President Ramaphosa slams continuous sabotage, theft & vandalism of rail infrastructure
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday said the continuous sabotage, theft, and vandalism of South Africa’s rail infrastructure is the worst form of economic crime in the country.
He said it had a direct impact on the lives of millions of South Africans who rely on the commuter rail to get to work or to study; and also undermined economic growth and puts a further strain on economic resources.
Answering questions during a sitting of the National Council of Provinces yesterday (NCOP), Ramaphosa told the House the government was taking decisive action to improve railway security as part of its economic reconstruction and recovery plan.
Ramaphosa said the immediate deployment of security guards, plans for drones, and other high-tech surveillance and armed response units were all part of the plan to stop the wrecking of South Africa’s commuter rail network.
“National Treasury has granted approval of R900m for the implementation of the Prasa security plan to combat theft and vandalism of the rail infrastructure.
“Part of the plan is to immediately appoint security personnel to deploy remotely piloted aircraft systems, to conduct virtual patrols of high-risk infrastructure.
“This capability will work together with specialized investigations and armed response.”
Ramaphosa said work on this has already begun but he also appealed to South Africans to take a stand against such crimes and be part of efforts to build a safe, reliable, and affordable public transport system.
“As we improve measures on rail network most effective defence is vigilance of rail users and active involvement to protect this national resource.”
-EWN
In other news – Photos: Inside Minnie Dlamini’s beautiful third Baby Shower, this time from her Husband’s family
Ever since Minnie Dlamini announced that she and her hubby Quinton are expecting their first child together, it has been raining baby showers on the mother-to-be. The television star got her first surprise baby shower in Durban organized by her family and her son’s godmother Mam Mkhize.
“My mom invited all her friends to spoil me for a surprise baby shower. She honestly went all out and I can’t be more grateful for the tribe of women that raised me and continue to love and guide me through all my stages of womanhood. Learn More
