Sustainability Report 2012 - Transnet

Appointment of level crossing traffic officersin Rustenburg, North WestIn its analysis of level crossing statistics, Freight Railidentified Rustenburg in the North West as a highrisk area due to increased platinum mining, rapidurbanisation, growth of the city and increase intraffic density. In partnership with the Road TrafficManagement Corporation and the North WestDepartment of Public Safety, Freight Rail embarkedon a pilot project in 2011 to reduce level crossingaccidents through law enforcement. Freight Rail hascommitted R4,5 million to the level crossinginitiative which involves education and awarenesscampaigns and the recruitment of 22 young railwaytraffic officers who man the level crossing inRustenburg. Dedicated project managers will beemployed to monitor implementation and results.Sustainability performance: Social dividendsConstruction of boundary wall along railwayline in Mbekweni, PaarlTransnet’s commitment to its Level CrossingCampaign was reaffirmed on 13 September 2011when construction started on a three kilometre wallalong the railway line going through the informalsettlement in Mbekweni, Paarl in the Western Cape.The construction follows a tragic incident in whichtwo toddlers were killed when they wandered intothe path of an oncoming Metrorail passenger trainoperated by the Passenger Rail Agency of SouthAfrica. On visiting the site on the day of the fatalitiesin May 2011, the Transnet Group Chief Executivevowed to ensure that the Company prevented furtherloss of life by erecting an impenetrable wall alongthe line. This was done through an acceleratedprocess to source the required expertise and secureregulatory approvals.In addition to the wall construction, Freight Rail ran arail safety awareness campaign in the communitywith a door-to-door education drive and apartnership with the South African Police Service(SAPS). These initiatives reached more than 1200people, including children.Annual Safety Competition DayWe remember our colleagues who tragicallydied as a result of injuries sustained atTransnet workplaces during 2011/12: 25 April 2011 30 September 2011 4 October 2011 29 February 2012Sustainability Report 201253