TO GREATER HEIGHTS - Railway Safety Regulator

News January - Febuary 2013
inside
RSR: Greater heights
CEO’s corner
KZN survey
Interviews
Birthdays list
Picture gallery
PLEDGING TO LIFT RSR
TO GREATER HEIGHTS
Get on Board
News and articles are
welcomed.
To submit articles &
Photographs, contact
the Content Developer,
Godwill Maletle
T: 011 417 0067
E: godwillm@rsr.org.za
REPORT
INCIDENTS
082 907 1407
The RSR is in the process of launching an internal campaign on
good work ethics within a workplace. The campaign, in a form of
a pledge, comes as a proactive initiative from Communications
aimed at reinforcing the already existing professionalism and
good workmanship amongst employees.
On his column, RSR CEO
Nkululeko Poya refers to
“attitudes” as the RSR’s
worst enemy. “I once heard
someone saying that he’d
rather dine with a pig than
with his co-worker”, says
the CEO. An organisation
as dynamic as the RSR
often falls victim of bad
workmanship, simply
because some people tend
to hold on to the past and
not want to embrace change
in the organisation.
Phenomenal Author of all
times, James Belasco once
said “change is hard because
people overestimate the
value of what they have and
underestimate the value of
what they may gain by giving
that up”.
It is precisely this type of
attitude that the good work
ethics pledge aims to change.
The campaign will be
championed by the CEO and
will kick-start as an online
campaign where employees
will sign an electronic copy,
thus pledging to:
• Uphold and promote the
values of RSR.
• Always be puntual and
give 101% effort
and dedication on work.
• Be a rail safety ambassador
and lead by example.
• Treat all colleagues,
irrespective of rank
with equal respect and
professionalism.
• Promote teamwork
towards achieving
a common goal.
Employees will also be
given space to make their
individual pledges in line with
the ones mentioned above.
At a later stage, pledge
boards will be erected at the
reception areas of all offices
(even regions) where all the
staff would get to sign the
pledge collectively.

CEO’s CORNER
we have a revolution
to carry in this organisation.
I wish to extend a very warm welcome to all our employees
after a safe and a refreshing festive interlude. I would like to
thank the Almighty God that no RSR employee perished on our
roads during the break.
I would be failing in my duty if I did not
also welcome our new colleagues who
have just joined this dynamic organisation.
It is my hope that your hard work would
be rewarded with success this year.
What is a year? I answer: A year is that
period in one’s life where one acts upon
one’s dream. Our collective dream is the
realisation of railway safety in this country.
We could only taste the nectar of success
once the safety of our commuters was
realised; or to be more precise, brought
into fruition.
What is the RSR’’s worst enemy? Simply
put, it is our attitudes. A person will
pretend to love his or her colleague only
to find that his or her heart is bursting with
envy and hatred. I once heard someone
saying that he’d rather dine with a pig
than with his co-worker. Personally, I
welcome these outbursts they show us the
seriousness of the disease; they are like
bubbles that fly off a boiling pot. What I
regret is the disease. We cannot amend
matters by sheer hypocrisy.
Our priority is clear and inescapable;
we have a revolution to carry in
this organisation. We have to make
fundamental change in delivering railway
safety to our people. This is what
revolution really means, bloodshed is
irrelevant to it. It is a revolution which we
hope to control and channel so that our
people’s lives are transformed. The RSR
must ride and try to harness the whirlwind
which is sweeping through the railway
world.
As we will be approaching the new
financial year on the 1st of April 2013, I
am fully aware of the fact that a number
of employees are anxious about their
future. But let us pause for a moment. Let
us think of the tasks that lie ahead and
the new responsibilities we shall be called
upon to shoulder in the ‘new RSR’. It won’t
help us to become perpetual complainers
pertaining to changes currently taking
place in our organisation. We don’t
have to waste our energies complaining.
Remember, unless transition occurs,
the change has not worked. Transition
produces self-renewal. It creates new
energy. It is developmental.
As aptly put by Alvin Topflier: “Our mutual
responsibility is not to stop the future, but
to shape it”. Perhaps we should be looking
at the opportunites that accompany
change. The new structure means that
the organisation will have additional skills
and capacity, which will enable the RSR to
support the industry and in the process
intensify RSR’s impact in the promotion
of a safe rail environment. The decision
to decentralise operations does not only
translate into presence in regions but
positions the RSR as a key role player
and authority in regulating and providing
solutions to challenges that threaten
safety and developments in the industry.
Last but not least; let me take this
opportunity to congratulate all the
departments who took a quantum leap
to meet their targets in the last quarter. I
am also convinced that you are currently
working doubly hard in order to meet
your targets for this last quarter; taking
into account that if you fail to prepare you
are preparing to fail. Allow me to muse a
little over what I saw: all individuals who
have engineered prepared failure ended
up perishing. The old saying of making
hay whilst the sun shines still holds water
hitherto. When the sun is still shining over
us let us take advantage of it and let us not
procrastinate.
I have no doubt
in my mind that
history has given
our organisation
a unique
opportunity.
Let us use it
now and earn
the gratitude
of future
generations.
Remember that
true gratitude is
never redundant.

