Issued by: Minister of Transport
10 November 2000
Government regards the train accident in a very serious light and recognises that the matter is one of great public concern.
Sometime ago government initiated a process to establish an independent rail safety authority. South Africa has never had in place such an authority ever. Legislation is being prepared. A task team was set up sometime ago. The assistance of the Canadian government was, so as to take into account international best practice.
Legislation will be submitted to Parliament in due course. With regard to the Germiston train accident, and independent inquiry needs to be set up. Consultations have taken place between relevant Government Ministers, the South African Commuter Rail Corporation and Metrorail.
Government will take into account the views of Metrorail and will announce the form, structure and terms of reference of the inquiry early next week.