Railroad Association of South Africa (RRA) was officially established on 11 October 2000
Over 20 major companies and organisations are now members. Support for the creation of RRA came from the Committee for Railway Engineering (CRE) in 1998. At the time, CRE represented a group professional road and railway engineers, including academics who had become increasingly concerned that South Africa’s transport resources were not being utilised in the most effective manner. Pierre Lombard, CRE Chairman, thought that an independent transport industry support group representing in particular, private industry, could rise above narrow sectarian and modal interests.
The RRA Steering Committee was established, with Bill Strong, a well-known industry leader, being the Chairman. Working with John Thompson, Allen Jorgensen, John Morgan and assisted by other industry role players, a constitution and business plan was prepared. The new organisation made its début at the Africa Rail 2000 Conference and Exhibition in June 2000. This was so successful that formalisation of the group’s activities followed.
The RailRoad Association believes that it can make a positive contribution towards resolving South Africa’s serious transport problems. It wishes to create a forum for discussion and debate amongst industry leaders, politicians and the general public at large. Highlighting the complex issues that must be resolved will be treated as a matter of urgency. A better understanding of these issues and their inter-relationship is essential for all South Africans. RRA will also encourage the development of greater trust and a closer working relationship between members of the South African rail and road industry.
