The Southern African Railway Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition, recently held at the Sandton Convention Centre, brought together key stakeholders and industry leaders in rail across the region. During the event, we had the opportunity to speak with Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, Board Chairperson of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), who shared exciting developments, including the upcoming Rail Safety Awards and the challenges facing the sector.
Celebrating 21 Years of Rail Safety
In October 2024, the RSR will host its inaugural Rail Safety Awards, marking a milestone as the regulator celebrates 21 years of promoting safety in the rail industry. “It feels like a long time, but there’s still so much more to do,” Ms Ekeke reflected. The awards aim not only to honour safety initiatives but also to highlight the significant milestones and often overlooked achievements within the industry. These awards are the first of their kind in South Africa, featuring categories that are open to operators across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Extending Participation Deadlines
The submission deadline for the awards was initially set for 30 August, but due to the overwhelming interest, it has been extended to 15 September. “There’s a growing realisation of the importance of this initiative, especially with our SADC colleagues keen to participate. We are focused on harmonising safety standards across the region, which is essential for recognising the impressive work being done in rail safety,” Ms Ekeke noted.
The Importance of Rail Safety Conferences
Ms Ekeke also highlighted the significance of the annual Rail Safety Conference, which serves as a platform for industry leaders, academics, and international stakeholders to discuss key issues, share knowledge, and explore new technologies. This year, the conference will be held from 29 September to 2 October at the Hazendal Wine Estate in the Western Cape. “Our approach is focused on informed decision-making, driven by research. This is where critical papers will be presented, guiding us in shaping the future of rail safety,” she said.
Looking Ahead: The State of Safety Report and Open Access Initiatives
October, which also marks Transport Month in South Africa, will see the release of the annual State of Safety Report. Ms Ekeke explained that the report is not just a regulatory requirement but a crucial tool for monitoring the industry’s progress in reducing incidents and enhancing safety standards. “The report allows us to benchmark our progress, offering insights into where we were last year and where we stand now,” she explained.
Regarding open access, Ms Ekeke discussed the RSR’s evolving role in issuing safety permits as new operators enter the market. “With infrastructure opening up to new players, we’ve been engaging stakeholders to ensure they are prepared for our regulatory requirements. We want to be proactive rather than reactive, helping operators get ready so they can participate fully and safely,” she said. The RSR has held regional consultations in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town to prepare the industry for these changes.
Advancing Women in Rail
A key focus of the conversation was the growing role of women in the rail sector. Ms Ekeke expressed her passion for addressing gender-specific challenges in what remains a male-dominated industry. “Rail is a highly technical space, often centred on engineering and operational issues, but we mustn’t overlook the unique challenges women face in their day-to-day roles. Whether it’s female inspectors conducting assessments in difficult environments or train drivers working early shifts, ensuring their safety and well-being is critical,” she noted.
Ms Ekeke also pointed to the progress made in recent years, with more women taking on rail-related roles and occupying leadership positions. However, she emphasised that more needs to be done to create safe and supportive environments for women, particularly in traditionally male-dominated areas. “It’s about breaking boundaries and empowering the next generation with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed,” she added.
Looking Forward
As the RSR continues to champion rail safety across South Africa and the SADC region, the upcoming awards, conference, and report underscore a significant moment in the industry’s evolution. With a renewed focus on celebrating achievements, embracing innovation, and promoting inclusivity, the future of rail transport in the region holds great promise.
