43rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference 2025

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/104776

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Reforming ports for rivalry in South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Hawthorne, R.; Msimango, N.; Orffer, C.
The National Ports Authority (NPA) has recently concessioned a range of monopoly port terminals, often in joint ventures with a single terminal operator partner for 25-year lease periods. At least two of the NPA’s decisions have been contested in the courts by rival bidders. In circumstances where international experience shows that ports at the scale of South Africa’s can host a number of terminal operators, NPA runs the risk of harming the interests of consumers. This is because monopolies typically charge higher prices, provide lower quality services, and innovate less. An important short-term intervention is for the ports regulator to establish an ex-ante regulatory framework to ensure that the NPA plans for intra-port rivalry at South African ports. In the longer-term, it may be possible to separate ports to deliver inter-port competition in South Africa, as was the case prior to 1910, when rival ports competed fiercely for cargo.
Potential of infrastructure-based sensors to road safety
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Vaculin, O.; Haryanto, A.; de Borba, T.
Recent developments in sensor and computer technology enable roadside units not only to monitor traffic flow, but also to process the collected data to improve road safety. This paper presents an implemented test field with a structure of its use cases ranging from traffic monitoring to advanced extended perception utilizing a vehicle to infrastructure communication techniques. The traffic monitoring use case can be extended with an automatic accident detection being performed in a road-side unit. The accident detection method is to identify a potential accident in near real time in order to activate the first responders without unnecessary delay. The proposed vehicle-to-vehicle accident detection method is based on the evaluation of sudden velocity vector differences. The vehicles are recognized using the YOLO method from the video stream and the optical flow method is used to evaluate the sudden velocity changes, which are classified in order to decide about a possible accident.
Fundamentals of PBRRS : case study ashburton n3 umpushini river
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Strong, C.
We will be looking how safety was improved on the N3 near Ashburton with specific reference to high fill areas and space between bridges, by incorporating TMH24 and international best practice, we were able to implement a safer solution. The “what we have always done” original design was considered inadequate by the professional team which lead to a re-evaluation of what was designed, leading to the question of how do we make this safer without having to redesign everything. The engineer looked at the EN1317 specification and took the decision to specify the containment level and working width as opposed to designing based on typical details. One of the primary reasons for this was to maintain the integrity of the final design but not increase the time needed to complete the works. Being able to utilise precast concrete as opposed to cast in situ allowed for all the elements to be manufactured at the same time as the foundation, and being able to open the road to traffic faster. To ensure that what was supplied and installed met the full performance specification, the COTO requirements for chapter 11.4.3 were enforced to the letter, which ensured that the project received a guaranteed outcome. In addition to the COTO requirements for the supply of the system, we will further talk about what was put in place with the client’s representatives and the OEM to ensure that the installation was carried out 100% correctly. During discussion time, we will be able to address how this approach can be utilised more widely on our projects, with the goal of ultimately lowering costs for the road authorities.
Application of PBRRS RAPSA for Eastern Cape metropolitan FMH roll-out
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Daya, T.; Mogase, K.
A fundamental principle in safe road design is that a driver stays alert, warned and controlled to keep the vehicle on the road and in the appropriate lane. The safe systems approach aims to develop a “forgiving” roadway in which a driver is not severely punished for making a mistake through human error. This can be achieved by making allowance for clear zones and recovery areas when designing the road verge Placing of roadside furniture in a non-hazardous way is part of good roadside design. In cases where potential hazards cannot be placed outside the clear zone, road restraint systems need to be considered. Accepted principles and procedures are available in most geometric guidelines and have been expounded in the more recent draft TMH24 (2022) produced under the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The document provides standards and requirements on road restraint systems as well as application of a risk-based approach for roadside design, referred to as Risk Assessment Procedure for South Africa (RAPSA, 2022). A case study was undertaken along the National Route 2, Section 11, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, where SANRAL are implementing their Freeway Management System (FMS). This involves the installation of monitoring and surveillance hardware mounted on reinforced concrete poles alongside the roadway. The aim of this study was to determine the necessity for (and economic viability of) installing performance-based road restraint systems (PBRRS) at these locations, utilising the RAPSA tool as an analytical tool. The results from the analysis indicated that restraint systems would be required to protect motorists from fatal injuries where potential hazards are located within 2m of the edge of surfacing. During this study, additional considerations emerged - key inputs, sensitivities, and areas that require careful judgment when considering this particular approach.
