South Africa’s Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) has announced that the 2021 Annual Rail Safety Conference will take place from September 29 to October 1.

Hosted under the theme “Embracing the new normal through innovative and sustainable rail safety solutions”, this year’s conference will be held virtually, at no cost to delegates.

It will feature presentations from local and international rail experts from various disciplines.

“There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed how we interact and the way that we do business. The rail industry, like all others, has been impacted by the pandemic. However, this does not change the fact that as a rail regulator, we remain responsible for ensuring that our rail industry is well regulated and that the safety of rail service is improved.

“In line with the conference’s theme, we must embrace this new normal and find innovative ways that will ensure we remain true to our mandate, through sustainable measures. This year’s conference is a watershed moment for the rail industry,” RSR acting CEO Mmuso Selaledi says.

Hosted yearly by the RSR, the Rail Safety Conference provides a platform where industry stakeholders can come together to exchange experiences, solutions and lessons for improving railway safety.

The conference programme features a number of key sub-themes. These include how industry role-players can embrace the new normal, from environmental changes to the long-term impact of the pandemic.

Innovation in a changing railway environment will also be in the spotlight, along with the journey towards a sustainable railway environment.

All rail industry stakeholders are urged to attend this event, from rail operators, rail authorities, government regulators and municipal role-players to rail solution and logistics service providers and freight and transport companies.

The conference will be much more than just a webinar, the organisers say.

Delegates will have the opportunity to interact with exhibitors showcasing the latest tools and technologies impacting the rail industry.