Commuter Survey
in Kwa- Zulu Natal
The Communication team
recently concluded a third leg
of their Commuter Satisfaction
Surveys in Durban; Kwa- Zulu
Natal. The survey was conducted
on 29-30 January and aimed to
derive feedback from commuters
regarding rail safety and the rail
service in general. The stations
that were visited are:
• Durban
• Berea
• Dalbridge
• Congella
• Umbillo
• Kwa- Mashu
• Tembalihle
• Effingham
• Kenville
• Temple
At all these stations commuters had the
same challenges, challenges that were
raised in Gauteng and the Western Cape
respectively. They complained about trains
that don’t run on schedule, thus costing
them jobs on some occasions. Duduzile
Zwane, a commuter from Tembalihle
Station said that more often than not trains
are running late in the morning, if they
come at all. When this happens, Metrorail
promises to offer busses to replace trains
but half the time this remains an empty
promise. “One morning when we went to
ask Metrorail officials why there weren’t
any trains, they locked themselves in their
offices and ignored us completely”, said
the worried Duduzile.
Aging infrastructure was also a pain for
the commuters. Trains would stop in the
middle of nowhere and there wouldn’t be
any explanation from Metrorail officials.
“Trains have speakers inside but they
don’t bother using them to tell us
why their trains stop anywhere”, said
one commuter. In as far as security is
concerned commuters were satisfied,
mentioning that Railway Police were
visible at busy station thus reducing crime.
When asked about the Railway Safety
Regulator, it was unfortunate that none
of the commuters knew it. They admitted
that it was for the first time they heard
of such, however, all commuters were
given pamphlets that explained what the
RSR was and what it aims to achieve. A
verbal explanation was also rendered to
individuals who also had an opportunity to
ask questions where they needed clarity.
Those who are active on social networks
were also told of the RSR’s presence on
social networks, where they can channel
all questions and queries. When told that
the RSR would be opening a regional office
in Durban, commuters were delighted.
“Trains have
speakers
inside but
they don’t
bother using
them to tell
us why their
trains stop
anywhere”

BIRTHDAYS
The RSR wishes the following staff members who celebrated their birthdays in
January and those who will be celebrating during the first week of February…
a Happy Birthday!!! …..
May they have many more years to celebrate and
blessings in abundance. They are not just a year older
but a year wiser!
JANUARY
Dlamini Thulani Hlanganani Patrick 03 January
Ndungani Thandiwe Monica 04 January
Mudaly Gonaseelan Moonsamy 06 January
Zuma Aretha Joni Lorato 06 January
Dlamini Nonhlanhla Qulela 07 January
Ntshingila Evelyn Thandi 10 January
Ndima Nonhlahla 11 January
Talane Pule Herry 11 January
Magoro Lufuno 13 January
Mtiya Wanga 15 January
Sheleng Tshepo 18 January
Kekana Solomon Lebotlwe 20 January
Loubser Johannes 21 January
Wahl Adam Johannes 22 January
Mflatela Nkululeko Matthews 24 January
Tshabalala Zodwa Zelpha 24 January
FEBRUARY (1-15)
De Jager Nicolaas Gerhardus Johannes 7 February
Godongwana Bonakele 7 February
Rhayi Loyiso Victor 08 February
Ndhlovu Moeder 11 February
Ntutu Mzondeleli 13 February

