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2022 ANNUAL
RAIL SAFETY CONFERENCE

Register Now

Date

10 – 12 October 2022

Venue

Lord Charles Hotel, Western Cape

The Annual Rail Safety Conference (ARSC) & Exhibition, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), provides an platform where industry stakeholders can come together to exchange experiences, solutions and lessons for improving railway safety. The ARSC continues to be a conducive forum for rail stakeholders to engage and collaborate on endeavours that will create safe, efficient and reliable solutions to address the emerging risks within the South African railway industry and beyond.

This year’s ARSC under the theme“Gearing up for safer rail in 2030″ will be unpacked by deep diving into the following sub themes:

Mind the Gap – Human Factor Management

Safe and secure train control systems – The future of digital encryption technologies. Technologies to improve safety performance of urban passenger rail

Rolling Stock Maintenance & Depot Optimisation – Adopting technology, working smarter and improving efficiencies.

The finger problem – Human Factor Management

Next Generation of Railway Engineering Systems – Accelerating towards the dynamic, reliable, and flexible railway of the future

The Future of Safety & Financial Modelling in Rail

View ProgrammeView Prospectus

Sindisiwe Chikunga

Deputy Minister of Transport, Honourable
Sindisiwe Chikunga will be the Keynote Speaker.

Cyrus Rogers

Programme Director: Cyrus Rogers  is a celebrated Master of
Ceremonies, Programme director, Voice Over Artist and Author

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Sponsorship Options

Below are the sponsorships packages available for consideration.
There are numerous packages available to suit your budgets.

Enquiries:  mbali@tsalena.co.za | Tel: +27 79 5322 241

R350 000.00

• Exclusivity – only one platinum sponsor
• Co-Branding on all conference marketing material
• Co-branding on conference bags and lanyards
• Co-branding on onsite branding material
• Prominent branding on conference booklet and programme
• Acknowledgement as platinum sponsor in press releases and website
• 2 x 9m2 Exhibition space at the entrance to the exhibition
• Address by company representative at the exhibition opening session
• 6 x complimentary registrations to the conference, valued at R48 000.00
• Access to a complete electronic database of delegates after event
• Presentation slot at the conference as a Session Sponsor
• Extensive networking opportunities
• Acknowledgement as Wi-Fi Sponsor
• Organisation’s name to be used as Wi-Fi password

R200 000.00

• Exclusivity – only one Gold sponsor
• Prominent Branding on conference booklet and programme
• Acknowledgement as the Gold sponsor in press releases and website
• 1 x 9m2 exhibition space
• 4 x complimentary registration to conference valued at R 32 000.00
• Access to a complete electronic database of delegates after event
• Company brochure/insert in the workshop delegates bags
• Extensive networking opportunities
• Presentation slot at the conference as a Session Sponsor

R100 000.00

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Prominent Branding on conference booklet and programme
• 1 x 9m2 exhibition stand
• 2 x complimentary registrations to conference valued at R16 000.00
• Acknowledged as the silver sponsor on media releases and website
• Presentation slot at the conference as a Session Sponsor
• Access to a complete electronic database of delegates after event
• Extensive networking opportunities

R50 000.00

• Prominent Branding on conference booklet and programme
• Acknowledged as the bronze sponsor on media releases and website
• Access to a complete electronic database of delegates after event
• 1 x 9m2 exhibition stand
• 1 x complimentary Registration to the workshop valued at R 8 000.00

Exhibition

 

1. The exhibitor fee is R13 000 including VAT. The fee covers the following:

9m²  shell scheme (your company name printed on the fascia board, 1 plug point and 2 long-arm spot lights), 2 chairs, 1 branded counter. Breakfast and lunch for both days

2. The exhibition will be for a duration of the 2 days i.e., the first two days of the conference (10th and 11th of October).

3. Branding to be displayed inside the shell scheme may include a maximum of 2 pull -up banners and 1
logo wall.

4. All branding must be aligned to your allocated space.

5. No branding must be placed randomly in the conference venue.

6. Exhibitors must be stationed only at their allocated spaces.

7. Exhibition displays and branding to be placed by 7:30am on the first day.

8. To confirm your participation in the exhibition, kindly send an email to mbali@tsalena.co.za. You will
receive a quote with payment information.

9. For inquiries regarding the setup of your exhibitions, please contact Mbali Mbili on +27 79 5322 241

VENUE
Lord Charles Hotel

Special rate for conference delegates R1900 per night (normal rate is R2700)

Situated at the foothills of the Helderberg mountains on 22 acres of idyllic landscaping. The refurbished hotel maintains its classic flair, but with a contemporary twist. Guests can enjoy traditional luxury in our newly upgraded rooms, and resort style amenities featuring tennis courts, swimming pools, spa and fitness facilities, a revitalized feature dam, and mouth-watering dining options.

