Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Transport, delivered a keynote speech at the 13th Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre. This event, one of the largest rail gatherings in the SADC region, which ran from August 20th to 22nd, 2024.
SARA represents the interests of the rail sector across Southern Africa and plays a crucial role in advancing railway development not only in Southern Africa but across the entire continent through its network of railway operator members in railway infrastructure for the continent’s economic growth. This years’ conference, themed, “Boosting Continental Trade via Rail: Investments in African Railways for the Sustainable Development of the Continent” focused on the importance of investment.
The conference also featured addresses from key speakers in the rail and transport sector such as SARA President, and CEO of PRASA, Mr. Hishaam Emeran, who also participated in a panel discussion as well as presentations from local and international rail experts.
A significant point from the Minister’s speech was her emphasis on the need to invest in skills within the rail industry. “A robust and future-ready rail sector is not solely built on infrastructure and technology, it is underpinned by the skills and expertise of the people who work within it. As we look to modernize and expand our rail networks, the need for investment in appropriate skills across logistics, engineering, infrastructure development, and digitization cannot be overstated.’ Said the Minister.
In her keynote address, Creecy also emphasized that the theme for this years’ SARA Conference goes beyond being just a tagline; it is a call for action. She also emphasized the need to make our railway safe, secure, dependable, and innovative. “To unlock the complete economic potential of our region, we must prioritize regional interoperability and competitiveness.” added the Minister of Transport.
The Minister concluded her speech by urging support for the rail sector initiatives that will fully realize our region’s potential. She emphasized the importance of standing firm behind the decisions made, as these choices will influence the future of transportation in our region and will affect our ability to integrate, compete, and ultimately thrive in global markets.