RSR Welcomes new staff
Mr. Thabang Mgijima Ms. Thabisa Hole Ms. Khanyisa Shweni
Intern: Office of the CEO Intern: Office of the CEO
Thabang holds a diploma in Mechanical
Engineering .He currently qualifies for a
B-Tech degree in the year 2013.
The young aspiring student has
participated in a volunteer programme,
held by the Department of Science and
Technology for graduate students for
the year 2012.
Thabang enjoys spending his time doing
research and engaging on any work
related projects.
Four words that describe Thabang:
• Outspoken
• Humbled
• Friendly
• Determined for achievement and
development
Thabisa obtained diploma in Mechanical
Engineering, she looks forward to
studying towards a B-Tech degree in her
field of study.
Thabisa originates for the Eastern Cape
from a village called Peddie. Being a very
quiet and relaxed being, she likes travel
and tourism; and sports. In the past
years she managed to get provincial
colours in Netball and Soccer.
Thabisa chose these words as a
description of her character:
• Friendly
• Ambitious
• Independent
• Determined
Intern: Safety Assurance
(Cape Town Office)
Khanyisa holds a diploma in Mechanical
Engineering. She originates from a town
called Sttuterheim in the Eastern Cape
Ms. Shweni is:
• Ambitious
• Hardworking
• Socialite
• Church going
Outside the work environment she is a
drama student and a netball player.
Inspector: Safety Assurance Department
Mr. Maseko has vast experience in the Engineering field. He was previously under the
employ of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as an Aircraft Accident Investigator. He is
also family man, with two beautiful young kids.
Best words to describe Mr. Maseko:
• Honest
• Hardworking
• Fun loving
• Straight forward
• Family Orientated
Mr. Maseko aims to contribute as much as he can to the RSR.
Mr. Musa Maseko

Mr. Solly Kekana
Inspector: Safety
Assurance Department
Mr. Kekana is from Gauteng. He holds a
Masters degree in Civil Engineering and
a certificate in Management, with a vast
rail experience.
Compared to other countries in the field
of engineering, Mr Kekana thinks South
Africa has come a long way in upgrading
its infrastructure.
Mr. Thulani Dlamini
Inspector: Safety
Assurance (Durban Office)
Mr. Dlamini is from Kwa- Mashu in KZN
and holds a B-Tech Degree in Electrical
Engineering and a BSC honors Degree
in Technology Management. He
has enormous experience in the rail
environment, having worked for Transnet
Freight Rail for more than five years.
Four great words to best describe
Mr. Dlamini:
• Reserved
• Friendly
• Open
• Team spirit
Mr. Siphesihle “Sihle” Thwala
Inspector: Safety
Assurance (Durban Office)
Born and raised in Durban, Kwa-Zulu
Natal in a town called Lady Smith. He
moved to Johannesburg 10 years ago to
advance his studies. He holds a diploma
in Electrical Engineering and a B-Tech in
Project Management.
He has previously worked for TFR and
PRASA and an Engineer Technician and a
Rolling Stock Specialist respectively.
Mr. Thwala is:
• Reserved
• Loves reading
• Sports fanatic
Senior Inspector: Safety Assurance Department
Mr Matsai was born in Zimbabwe and forms part of the inspectorate. While
acknowledging that South Africa’s standards in terms of technology and efficiency,
Mr Matsai believes that we are on the correct path as a country.
He described himself as:
• Calm and collected man
• Professional
• Sensitive to the needs of others
• Born again Christian
• Honest
• Always transparent with his work
• Efficient
Mr. Tendayi Matsai

