Issued by Ministry of Transport
31 July 2001
July 31st 1996, five years ago, might be long obliterated on many South Africans’ minds, but not on Minister Omar’s. This day marked a sad chapter in Railway service that anyone would like to forget very fast.
On the morning of this day fifteen (15) commuters died and scores injured at the Tembisa Station due to a stampede. Another commuter lost the battle to survive after being on a coma for five months.
The then Transport Minister appointed a joint committee of Inquiry led by Mr. Tiego Moseneke.
The chilling findings were:
-poor state of infrastructure for commuter rail services.
-the use of electric shock battons to control crowd and
-inadequate planning by Metrorail to ensure systematic and sympathetic crowd control to their quest to curb fare evasion.
“With the benefit of the hind sight I would be putting it mildly if I say black commuters’ needs were not addressed and they were subjected to inhuman treatment. They were never worth worrying about and their death, irrespective of the figures, remained insignificant.
Whites occupied top echelons positions in Metrorail and were only worried with the welfare of fellow people welfare. We are balancing management with the introduction of Blacks in top positions.
Although the current government was in power at the time of the incident it was still conducting infrastructural audit, restructuring and making proper planning on Transport and other areas of public service. South Africa will never see such incidents as indiscriminate government is here to serve all and sundry,” said the concerned Minister Omar.
Although the situation couldn’t be reversed it was fortunate that the bereaved families and those who sustained injuries received compensation from SARCC’s insurers.
In line with the recommendations, Transport Department began construction of the new Station in May 1999. The station now extends over the tracks with two circular ramps on either side. The new building boasts a ticket office, master amenities and customer services amenities.
Moreover platforms and shelters have been upgraded whilst turnstiles, PA System and CCTV equipment have been installed. All this to the tune of R11 Million.
“We will not, fortunately or unfortunately, sit back, relax and fold our arms across our chests while the masses are suffering”.
Issued by Ndivhuwo Mabaya Communication Officer Ministry Of Transport Tel: 082 926 9379