State-owned Transnet is implementing a novel outcomes-based security (OBS) approach to combat the high levels of theft and vandalism on its rail network, chief security officer Ashwin Govind has revealed.

Speaking on the second day of the South African Heavy Haul Association conference, on August 28, in Johannesburg, he explained that an OBS approach involved shifting the focus from generic security measures to achieving specific, actionable results.

The idea is to continually assess the effectiveness of these measures and adjust them as needed. This enables Transnet to achieve measurable outcomes, such as a marked decrease in theft and vandalism, improved public perception of safety and reduced repair and replacement costs for damaged infrastructure.

Govind said OBS was a “very new concept” in government and in State-owned enterprises.

“It’s really greenfield for us. OBS is about tackling two key issues that we are confronted with. One is changing the way we contract and allowing for innovation within our system.

“It’s about directing those service providers in a manner in which we are monitoring performance and allowing for a solutions-based type of approach, rather than us dictating what we need. On the other hand, it's also about allowing for investments into security technology through these service providers,” he explained.

He said the OBS approach of non-traditional contracting would mean the roll-out of security technology along the Transnet network, whereby security technology providers would then recoup that investment over the five-year period of the contract.

“OBS contracts is a move towards providing solutions instead of services. Transnet is now provided with an integrated solution, which incorporates manpower, technology and processes,” Govind explained.