In Other News - Railway Safety Bill

Strengthening South Africa's Rail Network

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Railway Safety Bill into law, marking a significant step toward improving railway operations and ensuring a safer, more efficient rail transport system in South Africa. The new legislation seeks to modernise railway safety regulations, replacing the National Railway Safety Regulator Act of 2002, which was last amended in 2009.

A New Era For Railway Safety

The Railway Safety Bill introduces measures to enhance safety, standardise regulations, and create a framework that aligns South Africa’s railway operations with international best practices, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). By implementing uniform policies, norms, and standards, the Bill aims to reduce accidents, protect passengers and workers, and promote rail as a preferred mode of transport.

The legislation introduces several critical components to ensure improved oversight and operational safety:

• National Railway Safety Information and Monitoring System: This system will collect and analyse data on railway safety incidents, allowing for proactive risk management and strategic planning.

• Railway Safety Permits: Operators will be required to obtain safety permits to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards.

• Strengthening the Role of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR): The RSR will continue to function as the primary authority overseeing railway safety, with enhanced powers to inspect, seize documents, and suspend unsafe railway operations.

• Alignment with Regional Standards: The Bill aligns South Africa’s railway safety regulations with those of the SADC, promoting greater regional integration and facilitating crossborder railway operations.

• Worker Representation on the Railway Safety Regulator’s Board: This inclusion ensures that railway employees have a voice in decision-making processes, enhancing workplace safety and accountability.

• Improved Governance and Accountability: The Bill clarifies the roles of key stakeholders within the rail industry, eliminates duplication of authority, and addresses funding challenges faced by the RSR.

Rail safety remains a critical concern in South Africa, with incidents such as derailments, collisions, and infrastructure theft impacting efficiency and security.

The 2023-24 State of Safety Report revealed that there were 2 496 operational occurrences recorded, including 687 collisions and 278 derailments.

In addition, security-related incidents accounted for 74 fatalities, with theft and vandalism being the leading causes. KwaZuluNatal was identified as a major hotspot, responsible for 36% of railway safety incidents.

The Railway Safety Bill directly addresses these challenges by ensuring better oversight, promoting safer operational procedures, and enforcing stricter penalties for violations.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The Railway Safety Bill is expected to yield substantial economic and environmental advantages by revitalising South Africa’s rail infrastructure. A safer and more efficient railway system will not only enhance transportation efficiency but also contribute to broader national development goals. One of the key benefits of improved railway safety is the reduction of road congestion and emissions. South Africa’s road network is under increasing pressure from high traffic volumes, particularly heavy freight vehicles that contribute to wear and tear on highways. By making rail a more reliable and secure mode of transport, the government can encourage a shift from road to rail, alleviating traffic congestion in major urban centres and along key transport corridors.

This modal shift will also significantly lower carbon emissions, as rail transport is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to road freight and passenger vehicles. Reducing the number of trucks on the road will help decrease air pollution, enhance road safety, and contribute to South Africa’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

The economic growth potential of an improved railway system is substantial. Reliable and safe rail services will attract increased investment in the transport sector, fostering growth in industries that depend on efficient logistics, such as mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. Modernising railway infrastructure will create new employment opportunities, from skilled jobs in railway maintenance and engineering to positions in railway operations and logistics. A well-functioning railway system also improves the ease of doing business by ensuring the smooth movement of goods and people, thereby boosting productivity and reducing transportation costs for businesses.

In addition to its domestic impact, the Railway Safety Bill enhances regional trade by aligning South Africa’s railway operations with Southern African Development Community (SADC) standards.

A standardised and regulated railway system facilitates seamless cross-border transport, reducing border delays and improving trade efficiency between South Africa and its neighbouring countries. Given South Africa’s role as a regional economic hub, a modernised and safe railway network will strengthen supply chains, making regional trade more competitive and fostering economic integration across Africa.

The Railway Safety Bill lays the foundation for a more sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally friendly rail network by addressing safety concerns, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting private-sector participation. These improvements will support South Africa’s long-term transport strategy, ensuring that rail infrastructure remains a key driver of economic development and regional connectivity.

The Railway Safety Bill has received widespread support from stakeholders, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), which welcomed the legislation as a longoverdue step toward protecting railway workers, commuters, and freight transport. COSATU emphasised the importance of enforcing the Bill’s provisions effectively to ensure real safety improvements on the ground.

While the Bill provides a strong foundation for railway safety, its success will depend on strict implementation, adequate funding, and cooperation among railway operators, regulators, and law enforcement agencies.