Bridging the safety gap : recognising road safety engineering within ECSA's framework for a safer South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Labuschagne, F.J.J.; Strydom, T.
As South Africa strives toward implementing the Safe System Approach (SSA) to road safety, it becomes increasingly evident that the current engineering registration framework does not adequately support the development of road safety engineering (RSE) as a specialised capacity. This workshop seeks to open a critical discussion on the systemic omission of RSE in the Identification of Engineering Work (IDoEW) Rule and the policies governing professional registration by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Although existing registration policies uphold the principle of protecting the public, references to "safety" predominantly relate to occupational health and safety under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993). This narrow interpretation neglects the broader dimensions of public safety inherent in road infrastructure planning, design, and management - a gap which is particularly concerning given the scale of South Africa’s road trauma burden. We propose that road safety engineering be recognised as a formal sub-discipline of civil engineering. This would enable the definition of discipline-specific competencies such as crash investigation, road safety auditing, and the application of human factors in transport design. Such recognition is vital not only for the performance of identified engineering work but also for enabling candidate engineers to accumulate recognised, relevant experience as part of their journey toward professional registration. While ECSA has already introduced a framework for registration of Road Safety Auditors (RSAud), this initiative remains misaligned with the mainstream civil engineering education and training pathways that are essential to develop the broader road safety engineering competencies required to implement SSA effectively. We invite stakeholders across engineering practice, academia, and policy to engage in this dialogue to shape amendments to ECSA’s professional standards and training guidelines that will foster national RSE capacity. This is essential to fully support the implementation of the Safe System Approach and to ensure the engineering profession contributes meaningfully to reducing road fatalities and serious injuries.
Impact of fluorescent yellow/reen signs on the perception of road signage : South African eye-tracking study
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Cheure, N.; Marole, B.; Bosilong, K.; Mongae, T.; Venter, K.; Matsaung, T.; Mashaba, P.; Mathonsi, M.; Malima, T.; Kgoa, L.; Botha, R.
Road signs play a vital role in ensuring the safety of both motorists and pedestrians on roadways. They support the overall goal of creating a safer, more forgiving and self-explaining road environment. Among the various colours used for road signage, fluorescent yellow/green has emerged as an effective and attention-grabbing colour to highlight hazardous locations. Internationally, fluorescent yellow/green signage has become an indispensable tool in modern road safety efforts. However, it is currently not part of the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM), which is the guiding regulation for the application of road signs in South Africa. A study was conducted to measure the perception of fluorescent yellow/green (FY/G) signs using a drive lab and eye tracker to consider the measurement of the various perception variables for different genders and age groups. The results showed that the average fixation duration for the FY/G signs was higher compared to that of standard signs for all drivers, and females had a higher average fixation duration compared to males. The local and national governments can use these findings to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of standards that permit FY/G signs to be utilised.
Rethinking roadside safety : a performance-based approach to road restraint systems (RRS) in South Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) van Gruting, W.A.; Labuschagne, F.J.J.
