Residents of Johannesburg have given their full support for the Railway Safety Bill and they highlighted the lack of security on trains and railway stations as a major obstacle towards economic development and the upliftment of their communities.
 
They told the committee about that during public hearing on the Railway Safety Bill that took place yesterday in Randburg. The residents said the employment of unemployed youth would contribute towards the reduction of the rate of crime in trains and at railway stations. They said the types of crime that take place in the trains and at railway stations include muggings, assault, rape and murder.
 
Participants who stay closer to railway stations called for the installation of 24-hour closed circuit security cameras to ensure safety of commuters and residents and for the prevention of cable theft. Other proposals which participants made included curbing of overloading in trains as overloading according to them impacts negatively on the overall wellbeing of commuters.
 
The residents also proposed the employment of properly trained security officers to assist in stopping overloading in the trains. Some residents and community-based organisations also called for the extension of the term of the Railway Safety Regulator Board from five to 10 years. This, according to them, will ensure continuity and the successful implementation of the planned projects and campaigns that include campaigns about safety of trains and railway stations.
 
The Bill aims to amend the National Railway Safety Regulator Act 16 of 2002. Amendments are aimed at improving the general safety within the railway system, and ensuring that rail becomes an attractive mode of transport and contributor towards economic growth.
 
It further seeks to promote the harmonisation of South Africa’s railway safety regime with the objectives and requirements for safe railway operations in the Southern Africa Development Community region.
 
The Acting Chairperson of the committee, Mr Lisa Mangcu, informed the residents that public consultation and participation are constitutional requirements that Parliament is obliged to undertake as part of its decision-making processes. He assured them that all their views on the Bill would be taken into consideration when the committee deliberates on the Bill. “Public participation and consultation will not only empower residents but also strengthen the final Bill” he said.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Acting chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Lisa Mangcu