BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Eswatini Railway has called for a stronger safety culture across its operations and surrounding communities, emphasising that protecting human life must take priority over operational targets, commercial interests and deadlines.
The call was made by the company’s Chief Executive Officer in an address delivered by Acting Chief Executive Officer and Director of Corporate Services Emmanuel Simelane during the launch of Railway Safety Week 2026 at The George Hotel in Manzini on October 12.
Held under the theme “Think Safe, Work Safe: From Workplaces to Communities, Every Action Counts,” the campaign seeks to strengthen safety awareness and encourage responsible behaviour among railway employees, stakeholders and the public.
In his address, the CEO stressed that safety was fundamental to Eswatini Railway’s mandate of providing efficient and reliable transport services in support of national economic development and regional trade.
“No operational target, commercial opportunity or financial achievement should ever take precedence over the preservation of human life,” he said.
He emphasised that railway safety was a shared responsibility requiring commitment from management, employees, contractors, stakeholders and communities, rather than being left to the Safety Department alone.
The CEO said management must provide safe working environments, appropriate equipment, adequate training and effective supervision, while employees should follow safety procedures, identify hazards and report unsafe conditions without fear of victimisation.
He also called for proactive risk management, urging the company to address hazards and near misses before they result in serious incidents.
“Safety must never be regarded as an obstacle to productivity. Rather, safe operations are the foundation of reliable, efficient and sustainable railway services,” he said.
Turning to public safety, the CEO raised concern over trespassing on railway lines, vandalism of infrastructure, encroachment on railway reserves and failure to observe warning signs at level crossings.
He urged motorists to exercise caution at railway crossings and pedestrians to avoid using railway tracks as shortcuts. Parents and educators were also encouraged to teach children about the dangers of playing near railway infrastructure.
The CEO warned that trains could not stop as quickly as road vehicles, making careless decisions around railway crossings potentially fatal.
He said Eswatini Railway remained committed to working with law enforcement agencies, local authorities, traditional leaders and community organisations to strengthen public awareness and protect railway infrastructure.
He further highlighted how seemingly small actions could prevent serious accidents, including reporting defective equipment, conducting proper safety briefings, obeying warning signs and reporting vandalism.
As a member of the Southern African Railways Association, Eswatini Railway also recognises the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing in promoting safe and sustainable railway operations.
The CEO urged employees, stakeholders and communities to make safety part of their daily decisions rather than treating it as an annual campaign.
“Every safe journey begins with a safe decision. Every safe workplace begins with responsible actions. And every safe community begins with people who care enough to act,” he said.
Railway Safety Week activities will continue in Matsapha on October 13, 2026, extending the campaign’s safety awareness efforts to communities and stakeholders.
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