Cape Town

A Metrorail train passing Muizenberg train station in Cape Town.

PRASA denies that it is operating illegally

But according to the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) of South Africa, PRASA is in contravention of the National Railway Safety Act.

Cape Town

A Metrorail train passing Muizenberg train station in Cape Town.

On Wednesday, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) claimed that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) was operating unlawfully, without a valid safety permit. PRASA has fired back, saying that its permit is being ‘finalised’.

The bombshell dropped by the RSR was met by disbelief – not because it seemed untrue, but purely due to its implications on South Africa’s railway transport system.

Safety permits expire

News24 first reported that PRASA had been denied an extension its safety permits and that due to its expiry, the railway agency was effectively operating in contravention of the National Railway Safety Act.

A spokesperson for the RSR, Madelein Williams, issued a statement relating to PRASA’s safety permit issues, saying:

“The RSR is of the opinion that Prasa cannot demonstrate to the regulator that it has the ability, commitment and resources to properly assess and effectively control the risks to assets and safety of its customers, staff, contractors, visitors and others who may be affected by its railway operations.”

PRASA denies any wrongdoing

The railway agency of South Africa has hit back at the allegations, arguing that its safety permit has indeed been renewed, and was currently in the process of being ‘finalised’.

Nana Zenani, the spokesperson for PRASA, confirmed that both organisations had met last week to discuss the expiration date relating to the safety permit. PRASA says they have not being contacted by the RSR, and only learnt of their alleged unlawful operation through the media.

Zenani maintains that the railway company has acted in accordance with RSR regulations, saying:

“Prasa submitted its response for RSR consideration on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, to which the RSR gave an undertaking to respond in 48 hours. In light of this, Prasa requested an extension of the safety permit to cover the 48-hour timeline given by the RSR to respond to Prasa’s submission.

As of today, no official response has been received from RSR to Prasa, except for what is now in the public domain through the media.”

The spokesperson added that they have yet to receive any notification from the RSR, saying:

“This means that Prasa does not have an official document from RSR that articulates the sentiments shared in the media statement.”

Following multiple arson attacks on MetroRail trains in Cape Town, coupled with complaints from United National Transport Union (UNTU), concerns have been raised regarding PRASA’s competency with regards to ensuring employee, and the public’s, safety.