SPEAKERS

Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga

Ms Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport on 5 August 2021. She was Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration from 30 May 2019 to 5 August 2021.

Previously, Ms Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga was the Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of South Africa from 26 May 2014 and she has been a member of Parliament of the Republic of South Africa since 2004.

Mr Boy Johannes Nobunga

Board Chairperson

Tshepo Kgare

Ms. Tshepo Kgare is a transport professional with over 20 years of experience in the sector. She has expertise in Roads, Rail, Urban Transport Planning and Management of Public Transport operations. She also has further exposure in airport operations and ports and regional integration. She has been involved in a diverse range of transport projects in various parts of Sub Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom

Andre Harris

Chris Lötter

Chris Lötter has been actively involved in the economics of transport for most of the last decade. He was the first head of the Economic Regulation Unit at the Ports Regulator of South Africa, where his team developed a comprehensive investment and pricing framework for port infrastructure in South Africa. His prior experience includes lecturing economics at the University of Pretoria, working as a Senior Economist at the National Treasury, and spending time in the private sector in various ways. He has since joined PRASA as Chief Economist. He holds a Master’s degree in International Trade and Finance from The University of Pretoria and is currently pursuing a PhD from the KZN Graduate School of Business.

Jaap van der Merwe

Jaap has been the technical author of the Railway Safety Regulator’s Annual State of Safety Report since 2016. He was the final convening editor and co-author of the DOT’s White Paper on the National Rail Policy, gazetted in May 2022. Otherwise, apart from promoting rail-and-port and energy BOT projects in four countries and lecturing on railway engineering and economics, Jaap also advises governments on rail and port reform, railway safety and economic regulation. Since 2019 he has been the World Bank advisor on Passenger Rail, Freight Rail and Logistics for Ethiopia, Kenya, Mongolia, Nigeria, and South Africa.

James Holley

Jamie possesses invaluable experience in the transportation industry, gained through the 11 years that he has been in the rail industry. Jamie joined Grindrod Limited in 2009 as the Commercial Manager for Grindrod Rail and subsequently as the General Manager for Grindrod Corridor Management. In 2011, at the age of 31, James was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Grindrod Rail.
In 2016 Jamie took over as the CEO of Sheltam which has subsequently been rebranded to Traxtion. Traxtion is now the largest private rail operator in Africa.

Themba Mahenye

Themba Mahenye is a seasoned Railway Industry Veteran with 33 years’ service, 20 years of which at Senior Management. His passion and experience are in the following disciplines:

  • Human Resources Development
  • Railway Operations Systems Strategy Development and Implementation
  • Quality Systems Development and Implementation,
  • Railway Safety and Risk Management
  • Railway Operations Management
  • Train Accidents Investigation

Kevin Pillay

Accomplished Executive with a successful 20-year career within a Multinational TechnologyCompany (Siemens). Proven track record of revenue, profit and business growth. Extensive experience with highly engineered rail and infrastructure projects delivered in the African market. Customer focused and performance driven. Experienced in leading motivated multicultural teams including global executive interactions.

Vuyiswa Tlomatsane

Vuyiswa Tlomatsane is a seasoned Civil Engineering Technologist with 22 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors. Her experience is in transport planning, traffic engineering, passenger rail services, construction project management, development of transit orientated developments and contracts management

Natalie Skeepers

Dr Natalie Skeepers (Ph.D.), is a Governance, Risk and Compliance specialist.
Natalie Skeepers is a seasoned Governance, Risk and Compliance an independent consultant and has a wide range of industry experience that stretches across the public and private sector, over the last 20 years. She holds a PhD in Engineering Management, from the University of Johannesburg, MSc in Health and Safety, MPhil in HIV/AIDS Management degree. Natalie has held various senior and executive positions over the last decade. She also serves on several boards as a Non-Executive Director.

Sma Ngcamu-Tukulula

Sma Ngcamu-Tukulula a certified ergonomics/ human factors specialist and the founder of Smart Ergonomics, which is a consultancy that specialises in human factors/ ergonomics services for various industries including railway, manufacturing, mining and service industries. Her highest qualification is a Master of Science degree in Ergonomics/ Human Factors obtained from Rhodes University in 2009. She has over 16 years’ experience applying human factors/ ergonomics consulting, training and research services in a variety of workplaces and industries

Nondumiso Shange

Nondumiso Shange a professional registered Engineering Technologist (Electrical) with a diverse skill set in the Railway Telecommunications and Signalling space who is currently working as a Telecoms Specialist in the Research and Technical Skills Development department in the Railway Safety Regulator. She is part of a team that conducts permit assessments, technical training, research, and technology reviews. She started her career as an Engineering Technician (ET) at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), Signalling department and appointed as a Chief Engineering Technician (CET), in the Telecommunication Department. Through her diverse skills set she landed the position of a Telecoms Specialist within the Railway Safety Regulator.

