control arrangements.
Compliance isn’t only about avoiding a fine. A flagman incident — a driver going through a STOP sign and hitting a worker — generates civil liability, Workmen’s Compensation Fund implications, potential criminal exposure, and project delays that hit the bottom line well beyond any fine. The training is a small investment against a very large potential cost.
How the 2-Day Course Works — Day by Day
Legislation, Signs and Procedures
Participants work through the legal framework (OHS Act, Construction Regulations, Road Traffic Signs Manual), the role and responsibilities of a flagman, PPE requirements, all temporary signage types used in work zones, correct sign placement distances and sequences, and the full STOP/GO operating procedure. Equipment is in the room throughout — signs, cones, and flags are handled during the theory component so participants are familiar with them before the practical day.
What to bring: nothing specific. All materials are provided. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor practical work the following day.
Practical Work Zone Simulation and Assessment
Participants set up temporary traffic management layouts, run STOP/GO procedures in simulated single-lane alternating traffic scenarios, practise flagman-to-flagman communication, and work through emergency response situations. Every participant is assessed individually on both practical technique and the theoretical content covered on day one.
What to wear: closed shoes and clothing you can work in outdoors. High-visibility vests and all equipment are provided by Abethu.
On Completion Certificate is Issued
Participants who demonstrate competence in both components receive a flagman certificate of competence aligned to SAQA Unit Standard 258923. This is the standard referenced in OHS Act compliance documentation and accepted by SANRAL and other principal contractors across South Africa.
Why KZN Contractors Trust Abethu Skills for Flagman Training
QCTO and CETA-accredited — certificates that stand up on site
Abethu Skills holds CETA accreditation (No. 3P3812) and QCTO recognition, with accreditations covering the Assistant Handyperson qualification (05-QCTOSDP010925142222) and Construction Machines (05-QCTOSDP060725165108). When a SANRAL safety officer, principal contractor's safety manager, or DOL inspector asks to see the accreditation behind your flagmen's certificates, ours are backed by real registration numbers.
Practical training that mirrors real road works conditions.
Most flagman training in South Africa is almost entirely classroom-based. Abethu's two-day format dedicates the second full day to practical simulation — actual signage setup, live STOP/GO procedure practice, and emergency scenario work. Workers who've been through this come out able to do the job, not just describe it.
Instructors who understand construction site realities.
Abethu's facilitators train across the construction and civil works space — forklift operators, scaffolders, rigging crews, and equipment operators all come through these training rooms. The flagman instructors understand what a live KZN road works site actually looks like and can address the specific challenges workers face in those environments.
Group training and on-site delivery.
Road works contractors often need to certify an entire team before a project mobilises. Abethu accommodates group bookings at the Durban training centre, and can deploy instructors to your site for larger groups — train your flagmen where they work, with your own equipment and traffic control materials incorporated into the practical session where appropriate.
Over 11,500 students trained over more than a decade.
The track record across construction, civil, and industrial training is established. You're not taking a chance on a new provider when your project's safety file depends on the outcome.
Transparent pricing, no surprises on invoice.
The course fee covers everything included in the two days. We confirm what's included and what DLTC or external fees (if any) might apply when you book.
Flagman Course Fees and What's Included
Course Duration: 2 Days Course Fee: From R1,800 per person
What’s included in the course fee:
- All course materials and printed reference documentation
- STOP/GO signs, high-visibility vests, flags, cones, and all traffic management equipment for practical sessions — provided by Abethu
- Theory and practical instruction by qualified, experienced facilitators
- Individual practical assessment on day two
- Certificate of competence (SAQA US 258923) on successful completion
Group and corporate bookings: R900
Companies training 4 or more employees?
Contact us to discuss group rates and scheduling. On-site delivery for larger teams is available across KZN — particularly useful for road works contractors who need a full crew certified before project mobilisation.
Payment
Contact us to confirm payment methods and booking requirements. A deposit is typically required to secure your place in the next available intake.
Training Locations — Durban Centre and On-Site Across KZN
Our primary training centre is at 113 Albert Street, 211 Urban View, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The facility is accessible from across greater Durban — including Pinetown, Chatsworth, Phoenix, Umlazi, Verulam, Amanzimtoti, and the North Coast.
For road works contractors and civil engineering companies with teams based elsewhere in KZN, on-site training is available. We can bring qualified instructors to your location with all the practical materials needed for a proper simulation session. This is particularly practical when you need a full site crew trained before a project starts and can't pull workers off site for multiple days.