Mr. William Smith
Inspector: Safety
Assurance Department
Mr. Smith has a well-established
background in the field of construction
and project management, including the
rail industry in South Africa. He comes from
a town called Eldorado Park in the
Gauteng province.
Mr. Smith is:
• An open book
• Helping hand
• Friendly
• Humorous
He has participated on the Comrades
Marathon for the past 9 years. He has also
ran the Two Oceans Marathon twice.
Mr. Solomzi Maye
Chief Financial Officer:
Finance Department
Born in Port Elizabeth, Mr. Maye is a
qualified Industrial Engineer Technician
and also has a Bcom Accounting; MBC,
and currently aspires to be a Chartered
Accountant. He describes himself as a
man of principle and discipline
Five words that describe the CFO:
• Team player
• Smart
• Values the need and presence of people
• Objective driven
• Performance driven
RSR welcomes
all new staff
members and
wishes them
a productive
and fulfilled
experience in their
designated field of
work .
We hope that
they will have
a pleasant
experience
whilst working
for the RSR, we
are a young
and caring
organization!

Ms. Zinhle Msomi
MR.MSHWAWU NDUDANE
MRS.NOMATHAMSANQA SOPOTELA
1. Please kindly inform us who is Mrs.
Msomi?
Zinhle Msomi is a fun, elegant and
go-getter woman. I enjoy socializing with
different people from diverse cultures.
2. What is your new role in the RSR?
I am currently appointed as an inspector
and I will be based here in Johannesburg.
3. What expectations should the
RSR staff members expect from Mrs.
Msomi?
RSR staff should expect a hardworking yet
very individual who is down to earth and
preserved.
4. Compared to other countries, how
do you rate the state of safety in
South Africa?
I think RSR is doing well as a regulator; I
haven’t experienced much with regard
to being here for a mere three weeks, but
the courses we have attended equipped
us to be competent individuals. So I have
no doubt that we will take RSR to higher
levels in reference to how it services the
industry.
5. Where do you see the RSR seven
years from our present time?
In seven years RSR would have expanded
on its standards and regulations that will
govern the railway industry to become
safer and efficient.
1. Please kindly inform us who is
Mr.Ndudane?
Mr.Ndudane is a family man coming from
the KZN province with a Civil Engineering
background and some experience
as a senior manager at a number of
government institutions.
2. What is your new role in the RSR?
My new role is to serve the RSR as a
technical advisor, whilst being appointed
as the Regional Head of the KZN Safety and
Assurance office.
3. What expectations should the
RSR staff members expect from
Mr.Ndudane?
The staff members here at the RSR should
expect a vibrant and self driven individual
who likes a collective effort and enjoys
leading from the front.
4. Compared to other countries, how
do you rate the state of safety in
South Africa?
Generally rail safety in South Africa is still a
challenge because of the backlog in state
of rail infrastructure, but the funding set
aside by PRASA and TFR will be able to
address some of the issues surrounding
the industry and improve on the aspect of
rail safety.
5. Where do you see the RSR seven
years from now?
In seven I presume a lot would have
improved in regard to infrastructure
backlogs and therefore the role of the RSR
would be much better compared to the
present situation that we are faced with.
1. Please kindly inform us who is
Mrs.Sopotela?
I am a very ambitious individual, confident,
energetic and I have acquired good
communication skills. I am very keen to
learn more about the industry as I progress.
2. What is your new role in the RSR?
I will be serving the RSR as an inspector
and I will be based in Durban.
3. What expectations should the
RSR staff members expect from Mrs.
Sopotela?
Staff members can expect comprehensive
information through the credible reports
that I will produce and input that will
ensure that RSR benefits the most.
4. Compared to other countries, how
do you rate the state of safety in
South Africa?
The state of safety in South Africa is
improving through the appointment of
experienced personnel and I am certain
that the provision of training will enhance
the regulatory mandate as set in its target.
5. Where do you see the RSR seven
years from our present time?
I see the RSR servicing the industry to a
maximum extent with all the necessary
controls and systems in place.

GALLERY