Rail commuters have been warned to make alternative transport arrangements for next Friday, July 26, when the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) and the United National Transport Union (Untu) plan to shut down commuter train services across the country.
Frank Nxumalo, Fedusa’s media and research officer, said: “The strike is against extremely poor and dangerous Metrorail passenger train services, that continue to violate all health and safety provisions as seen by perpetually late trains, deliberate acts of arson and endless fatal accidents that have left many families traumatised.
“As a result of failed services, commuters (have been left) helpless and frustrated daily.
“Ultimately the national day of protest is intended to force the Presidency to declare the passenger rail service crisis a national disaster, in order to facilitate the deployment of the SANDF to safeguard rail assets and help combat rampant railway crime.”
Train service will shut down for one day. File image
Fedusa president, Masale Godfrey Selematsela, said: “Considering the nature of the Section 77 certificate, all workers across the provinces can take part in this protest march without fear of victimisation by employers as long as they have a copy of the certificate on their persons on the day of the march.”
Fedusa and Untu said they wanted the Department of Transport, the Passenger Rail Service of South Africa (Prasa) - the operators of Metrorail - the railway safety regulator and the South African police to take immediate remedial action.
This includes replacing old, broken or stolen infrastructure and equipment such as railway tracks, signalling equipment and unsafe and outdated train sets, and to bring back a well resourced railway police.
African News Agency