Contact us to discuss your location, team size, and preferred dates.
Why Choose Abethu Skills Development?
- 10+ years of accredited training experience
- Friendly, professional instructors
- Job assistance after completion
- Modern equipment & real-time practicals
- Flexible learning options (part-time available)
- Support in isiZulu, isiXhosa & English
Frequently Asked Questions About Flagman Training
What is a flagman and what does the role involve on a South African road works site?
A flagman — also called a traffic controller or traffic marshal — is a trained worker responsible for managing traffic flow through a temporary work zone on or adjacent to a road. Their duties include operating STOP/GO signs and flags to alternate traffic through a single-lane section, setting up and monitoring temporary road signs and barriers, communicating with the flagman at the other end of the work zone, and responding to non-compliant drivers or emergencies. It’s a safety-critical role — these workers stand between live traffic and the site crew operating behind them.
Which SAQA unit standard does this course align to?
The course is aligned to SAQA Unit Standard 258923: Ensure Safety at Road Works in Urban Areas, NQF Level 2. This is the recognised national standard for flagman training in South Africa and the qualification referenced in SANRAL and other principal contractor safety file requirements.
Why does Abethu run this over 2 days when most providers offer 1 day?
Most one-day flagman courses spend almost all their time on theory. Participants receive a certificate but may never actually set up a work zone, operate a STOP/GO sign under assessment conditions, or practise the emergency procedures they’d need in a real incident. The second day is entirely practical — a proper simulation of real road works traffic control, assessed individually. The extra day is what produces workers who can actually do the job, not just describe it.
How long is the flagman certificate valid?
Flagman competency certificates are typically recommended for renewal every two years, and this is the cycle that most principal contractors and SANRAL-aligned projects operate on. We’ll confirm the specific validity period for certificates issued through Abethu when you enrol.
Is this training a legal requirement under the OHS Act?
Yes. The OHS Act (No. 85 of 1993) Section 8 requires employers to ensure workers are competent for the work they perform. Construction Regulation 7 applies specifically to construction-related road works. The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 13 provides the technical guidelines that SANRAL and provincial road authorities audit against. Deploying untrained flagmen exposes the responsible contractor to OHS Act liability, potential stop-work orders, and civil liability in the event of an incident.
Can Abethu train our entire road works crew on-site?
Yes. On-site group training is available across KZN and South Africa for qualifying team sizes. This is practical for road works contractors who need to certify a full crew before a project starts. Contact us with your location and headcount to discuss what on-site delivery involves and to get a group rate.
What PPE do flagmen need on a live road works site?
The minimum practical requirement for flagmen on a South African road works site is a high-visibility vest (SANS compliant), safety footwear, and a hard hat where there’s any risk from construction activity. SANRAL and other client specifications may require specific classes of high-visibility clothing. The course covers PPE requirements in full, and practical sessions are run in high-visibility vests so participants are used to working in them.
Do supervisors need flagman training?
Any supervisor responsible for road works traffic management should hold a flagman certificate, regardless of whether they personally operate a STOP/GO sign. The OHS Act requires competent supervision — a supervisor who can’t assess the quality of a flagman’s work, identify incorrectly placed signage, or respond appropriately to a traffic emergency doesn’t meet that standard. The course is as relevant to site supervisors as to the flagmen themselves.
What's the difference between a flagman and a traffic accommodation officer?
A flagman (SAQA US 258923) is trained to control traffic through a work zone using signs, flags, and STOP/GO procedures — the people on the ground managing traffic flow. A traffic accommodation officer (or traffic engineer/designer) is responsible for designing the overall temporary traffic management scheme for a road works project — signing plans, speed reduction zones, lane configuration. These are different roles with different training requirements. The flagman course addresses the on-ground traffic control role.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find what you were looking for, we’re here to help. Whether it’s about course requirements, training schedules
Book Your Flagman Course in Durban
Two days. Proper practical training. A certificate that’s backed by real accreditation and means something when your safety file goes under review.
Whether you’re a road works contractor, civil engineering company, utility maintenance team, or building contractor whose sites regularly involve traffic management, Abethu Skills Development gives your flagmen the training they actually need — not just the certificate to prove they attended.
Call us: 074 459 5134 Landline: 031 309 4309 Email: info@abethutraining.co.za Address: 113 Albert Street, 211 Urban View, Durban