About Us

KEEPING SOUTH AFRICA’S RAIL
NETWORK ON TRACK

The RSR’s oversight role begins before the first train leaves the station. To operate on the South African rail network, train operators must apply to the RSR for a safety permit, demonstrating that they meet prescribed operational requirements.

Our highest priority is to ensure the safety of passengers, communities and all stakeholders.

We aim to be proactive, tirelessly working to improve the standards of the rail network to prevent safety incidents.

CONTINUOUS MONITORING

Our expert monitoring team proactively monitors the network to anticipate and prevent major incidents before they occur, conducting regular inspections of the rail network and performing audits of rail operators’ systems. Through the ongoing development of regulations and safety standards, we ensure that necessary innovations and improvements to infrastructure don’t compromise safety.

INVESTIGATING WITH PURPOSE

In addition to routine monitoring, the RSR is responsible for investigating rail safety incidents, seeking out the root causes of major incidents so that protocols can be established to prevent reoccurrence. We don’t just investigate why incidents occur, we actively implement procedures to stop them from happening again.

ENFORCING RESPECT FOR SAFETY

The RSR has a mandate to enforce safety regulations and protocols. Failure to adhere to safety requirements will result in the RSR issuing appropriate enforcement notices and directives. Any interventions, such as reduced speed limits or suspensions of services, are undertaken to protect passengers and communities living near rail infrastructure in instances where safety standards have not been met.

THE RSR ACT

The RSR’s authority is defined by the National Railway Safety Regulator Act 16 of 2002 (as amended). In accordance with the Act, it is not permissible to operate on the South African railway network without a safety permit issued by the RSR.
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RSR VALUES

INTEGRITY
We instil confidence in our internal and external stakeholders through professional and efficient service delivery.
TRANSPARENCY
We communicate information openly.
FAIRNESS
We are consistent in applying policies and procedures and are impartial in how we treat our employees.
INNOVATION
We create a conducive environment that allows for the sharing and implementation of new ideas in line with the goals of the RSR.
TIMELY AND
ACCOUNTABLE DELIVERY
We make prompt decisions and take appropriate action informed by organisational priorities.
MUTUAL RESPECT
We engage with and treat each other, our customers, as well as our work, with dignity and respect.
EXCELLENCE
We strive to excel in every aspect of our business and approach every challenge with a determination to succeed.

OUR PEOPLE

BOARD MEMBERS

Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke

Board Chairperson

Mr Sisa Lunga Mtwa

Deputy Chairperson

Mr Mmuso Selaledi

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Adv Johannes Collen Weapond

Board Member

Ms Zamakhanya Makhanya

Board Member

Ms Nolitha Pietersen

Board Member

Prof Tshepo Herbert Mongalo

Board Member

Mr Lungi Maminza

Board Member

Mr Tawana Mopeli

Board Member

Ms Sibusisiwe Nomfundo Molefe

Board Member

Ms Xoliswa Njokweni-Mlotywa

Board Member

Ms Mala Somaru

Board Member

Ms Mologadi Mametja

Board Secretary

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mr Mmuso Selaledi

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Vacant

Chief Operations Officer

Vacant

Chief Financial Officer

Mr Mmuso Selaledi

Risk and Strategy Executive

Ms Madelein Williams

Media and Communications Executive

Mr Bongani Sibiya

Human Resources Executive

Ms Malerato Kekana

Chief Audit Executive

Ms Varsha Sewlal

Legal Services Executive

Mr Tshepo Mothoagae

Chief Information Officer

HEADS OF DEPARTMENT

Mr Molefi Freddie Kgomari

Head: Safety Management

Mr Denis Owaga

Head: Safety Permits Management

Vacant

Head: Research and Technical Skills Development

REGIONAL TECHNICAL MANAGERS

Ms Nozipho Ntshingila

Central Region

Mr Earnest Gow

Coastal Region

Dr Peaceman Sopazi

Eastern Region

STAKEHOLDERS

The RSR has direct regulatory oversight over railway operators. Our concern for the safety of all passengers and pedestrians who interact with the rail network means that we are also actively engaged with various stakeholders, including government, regulators and communities.

Railway operators

New railway operators

The RSR evaluates all new applications before issuing safety permits.

Existing railway operators

Railway operators fall into three categories: network, train and station. (As defined by the National Railway Safety Regulator Act.)

Railway technology – The RSR’s mandate includes assessing the safety of rail technology and operations. The RSR evaluates the safety of new rail technologies throughout the life cycle of the application, from design and construction to commissioning and operations.

Government & other regulators

Where it is not defined by the National Railway Safety Regulator Act, the relationship between the RSR, government and other regulators is to be managed through agreements, as provided for in the Act.

These agreements are critical to ensure that there is no duplication of functioning, or misunderstanding of the relative roles and responsibilities of the various parties.

Informal communities

The greatest number of rail incidents results from the close proximity of residential communities adjacent to the rail network. The RSR is committed to the safety of communities as a high-priority matter.

Management of community risk requires a multi-disciplinary approach, involving national, provincial, and local government organisations.

Suppliers & shippers

Freight Shippers

Train operators are required to demonstrate in their SMS Report how they ensure that freight shippers comply with the provisions of the National Railway Safety Regulator Act and other relevant regulations, in particular with regard to the transport of dangerous goods by rail.

Freight shippers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these requirements.

Contractors & Suppliers

While the RSR does not engage directly with contractors and suppliers, operators are required to demonstrate in their SMS Report how they ensure that contractors and suppliers comply with the provisions of the National Railway Safety Regulator Act and any other relevant regulations.

Members of the public

Rail safety affects us all. If you have any comments or concerns about safety on the South African rail network, please contact us.

Report an incident by contacting our 24 hour helpline on 0800 444 888.
Calls are free from landlines. Cellular operators may charge a fee.

Or Click Here to submit your comments online.

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