Road Restraint Systems (RRS), including guardrails, parapets and crash barriers, play a critical role in protecting road users from severe roadside hazards. However, in South Africa, these systems are frequently installed using outdated specifications, are poorly maintained or incorrectly applied - often with fatal consequences. This presentation highlights the urgent need for a shift toward a performance-based and risk-informed approach to the specification, installation and maintenance of RRS. Drawing on international standards such as EN 1317, MASH and NCHRP Report 350, as well as local well-established roadside design imperatives including the TMH 24 South African Road Restraint Systems Manual (SARRSM) and the developing Risk Assessment Program for South Africa (RAPSA), the paper outlines the technical criteria essential for modern RRS performance. It identifies common shortcomings and failures in current practice, and offers practical guidance for engineers, road authorities and contractors. Through a systems-based lens aligned with the Safe System Approach, this presentation calls for a coordinated national effort to improve RRS knowledge leading to outcomes that will reduce fatal roadside crashes and ensure that these safety systems fulfil their intended purpose: to save lives.
Intersection safety : a Tshwane case study
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Miyambu, M.; Marole, B.; Malope, R.; Kgoa, L.; Mashaba, P.; Malima, T.; Venter, K.
The Safe System Approach (SSA) advocates for a forgiving and self-explaining roads and covers aspects such as safer vehicles, safer speeds, safer roads, post-crash care and safer people. The principles that SSA incorporates are zero tolerance for death and serious injuries, human error is inevitable, human vulnerability, shared responsibility, proactive interventions for safety, and redundancy of the transport system. This case study considers road safety aspects at a specific intersection in the City of Tshwane. The study made use of observations and traffic conflict modelling tools to assess intersection safety. Effective planning of intersections is essential in transportation and road safety engineering. Intersections are critical junctions in the road network where various traffic flows converge and where the potential for traffic conflicts is higher. The intersection design significantly influences safety, traffic movement, and the overall efficiency of the road system. It has been observed that when vehicles approach the full access intersection (T-junction) to make a right turn, drivers experience restricted visibility of oncoming traffic from the right due to parked vehicles along the roadside. This configuration forces drivers to advance cautiously into the oncoming traffic lanes to gain a clearer line of sight, leading to unsafe turning manoeuvres and traffic conflicts. Additionally, these vehicles are required to queue within the intersection between the traffic islands, while waiting for a safe gap from the oncoming traffic from the left to complete their turn and merge onto the lane after making the turn. This operational challenge raises concerns regarding the potential need for a traffic signal or a general intersection upgrade at the intersection, or similar intersections with comparable safety and flow issues. This paper concludes with recommendations to address safety concerns at this intersection type aligned with the Safe System Approach.
TMH24 - A road asset management system (RAMS) perspective on PBRRS
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Roux, M.P.
Pavements and bridges account for a large part of the road asset value and have been the main focus of road asset management. However, the road system includes a variety of non-pavement, road-related assets, each of which plays an important role in delivering the overall function of the road. Road restraint systems (RRS) are important road-related assets and represent a significant investment in road safety infrastructure. Asset management of these systems, such as guardrails, barriers, transitions to bridge parapets and crash cushions, is a critical component of road safety and infrastructure management. Historically, road restraint systems have been managed as part of maintenance management systems, which have a reactive maintenance focus. In recent years the value, operational costs and significance of RRS have been recognised, along with the need to provide more guidance for the management of these assets. Effective management ensures these systems perform optimally throughout their lifecycle, reducing risks and enhancing road user safety. Components of RRS Asset Management include Inventory, condition assessment, performance monitoring, risk-based specification and prioritisation, lifecycle planning and cost optimisation. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all RRS assets, including their locations and specifications, is essential. Regular condition assessments help identify wear, damage, or obsolescence, guiding timely maintenance or replacement actions. Continuous monitoring of RRS performance, including their effectiveness in crash scenarios, is vital. Implementing risk management strategies helps prioritize interventions based on factors like traffic volume, accident history, and environmental conditions. Adopting a whole-of-life cost approach ensures that decisions regarding installation, maintenance, and replacement are economically viable and sustainable. This involves planning for future needs and budgeting accordingly. Existing RRS must be evaluated in terms of their containment performance requirements, accompanied by a review of relevant standards and guidelines where necessary. The recently published TMH 24 South African Road Restraint Systems Manual, and its finalisation as a practical reference for assessing RRS compliance and performance within a performance-based and risk-informed asset management framework, must be supported towards its acceptance as a COTO Draft Standard.
