Nearly 200 industry stakeholders came together on November 4 at Melrose Arch for the Rail Industry Safety Workshop under the theme Safety in motion: Raising the standards.
The different representatives from across the rail sector discussed key reforms introduced by the Railway Safety Act, 2024 and highlighted the transformative potential of data-driven intelligence systems such as NIIMS NextGen in advancing safety oversight.
The workshop opened with input by the CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Brian Monakli, who reiterated the RSR’s commitment to partnership, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
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“Safety is not a compliance exercise, but it’s our collective responsibility to protect lives, assets, and the future of rail in South Africa,” he said. He further encouraged operators to join the regulator on the journey to protect people and assets in the sector.
This was followed by a presentation on the Act, which officially replaces the National Railway Safety Regulator Act, 2002.
The new legislation establishes a modern, proactive, and accountable framework that aligns South Africa’s rail safety governance with regional (SADC) and best international practices.
It introduces several historic firsts, including the licensing of individuals in safety-critical grades, the creation of an independent Transport Appeal Tribunal, and the legal codification of the regulator’s powers to enhance enforcement and transparency.
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The speakers noted that the Act marks a decisive shift from reactive compliance to continuous, risk-based safety assurance, strengthening accountability among network, train, and station operators. Enhanced provisions for inspections, penalties, and data-driven monitoring will enable the regulator to act more swiftly and effectively in addressing safety risks.
The workshop also reviewed national safety performance trends and highlighted encouraging progress among key operators. Prasa reported a 94% increase in commuter ridership and a reduction in safety occurrence rates by half, while Transnet Freight Rail achieved a 13% reduction in freight-related occurrences and growth in tonnage moved.
Despite improvements, security-related incidents and public safety risks remain areas requiring intensified focus.
The collective vision is clear: to ensure that South Africa’s rail system remains safe, reliable, and resilient while serving passengers, workers, and the broader economy with confidence.
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