Deputy Minister of Transport, Honorable Lisa Mangcu, Releases the 2022/23 State of Safety Report
In a pivotal moment for South Africa’s railway sector, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Lisa Mangcu, unveiled the 2022/23 Annual State of Safety Report today. This report, which is produced by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), underscores an urgent call to collective action in the face of challenges that loom large over our railway system.
During a candid panel discussion on CNBC Africa, prominent figures such as the RSR’s Board Chairperson, Mr. Boy Johannes Nobunga, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the RSR, Mr. Mmuso Selaledi, and leaders from major operators including the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), and Transnet Freight Rail TFR came together to shed light on the intricate challenges within the railway domain. The numbers are stark: 10,746 negative events in the past year alone, with safety-related incidents accounting for 1,833 and security-related issues making up a staggering 8,643 of these occurrences. These statistics paint a vivid picture of the urgency we face.
Furthermore, a notable concern is the decline in operator productivity. TFR decreased by 2% in train kilometers when compared to the kilometers recorded in the 2021/22 reporting period, primarily due to rolling stock unavailability, floods, and vandalism. In contrast, Gautrain observed a significant increase in train kilometers by 156% and passenger kilometers by 136%. Meanwhile, PRASA faced a substantial decline of 74%, owing to disruptions in MLPS service and vandalism.
Security-related incidents, accounting for 97% of the challenges, predominantly involve theft and vandalism, with a striking 77.6% of incidents attributed to asset theft.
While there has been a reduction in the Fatality and Weighted Index (FWI) incidents, which recorded 92 fatalities and 175 injuries from safety-related operational occurrences and 13 fatalities and 58 injuries from security-related incidents, the gravity of these incidents remains undeniable.
In response to the challenges highlighted, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) has implemented various interventions, including rigorous inspections, audits, and the establishment of regulations and safety standards. Nevertheless, the Deputy Minister emphasized the necessity for continuous, united efforts to ensure the safety, reliability, and prosperity of South Africa’s railways.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that the 2022/23 Annual State of Safety Report serves as a call to action, compelling all stakeholders to collaborate and drive the necessary reforms to revitalize the railway system. It is imperative for all to work together and secure a promising future for South Africa’s vital railway network.