Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke | Women In Leadership

Driving Railway Safety For South Africa's Future

By Jessie Taylor

South Africa’s transport sector is in the midst of renewal, and at the heart of this effort is Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, the Chairperson of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR). With a strong background in governance and leadership, Ms Ekeke brings both vision and discipline to one of the most crucial aspects of South Africa’s infrastructure: ensuring the safety of its railways. Her role is vital in transforming the country’s rail landscape into a safer, more efficient system that contributes meaningfully to economic growth and social development.

The RSR was established to oversee and enforce safety standards in the railway sector, ensuring operators meet rigorous requirements. Its mandate covers auditing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance across the industry. This is critical in a country where railways are central to passenger transport and freight logistics, particularly in moving commodities such as coal, iron ore, and agricultural products. The Regulator also plays a vital role in investigating railway accidents and incidents, identifying systemic risks, and recommending changes to prevent future occurrences. Its work ensures accountability in the sector and builds public confidence in rail as a mode of transport.

Transforming Railway Safety

Ms Ekeke’s leadership journey reflects her deep commitment to public service and governance. Appointed to chair the RSR Board, she has been instrumental in shaping strategies that align with the national objectives of rebuilding South Africa’s transport sector. Her governance experience extends across different industries, but in the railway space, her skills have become most visible. Under her guidance, the RSR has strengthened its oversight role, ensuring that rail operators place safety at the centre of their operations.

She has consistently highlighted that railway safety is not only a regulatory concern but also a developmental one. Safe and reliable railways enhance economic activity, enable trade, and provide safer, more affordable public transport for citizens. Ms Ekeke has emphasised that safety cannot be compromised, especially as South Africa works to restore confidence in public infrastructure.

Under Ms Ekeke’s leadership, the RSR has been driving a culture shift within the railway industry. She has called for proactive safety management, where operators do not simply comply with minimum requirements but actively embed safety as part of their organisational culture. This includes the adoption of modern technologies, continuous skills development, and enhanced collaboration across the sector.

One of the key areas of focus has been strengthening the Safety Management System (SMS) framework, which obligates operators to demonstrate how they manage safety risks. This approach ensures that accountability rests not just with regulators but also with the companies operating rail systems. By pushing for more robust and transparent safety reporting, Ekeke and the RSR are laying the foundation for longterm improvements in railway performance.

Safety and Economic Growth

The importance of the railway sector to South Africa’s economy cannot be overstated. Efficient and safe rail networks reduce road congestion, lower transport costs, and facilitate trade. They also play a significant role in passenger mobility, especially for working-class communities that rely heavily on trains. Ms Ekeke has consistently highlighted that without safe railways, economic growth is constrained and social inequalities deepen.

By focusing on safety, the RSR supports broader government objectives such as job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. Railway safety reduces the risk of accidents, which often come with devastating human and financial costs. Safer systems also attract investment, as industries and international partners are more likely to commit resources when they are confident in the reliability of infrastructure.

Ms Ekeke’s leadership is also characterised by her people centred approach. She has noted that railway safety is ultimately about protecting lives - whether those of passengers, employees, or communities living near railway lines. This perspective has guided the RSR’s community outreach programmes, which aim to raise awareness about railway safety hazards and reduce risky behaviour around train stations and tracks.

Such initiatives are critical in South Africa, where incidents of cable theft, vandalism, and unsafe pedestrian crossings pose significant risks. Through education and engagement, the RSR under Ekeke’s stewardship is working to instil a culture of safety among operators and within communities.

Railway safety in South Africa is not without challenges. Ageing infrastructure, limited investment, and operational inefficiencies have all contributed to a system under strain. However, Ms Ekeke has been vocal about turning these challenges into opportunities for innovation and renewal. She has encouraged investment in modern signalling systems, digital monitoring tools, and stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to rebuild confidence in the rail system.

Source: Railway Safety Regulator | SA News | Engineering News