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VOL 15 ISSUE NO.152
TEL. 076 276 4241 / O62 O16 4622
Email: bcnews@telkomsa.net
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
Devious cable syndication endanger train commuters LANZO CRUYWAGEN In a step to secure a safe train service for commuters on the notorious Central Line, two police officers will be escorting the train driver and two officers escorting the Metro Guard. In addition a police officer will be in the middle cab as back up. These extreme measures come in the wake of the spate of violent attacks against train drivers, guards which resulted in drivers refusing to operate on the Netreg, Bonteheuwel, Heideveld, Nyanga and Langa perilous line. It is also an attempt to get the service back on track that has been impeded by these callous attacks. Announcing the safety measures Steve Harris, general secretary of United National Transport Union (UNTU) also indicated that UNTU members have commence duty on the line with immediate effect. “UNTU and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) signed an agreement after the crippled passenger rail
service agreed that the safety of its employees is paramount. In terms of this agreement UNTU members will only operate on the Central Line under the conditions of two police officers escorting the train driver and two offices escorting the Metro train guard. “Police Officers will accompany the train crew from the roster office. Containers will be placed at the Bonteheuwel split with armed guards/police officers 24/7 with vehicles on the services roads within 30 days as from January 16,” Harris said. He reiterated if PRASA or SAPS fails to adhere to the agreement, the train service on the line will be suspended again adding that this is what UNTU has been demanding for the past two years. “Although it is a relief for the employees working on the Central Line, one must never forget that five innocent workers paid with their lives because basic security measures were not met,” he said.
However a week ago, despite these measures and authorities attempts to get the services back on track, a train derailed between the Heideveld and Netreg stations. This incident happened a day before the authorities intention to resume the service. Preliminary indications showed that vandalism on the line could be telling possible cause of
the derailment. An inquiry into the incident will later confirm the cause of the incident. For months unscrupulous alleged cable syndicated targeting the Central Line displayed scant regard commuters and their relentless attacks comes down to sabotage. Cable thieves colluding with some scrap yard dealers have paralyzed train services on lines.
Local jazzy vibes to reign supreme at Africa’s race day
Guests attending The Glenlivet JazzTown marquee at Africa’s richest race day at Kenilworth Race Course on Saturday January 27, will be able to soak up the jazzy vibes and sounds of a world class South jazz line – up, headed up by two renowned local artists – the legendary Judith Sephuma and darling of the SA music centre Jimmy Nevis. Also on the line up are two time Metro FM Music award classical pianist Nomfundo Xaluvu and musical maestro Khenzero aka Kenneth Bekizizwe Nzama. For more information visit - www. summer.co.za (copy submitted)