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About the RSR

Who the RSR is, its role in overseeing rail safety in South Africa.

Mandate and legislative Framework

The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) is a statutory body established under the National Railway Safety Regulator Act, 2002 (Act No. 16 of 2002) and continued under the Railway Safety Act, 2024 (Act No. 30 of 2024). Its primary mandate is to promote, regulate and oversee railway safety in South Africa through effective monitoring, compliance enforcement, stakeholder collaboration and continuous reporting on railway safety performance.

The RSR works with government, railway operators, industry stakeholders and international counterparts, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to advance a safe, efficient and sustainable railway system. It also monitors developments within the rail sector to ensure that safety remains at the centre of railway operations.

  • Regulate and enforce compliance with railway safety requirements
  • Issue safety permits and safety-critical licences
  • Conduct inspections and investigations
  • Maintain a national railway safety information system
  • Evaluate training institutions
  • Support policy implementation
  • Promote public awareness and education on railway safety

As a public entity, the RSR operates in accordance with a range of national legislation and is accountable to Parliament and the public for delivering its functions in a fair, transparent, efficient and cost-effective manner. Through research, advisory services and collaboration with local and international partners, the RSR contributes to the continuous improvement and harmonisation of railway safety standards within South Africa and the region.

Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives

Vision

Safer, Smarter and Sustainable Railways (S3R)

 Mission

We regulate safe, smart and sustainable railways through risk-based regulation, innovation, collaboration and oversight.

01
Railways are safer through strengthened compliance and risk-based regulation.
02
Technology-enabled regulation for a smarter, future-ready rail sector.
03
A capable and efficient regulator that delivers.
04
A financially sustainable and resilient regulator.
05
Trusted stakeholder collaboration for safer railways.
06
Sustained good governance and clean administration

Governance and
Leadership

Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke

Board Chairperson

Mr Sisa Lunga Mtwa

Deputy Chairperson

Mr Brian Monakali

Chief Executive Officer

Adv Johannes Collen Weapond

Board Member

Ms Sizakele 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

Lieutenant General Peter Jacobs

Board Member

Ms Milly Ruiters

Board Member

Ms Mologadi Mametja

Company Secretary

Mr Deepak Budhram

Head: Safety Management

Ms Nozipho Ntshingila

Central Region

Mr Molefi Freddie Kgomari

Head: Research and Technical Skills Development

Mr Denis Owaga

Head: Safety Permits Management

Mr Brian Monakali

Chief Executive Officer

Ms Rirhandzu Mashava

Chief Operations Officer

Mr Mmuso Selaledi

Chief Financial Officer

Vacant

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

organisational structure

The RSR is structured into functional departments that work together to deliver on its mandate. Each department plays a critical role in ensuring effective regulation, compliance, corporate governance and operational excellence.
Finance Department

This department ensures that the organisational finances are managed effectively and efficiently while making sure that financial policies and guidelines are complied with.

Finance further checks that the quality and timeliness of financial information and reporting are assured. The department includes subunits responsible for Supply Chain Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Management and Facilities Management.

Functions

  • Ensures that the organisation uses its financial resources by partnering with Business Units;
  • Establishes a climate that fosters good financial management practices;
  • Promotes a “SERVICE and RISK AWARE CULTURE” across the organisation;
  • Enhances the RSR’s investment decision-making competencies and capabilities;
  • Anticipates and manages cash shortages and surplus;
  • Facilitates integrates and co-ordinates the RSR’s risk management activities; and
  • Integrates risk in strategic and financial planning and decision making.
  • Provides oversees and manages adequate facilities that support the strategic objectives of the organisation.

Human Resources provides advice and support to executives, line management and staff on human resources-related issues.

Functions

  • Human Resources is responsible for employee relations, including labour relations management and employee wellness;
  • Employee administration, including recruitment, employee development, succession planning and performance management;
  • Employee services, including payroll administration and the management of employee benefits;
  • Communicates key human resource decisions to ensure consistent service delivery;
  • Ensures alignment of the HR strategy with the RSR strategic objectives;
  • Develops and builds effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to encourage the integration of HR best practices into business planning; and

Ensures integrity of RSR personnel records.

Internal Audit improves operations through evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of the RSR governance, risk management and internal control system.

Functions

  • Engages stakeholders on various matters;
  • Compiles risk-based internal audit plans;
  • Conducts internal audit reviews as per the approved internal audit plan;
  • Conducts special/ad hoc audit projects as requested by management and the Board;
  • Conducts special/ad hoc audit projects as identified by the Internal Audit team;
  • Educates and raises awareness on the developments about the internal audit practice;
  • Undertakes consultative projects and provides advice as required; and
  • Contributes to the establishment and maintenance of good RSR governance.

Legal Services provides legal advice and guidance to the Regulator.

Functions

  • Responsible for creating a regulatory environment;
  • Manages a comprehensive, relevant, innovative and proactive in-house legal service;
  • Guards the reputation of the RSR by ensuring that the organisation is not exposed to legal risks;
  • Provides managers and staff with enough legal knowledge so that they are always able to act in the interest of the organisation; and
  • Offers support and assistance on litigation matters.

The Department provides a comprehensive communications service to the RSR by developing and implementing stakeholder management and relations that drive communications, branding and public relations programmes and activities aimed at enhancing the RSR’s corporate image and reputation.