Mob drones as solutions to some of the mobility challenges in Southern Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Zurba, Z.A.
Mobility challenges are a significant barrier to delivering healthcare services in South Africa (Walls et al., 2016). Medicine is often not accessible to remote towns, including the farming communities in rural areas of South Africa. While vehicles can reach these locations, they are not the optimal solution, as travel times are long. In humanitarian and medical logistics, these delays can put lives at risk. There is a growing trend towards autonomous transportation solutions. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) may seem far-fetched, but they are not. This paper compares the difference in travel time from a standard road vehicle to a drone. The calculations will be based on UAV technology already existing in South Africa, specifically from Milkor Air. The travel time data for vehicles was taken from Google Maps, while UAV data was sourced from the Milkor Air website. The time was calculated using the basic time calculation formula, where time equals distance divided by speed and expressed in hours and minutes. The results show that significant time savings are achieved when using UAV over traditional vehicles. This has major implications for humanitarian logistics, where delivering medicine or transporting people in and out of remote areas. For example, a doctor could reach a patient faster, dispense medication, or even use a drone to transport the patient to a hospital, all without needing a pilot’s license.
From waste to roads : circularity as a catalyst for rural mobility and economic growth in Southern Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Mhene, T.M.
This essay explores how waste material valorisation can accelerate rural mobility and economic development in Southern Africa through cost-effective, sustainable low-volume roads. Historically central to agriculture and economic growth, rural areas have been overlooked in transport planning, favouring urban centres. A shift is needed to prioritise the rural economy. Through a circular economy framework, locally available waste materials can be recycled for rural pavement construction-creating jobs, reducing environmental degradation, and improving mobility. Case studies from Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe demonstrate the technical feasibility, socio-economic benefits, and implementation strategies of this approach. Findings show that a circular approach can cut costs by up to 40%, lower emissions by 30-60%, and generate 5-7 times more jobs per kilometre than conventional techniques. This essay contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable rural development in the region.
Smart sustainable rural mobility solutions for South Africa : closing the urban-rural gap
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Mudavhi, N.B.
South Africa’s rural transport fraternity faces challenges. About a third of the population lives in areas where infrastructure is crumbling, public transport is scarce, and long walks are a norm as mobility is a daily struggle. These hardships don't just make mobility difficult, they also create barriers to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, trapping communities in cycles of poverty. This essay looks at how smart, technology-driven, and community-led mobility solutions can assist to close the gap between rural and urban mobility. Drawing on examples from South Africa and the wider Southern African region, it highlights the exigency for sustainable, smart solutions that empower rural communities, fix infrastructure gaps, and make the most of the new technologies. The essay explores key areas where real change is possible. Digital tools are proving to be powerful from SMS-based ride-hailing services and mobile money systems to digital maps that chart informal transport routes. Projects such as bicycle distribution programs and the rollout of solar-powered electric micro-vehicles offer practical, scalable options designed specifically for rural life. Building better rural roads, creating pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and even testing drone-based services are all critical steps to back up these mobility solutions. Using GIS technology for smarter, data-driven planning while making sure communities have a say ensures that investments meet local needs. The essay proposes alternative recommendations to making mobility a right for every South African which should not just be a dream but a necessary step to a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable mobility future.
Mobility solutions in Southern Africa : challenges of railway safety and security for high-speed rail implementation
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Sigama, A.
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) systems in Southern Africa play a crucial role in modern transportation, through boosting economic growth, reducing traffic congestion, improving logistics, and supporting environmental sustainability. However, the development of HSR in the region faces significant challenges relating to railway safety and security. This essay analyzes three major barriers, which includes the infrastructure vulnerability, derailments, and collisions, and their impact on rail modernization. By reviewing studies and data, the essay explores the socio-economic effects of these issues and then recommends technological solutions such as the Positive Train Control (PTC), IoT-based monitoring, and smart traffic management. The essay emphasizes the need for infrastructure upgrade, policy change, and collaboration among stakeholders to prepare the Southern Africa’s rail sector for the future demands.