Steven Cervello

Steven Cervello – Innovation & Design Manager – Lucchini RS – Italy

Graduated in Aeronautic Engineering at Politecnico di Milano University in 1996, in the same year started its job experience at the Lucchini Research Department.

In the past years has been responsible for R&D projects (including various European-funded projects such as Hyperwheel, Widem, Silence, Euraxles, Rivas, Sustrail) related to the improvement and innovation of railway products. He is a member of CEN/TC256 WG11, the working group of experts for wheelset Standards and of UNIFE-ERWA , the European Association of Wheelset manufactures.

In Lucchini RS Steven manages today the company innovation process and coordinates the wheelset Design and R&D teams.

Tshepo Kgobe

The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe is a multidisciplinary engineer with more than 22 years of extensive experience in managing complex projects and operations with diverse technical requirements in infrastructure, energy and mining; predominantly in the railway environment. Tshepo Kgobe has been in the railway industry since the beginning of his career and although he went into consulting for a while, he ended up back in the railway sector: “You could say I have trains in my veins.”

Dolly Mathebula

Dolly Mathebula is a Professionally Registered Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years’ experience. Her first 7 years of her career started in the Power Industry as an Engineer in Training, was a appointed System Engineer got recognition of Engineer of the Year nomination and left the Power Industry as a Turbine Engineering Manager, her current 8 years in the Rail Industry.

Hannes Gräbe

Prof. Hannes Gräbe is an associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) at the University of Pretoria. He holds the Chairs in Railway Engineering and Railway Safety, sponsored by Transnet Freight Rail and the Railway Safety Regulator, respectively.

Kebaabetswe Tlhoaele

Acting Permit Assessor, Railway Safety Regulator

Kebaabetswe Christina Tlhoaele, is a now in the Permit Assessor Department of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), whose work is focused on ensuring that Operators who have applied for a permit are compliant with the minimum requirements of the SMS Determination

Nathi Makhathini

Sethunya Matsie

Sethunya Matsie is an experienced Ergonomist with a demonstrated history of working in the railway, construction & mining industries. She is skilled in Ergonomics Risk Assessments, Incident Investigations, Fatigue Management strategies, Training, Human Factors Integration, and Human Factor/Ergonomics audits. She is a learned safety risk management professional with two Bachelor of Science Honours degrees and Master of Science degree focused on Human Kinetics and Ergonomics from Rhodes University.

Reginald Ntshingila

Mr. Reginald Ntshingila is a Senior Manager: Regulatory Planning department, in the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), responsible for all regulatoty tools that the RSR uses to regulate the industry. His career in engineering began when he worked for Transet Freight Rail (then SPOORNET) in the Bridge Office at Infrastructure Maintenance where he was responsible for maintenance of the railway infrastructure (bridges, tunnels and culverts)  in South Africa. He then went on to join ESKOM (Transmission) where he was a Project Engineer working in the structural design office doing structural analysis and designs. He then returned to Transnet Freight Rail as an Assistance Manager- Technical support where he handled the availability and reliability of infrastructure for the safe passage of trains. He was appointed the Senior Manager responsible for Train Service Design and Implementation for TFR.

Willem Sprong

An electrical engineer with 24 years of experience, Dr Willem Sprong specialises in railway engineering and management. He has experience in substation, reticulation, distribution and transmission designs.  Dr Sprong also specialises in the development and implementation of maintenance strategies, not limited to electrical engineering.  He has been involved in the development of strategies for training and safety management on different levels.

Andile Skosana

Andile Skosana is a development strategist and advisor leading CityConsolidator Africa (Pty) Ltd – a project preparation consultancy for infrastructure and city development. He is also a director for the Mobility Centre for Africa (MCA) advocating for connected, autonomous, shared and electric (C.A.S.E.) mobility among industry players, government and academia. He has over 21 years professional experience in the development planning, facilitation and pre-development fields across the public service, corporate and private practice.

 

Alessandro Mascis

Vice President Digital & Electronics EMEA Region, Wabtec Corporation.

Electronic engineer with a PhD in Operations Research (thesis on algorithms for railway traffic optimization), more than 25 years of experience in the Railway sector spent initially in R&D, after in project management and in the last 15 years managing bid & sales activities internationally in Bombardier before he joined Wabtec Electronic Group on January 2019