Functions

  • Maintains the corporate image and reputation of the RSR;
  • Manages and controls all strategic communications initiatives (both internal and external) with the intent of ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are adequately informed;
  • Manages public relations activities that support the strategic objectives of the RSR;
  • Supports change management initiatives;
  • Establishes meaningful relationships internally across the organisation and externally with local and international rail-related stakeholders and the media;
  • Manages all RSR events; and awareness

The Operations Department ensures compliance within the industry by enforcing regulatory tools. The department includes subunits on Safety Permit Management, Safety Management, Regional Operations as well as Systems and ICT.

Functions

  • Safety Permit Management ensures that safety measures for carrying out certain works are complied with;
  • Safety Management is responsible for maintaining and promoting best practice standards to ensure safety improvement;
  • The regional Operations monitor and enforce safety compliance by proactively conducting inspections and audits of railway operations within the area of responsibility and identifying areas requiring risk mitigation and improvement; and
  • The role of the Systems & ICT department is to ensure that the RSR;s digital transformation capability is sound and on par with the latest tehnological developments.

The department drives performance excellence through strategy and performance, risk management and policy and compliance management.

 

Functions

  • Risk and Strategy Department builds and secures the RSR’s social, reputational and financial capital (i.e. long-term value);
  • Ensures a stable and productive internal environment that is geared towards performance excellence;
  • Ensures that all RSR projects are properly administrated provides advisory service on business processes for the improvement of controls and operations;
  • Advise the organisation and stakeholders on potential risks, as well as implement risk management strategies by implementing monitoring tactics to mitigate identified risks; and
  • Manages the RSR records management programme designed to ensure that record keeping, and records management practices effectively meet RSR’s objectives.

The role of the ICT department is to ensure that the RSR’s digital transformation capability is sound and on par with the latest technological developments. ICT Department is also responsible for modernisation and optimal availability of critical systems, as well as alignment of the ICT strategy with RSR’s business requirements and strategic objectives.

 

Functions

  • Development and integration of information management and systems
  • System enhancements (Development, implementation, and maintenance of existing information and digital systems)
  • Digital transformation and systems support services
  • ICT Infrastructure modernisation and security support services
  • Implementation of ICT governance, including procedures, policies and guidelines

This department provides specialist and technical support to the Operations departments of the RSR.

Functions

  • Life cycle management and coordination of applications for safety permits, new works, and new technology developments in collaboration with the Safety Permit Management (SPM) department.
  • Performing new works and new technology development reviews to provide assurance that operators mitigate risks associated with railway operations in the permit application process, new works, and technology developments.
  • Support occurrence investigations where applicable.
  • Conduct specialist, discipline specific, generic railway safety, inter, road-railway industry focussed technical studies.
  • The department also conducts research and the provides technical awareness training to the RSR personnel and operators.
  • Engages in industry collaboration activities in accordance with cooperative governance prescripts of government.
  • Provide skills development support and in collaboration with line management identify technical skills gaps and the development of mitigation measures within Operations.

History of RSR

2003-2004
Establishing the Foundation

The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) embarked on its journey with the appointment of its first Chairperson in June 2003, followed by the constitution of the Board and its inaugural meeting in August 2003. During this formative period, the organisation developed key regulations, safety standards, and the National Information and Monitoring System. A strategic plan was approved in March 2004, culminating in the publication of the Safety Management System (SMS) Regulations.

2005-2006
Strengthening Rail Safety Oversight

The RSR introduced the Regulatory Framework for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail, enhancing the safe movement of hazardous materials across the rail network.

2007-2008
Advancing Safety Standards

Significant progress was made in standardisation through the finalisation of key railway safety standards, including SAN 3000-2-1, SAN 3000-2-2, and SAN 3000-2-3.

2008-2009
Legislative and Standards Development

The National Railway Safety Regulator Act, 2002 was amended, while substantial progress continued in the development and strengthening of Railway Safety Standards.

2009-2010
Leadership and Regulatory Growth

Adv. Brenda Madumise assumed the role of Chairperson, becoming the first woman to lead the RSR Board. During this period, the Penalty Fee Framework was developed and approved, various safety standards and regulations were published, and work on the Human Factors Management Standard advanced significantly.

2010-2011
Supporting National Infrastructure

The RSR issued the Safety Permit for the Gautrain project, contributing to the successful introduction of South Africa's first rapid rail network.

2011-2012
Human Factors in Railway Safety

The Human Factors Management Standard was officially launched, promoting a more comprehensive approach to managing human-related risks within railway operations.
2015 | Enhancing Incident Management
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was launched, strengthening the identification, reporting and management of rail safety incidents nationwide.

2016-2017
Regional Collaboration

The RSR became a member of the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), reinforcing its commitment to regional cooperation and railway safety excellence.

2017-2018
Driving Regional Harmonisation

The SARA Safety and Risk Committee was established, and ten Railway Safety Management Standards were harmonised across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), supporting a more integrated regional rail sector.

2020-2021
Transformation and Growth

The RSR demonstrated its commitment to transformation by directing the majority of its procurement spend to B-BBEE-compliant suppliers. The organisation also invested in future skills development through bursaries awarded to university students and introduced a refreshed corporate identity.

2021-2022
Governance Excellence

The RSR achieved consecutive clean audits, reflecting its strong governance, accountability, and financial management practices.

2022-2023
Modernising Safety Regulation

A comprehensive review of the Safety Management System (SMS) Determination was undertaken to ensure continued alignment with industry developments and evolving safety requirements.

2025
A New Legislative Era

A significant milestone was achieved with the enactment of the Railway Safety Act, 2024 (Act No. 30 of 2024), strengthening the legislative framework for railway safety regulation and oversight in South Africa.
Celebrating over two decades of advancing railway safety, regulatory excellence, and sustainable rail transport in South Africa.