The wingfield interchange project : a network approach to improving mobility challenges in Cape Town
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Dlamini, B.; Hendriksz, C.; Hendrickse, M.
The National Route N1 between Koeberg interchange and Sable Road is the highest trafficked road in the Western Cape with a current AADT of 152 000 vehicles per day. In comparison, the AADT in the year 2000 was 84000. Daily traffic on this section of the N1 has therefore increased by 80% over the last 24 years, or an average growth of 2.5% per annum without any major intervention to the freeway network. This traffic growth together with the gradual increase in the city’s population has resulted in this section of the N1 being one of the most congested links in Cape Town - contributing to the city ranking among the most congested in the world. The mobility along this corridor has therefore been severely compromised, resulting in intolerable travel time and constrained development potential. To address these mobility challenges, the WCG, through the Wingfield Interchange Project will implement a phased road network upgrade scheme, which will include the upgrade of ten (10) interchanges and collector-distributor (C-D) road system along the N1 and N7. This paper provides an overview of the planned network upgrades and how these will address Cape Town’s mobility challenges.
Solar synapse : AI-powered, solar-driven mobility for Southern Africa
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Mphagi, M.
Southern Africa’s transport system suffers from historical inequities, ageing infrastructure, and rising environmental pressures. Urbanisation and fossil fuel dependency contribute to congestion and emissions, while rural areas remain isolated. This paper proposes Solar Synapse, a decentralised, AI-powered mobility ecosystem leveraging solar energy, electric minibuses, and community engagement. This generic model integrates solar micro grids, intelligent transport systems, and participatory technology to improve mobility equity and sustainability in urban and rural contexts. The framework’s technological, policy, and social dimensions are discussed with regional data and case studies. Safety considerations for lithium-ion batteries and alignment with development goals are included. Solar Synapse offers a scalable solution adaptable to Southern African realities without commercial branding.
Innovative mobility solutions for Southern African challenges : some prospects
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Mutwanamba, P.
Southern Africa continues to face ongoing mobility challenges rooted in historical spatial inequalities, infrastructural deficits, fragmented transport governance, affordability barriers, and environmental vulnerabilities. These challenges disproportionately affect rural communities, low-income households, and marginalised groups, limiting access to employment, healthcare, and education. This paper investigates the key mobility challenges and recommends innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions aligned with Southern Africa's development priorities and spatial dynamics. Secondary data and information content were analysed via a thematic approach, which was supported by comparative case study analysis of successful innovative mobility interventions. Case studies reviewed included Cape Town’s MyCiTi BRT system, Malawi’s rural mobility initiatives, Rwanda’s Non-Motorised Transport policy, and Tokyo’s multimodal integration. The findings highlight the importance of context-sensitive infrastructure, integrated governance frameworks, community-driven initiatives, and green mobility innovations. The paper concludes that with adequate political will, institutional capacity, and investment in inclusive and resilient infrastructure, Southern Africa can achieve sustainable transport systems that foster economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Weathering the storm : addressing flood-induced mobility challenges in South Africa's transportation infrastructure
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Kote, L.
Mobility mainly refers to the movement of people, goods or services across different places. This includes using different transport modes, such as walking, cycling, driving and using public transport, like busses, trains and mini-bus taxis. These transportation systems have their own issues, and limitations which form barriers for those who depend on them. Climate change is becoming a big issue in transportation systems globally, with the rise of temperatures worldwide that are triggering catastrophic weather events that end up changing the area landscape. These changes affect and ruin transportation infrastructure compromising overall mobility. This essay explores the impacts of floods on transportation systems and the challenges they pose to mobility in urban and rural areas, as well as solutions to the problems. Flooding in South Africa causes major mobility challenges by interfering with transportation systems such as roadways, airports, railways and public transit. Airports close during floods which disrupts the national and regional trade and flooded dirt roads can isolate rural communities. These issues are made worse through urban inequality, with infrastructure differences between rural and urban areas and with informal settlements being built in flood-prone areas, overwhelming the existing drainage and stormwater systems. To combat this new technology and road pavements are designed to be able to coexist with the current problems. This essay covers the impact of floods in South Africa on transportation systems affecting mobility and how flood modelling and resilience assessment will be required to adopt and incorporate the newly designed floodway channel roads into the existing roadway systems.
