Railway Safety Regulator's New Act and Industry Developments: Insights from Acting CEO Mmuso Selaledi
In a recent conversation with Railways Africa’s Editor, Phillippa Dean, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Mr Mmuso Selaledi, provided insights into the upcoming changes and current developments in South Africa’s rail safety landscape. The discussion covered the new Railways Safety Act awaiting presidential assent, the implications of open access, recent network incidents, and the RSR’s strategic initiatives.
New Railways Safety Act: Awaiting Presidential Approval
Mr Selaledi began by discussing the status of the new Railways Safety Act, which has successfully passed through both Houses of Parliament and is now on the President’s desk for consideration. The Act introduces several significant changes, including realignment of governance structures, the establishment of an appeal tribunal, and adjustments to the powers of the CEO and the board. On the operational front, the Act will introduce accreditation for training institutions and certification of safety-critical grades, expanding the RSR’s regulatory scope.
“This new Act will strengthen the RSR as an institution, enhancing our ability to oversee safe railway operations,” said Selaledi. The Act aims to streamline safety regulation across the industry, aligning existing bodies of work, such as Transnet’s School of Rail and Traxtion with the RSR’s mandate, thereby reinforcing the safety framework of the sector.
Discussing the impact of the new Act on the rail industry, particularly with the upcoming open access regime, Selaledi noted that the RSR is prepared to handle the changes. The open access framework, currently undergoing review and finalisation, will allow new players to apply for access slots on Transnet’s network. The RSR is positioned to consider permit applications from prospective applicants. “If they bring in new rolling stock, we would then do it under our new works regime, which we call a technology review. Our teams are ready. We’ve also positioned ourselves for shorter turnaround times on application to the Safety Regulator,” he explained.
With the expected operational changes set for October, Selaledi emphasised the importance of readiness, despite recognising potential complexities in implementation. “The devil is in the detail,” he remarked, referring to the tariff methodology and the iterative nature of the slot application process, which may see multiple adjustments before full realisation.
Selaledi acknowledged the challenges posed by increased incidents on the rail network, such as level crossings, derailments, and collisions. He outlined five priority areas for the RSR: level crossings, main line collisions, derailments, individuals struck by trains, and platform-train interfaces. With the introduction of new players into the network, Selaledi highlighted three critical concerns: spectrum migration mandated by ICASA, security challenges related to theft and vandalism, and the risks associated with degraded mode operations, particularly manual train authorisations.
He explained that the recent regulations by ICASA require operators to migrate their telecommunication systems to a new frequency, impacting how new operators integrate with existing ones like Transnet. This presents challenges in ensuring smooth communication and interoperability among various operators.
On the security front, Transnet traditionally operates alone on its extensive mainline network, managing security in areas prone to theft and vandalism when trains are stationary. However, the introduction of new operators complicates this dynamic, as each operator will need to coordinate security measures, particularly in vulnerable communities. Selaledi noted that while Transnet has established protocols, adding new players to the network requires more complex security arrangements to ensure quick and effective responses to incidents.
However, the regulator’s primary concern is the degraded mode of operation, specifically the increased use of manual train authorisations. “Manual train authorisations have reached an endemic level, and as an industry, we need to reflect and say this far and no more,” Selaledi stressed, calling for interventions and commitments from operators to mitigate these risks, especially with the entry of third-party operators.
Addressing the changes in frequency and their impact on rail communications systems, Selaledi confirmed the ongoing transition from GSM-R to the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). He noted that Transnet had made a submission to the regulator and PRASA has done a lot of work as part of reviving their signalling system. The regulator’s main concern centres around ensuring interoperability where these systems converge.
The RSR prioritises interoperability over dictating specific technical specifications, focusing on ensuring that the systems deployed by operators reduce risks to the lowest possible level and work seamlessly together. While operators have the freedom to choose their systems, they must ensure compatibility within the broader rail network, where multiple players operate alongside one another.
While there are established standards in the market, such as those published by the International Union of Railways for leading global operators, the RSR is adopting these standards within the African context. Although these standards guide the industry, the RSR’s primary focus is on interoperability, ensuring that all systems work together effectively and safely within the rail network.
Upcoming Events: Annual Rail Safety Conference and Inaugural Industry Rail Awards
Selaledi also highlighted upcoming RSR events, including the Annual Rail Safety Conference, which will be held in Hazendal, Western Cape, from 29th September to 2nd October. This technical rail safety conference is designed to bring together industry participants for in-depth discussions on key themes and provide a platform for operators to showcase their best practices. The event will feature various technical themes and materials, and it invites nominated managers and those involved in rail operations to engage deeply with the subject matter.
The conference provides an opportunity for the entire industry to demonstrate excellence and innovation, encouraging operators to present their achievements and contributions to rail safety.
Find out more here: https://rsr.org.za/arsc2024/
Additionally, the RSR will host its inaugural Industry Rail Awards on 24th October at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg. “The awards align with the national rail policy’s theme of rail renaissance, celebrating the industry’s achievements and recognising the green shoots emerging despite current challenges,” Selaledi noted. The event will feature 12 award categories, encouraging industry participation and recognition of excellence.
The awards are open to regional railways and projects.
Get more information on the awards here: https://www.sarailawards.co.za/
State of Safety Report and Industry Trends
The RSR will release its annual State of Safety Report for the 2023-2024 period in conjunction the morning of 24 October. The report will provide an overview of safety trends across priority categories, reflecting on the industry’s performance in the past year. Selaledi acknowledged a general increase in productivity post-COVID, with both Transnet and PRASA showing improvements, although PRASA’s passenger volumes remain below historical highs. Gautrain doing well, but they haven’t reached their pre-COVID numbers. He emphasised the importance of safe railway operations as a cornerstone of the business case for rail, highlighting the need for continuous improvements to meet industry standards.
Transnet’s Shift Under the Department of Transport
In closing, Selaledi welcomed the recent announcement that Transnet is now under the Department of Transport, joining PRASA and the RSR under the same administrative structure. He expressed optimism that this move would enhance collaboration among state entities while preserving the RSR’s independence as a regulator.
He noted that with Transnet now part of the transport family under the direct oversight of the Minister of Transport, there is an opportunity for improved cooperation, which will be instrumental in advancing the national Freight Logistics Plan. With the upcoming changes from the new Railways Safety Act and the RSR’s expanding role, South Africa’s rail industry is poised for a transformative journey focused on improving safety, efficiency, and growth.