Mobility solutions to Southern African callenges
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Iroka, C.V.
Southern Africa faces significant transportation challenges that hinder the economic growth and the social development of the region. While Cecil Rhodes once envisioned a railway connecting Cape Town in South Africa to the city of Cairo in Egypt, the reality today is that many Southern African countries still lack comprehensive rail and transport networks. Infrastructure shortfalls, such as deteriorating roads, traffic congestion, corruption in transportation funding, and conflicts within the taxi industry, amplify mobility issues. This essay suggests and explores key strategies that may be useful in improving mobility and transportation across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including expanding and enhancing existing transport systems. One proposed solution is the expansion of South Africa’s Gautrain into a regional SADC-Train network. This would require addressing systemic challenges such as corruption in infrastructure funding and organized crime that currently restricts many construction projects. Additionally, an integrated intermodal transport system linking the expanded rail network with bus services like the City of Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya could improve accessibility to affordable mobility. Another critical aspect of mobility reform is the formalization of the taxi industry, which dominates public transport but operates without institutional control. Implementing regulatory measures, improving driver training, and incorporating digital fare systems such as smart cards could enhance safety, reliability, and affordability (Sergio et al., 2016). Making transport options financially accessible will be essential to ensuring the inclusivity of improved mobility solutions (Hörcher & Tirachini, 2021). Through a combination of policy intervention, investment in transport infrastructure, and technological advancements, Southern Africa can overcome its transportation challenges and create a more efficient, safe, and sustainable mobility system.
Mobility solutions to Southern Africa challenges : integrated public transport network via mobility-as-a-service
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Maake, R.G.
Mobility as a catalyst for; economic development and social inclusion is put under pressure in transport systems throughout Southern Africa, which experience recurring challenges of high urbanization rates, historic inequalities, fragmented infrastructure, and weakly functioning transport governance systems. Public transport is still the predominant mode of mobility, but frequently suffers underinvestment, disintegration, and an incapacity to cope with rapid urban population increase. These challenges are creating an opportunity for integrated and MaaS supported public transport networks as a potential path to economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially accepted mobility systems. This strategy combines formal and informal options, improves service chains, limits car reliance, and promotes SDGs. But development is hampered by significant obstacles like weak policy frameworks, a lack of funding, a lack of data, and cultural reluctance. Strategic policy reform, focused research funding, public-private collaborations, and public awareness and trust-building campaigns are all necessary to overcome these challenges. Southern African towns have a crucial chance to match mobility practices with the Sustainable Development Goals as they move toward integrated, MaaS-supported transport networks.
Towards sustainable mobility in South Africa : the role of lane change studies
(Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), 2025) Lubega, R.
South Africa’s highways face challenges related to road safety, congestion, and the integration of diverse transit modes. Unsafe and inefficient lane-changing manoeuvres (especially in high-traffic corridors and weaving sections) are major contributors to traffic crashes and reduced mobility. While lane changing has been extensively studied internationally, its research and application in South Africa is still limited. There is need for localized, high-quality data acquisition and analyses, and adaptation of global best practices to South Africa’s traffic mix. Lane change observations inform design of safer road infrastructure, optimize traffic management strategies, and support evidence-based safety policy interventions. This essay briefly reviews lane change research and presents driver behaviour data sources and some of the effective solutions that could be derived from comprehensive empirical studies of driver lane-changing behaviour on South African roads.

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