Metrorail's Year of Chaos

We host one of the Seven Wonders of the World and this year Cape Town was also the World Design Capital, unfortunately two days after the annual Cape Town Carnival, thousands were stranded and frustrated when trains were delayed by more than an hour.

The mess took place because a train derailed, a week after Transport minister, Dipuo Peters, took a train and engaged with commuters.

Back in March I wrote that Monday 17 March is probably a day Metrorail staff and commuters would not like to see be repeated – unfortunately it was.

On numerous occasions I’ve said that with our old infrastructure and stock, we will probably see more delays and who really knows when the new trains will be operational.

Metrorail’s year in a nutshell can only be described as chaos. The only good story would possible be GoMetro (which is not operated by Metrorail) and then there’s the Twitter handle @CapeTownTrains.

Metrorail’s overall communication though was not up to standard, definitely something a commuter should not count on (I’m trying not to use the words incompetent). The fact that their website had a slow death is not helping them either. Besides the lack of communication, there’s also a lack of senior staff when all hell breaks loose…

I was privileged enough to visit Metrorail’s Operational Centre, I also build extremely good relationships with Metrorail staff and was even described by Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters’ as Metrorail’s number one critic (and I haven’t failed at doing that).

Despite their Year of Chaos, senior Metrorail staff still fails to understand the frustration of commuters when trains are delayed. This statement I make because not once when trains were delayed for more than 30minutes, did any senior manager of Metrorail/Prasa take a train with commuters.

EMPTY PROMISES

On Tuesday 25^th March, former Regional Manager Mthura Swartz announced safety critical interventions. There were no time frames and deadlines and the four months added later, was clearly missed. Other measures announced:

• Metrorail in a way stabilized the railway network, but was hit by cable theft and their response: we apologise for the inconvenience.
• The commuter I am, expected atleast better customer service and communication, I’m still waiting on that.
• A second train for Worcester was also announced, and we still waiting on that empty promise.
• Their sms system was revived, and I can actually understand why it had a slow death – it’s more delayed than trains.
• The Twitter handle has moved from updating every 20 to 30 minutes to more frequently and even engage with commuters (atleast something Metrorail can be proud of).
• Despite recommending that the MyLine be used more proactive, it is now being advertised and handed out. I still feel it is a waste of money.

Metrorail’s problem is not having an integrated policy/strategy for their departments and a Customer Services and Communication sections in it. This I told them in April.

I also shared with them not to complicate things and give certain technical information with illustrations and images. There’s slow progress with this though.

I also advised Metrorail to be more honest with commuters and there’s even progress with this.

FREE WI-FI

In June free Wi-Fi at Cape Town station was promised and I welcomed this by saying Metrorail cannot promise a reliable service in 2014, they could promise better communication and customer service and give the Wi-Fi as some sort of compensation.

As we know better communication, customer service and Wi-Fi are all delayed with the trains.

Cables were installed and there’s actually Wi-Fi on Cape Town station, but due to some issues and Metrorail’s forever red tape, this is not announced.

Wi-Fi is not and can never be a substitute for the poor service, Metrorail should be applauded for the initiative though – that’s once they decide to implement it

Despite Metrorail’s missed opportunity, Metrorail’s delay, Lack of Communication, empty WiFi promise, they do have a good story to tell, their RailTourism train.

While I might have lost hope in some senior staff, it is Metrorail’s good story and my continuous interaction with senior Metrorail staff that I still have hope. 

Reconciliation: it's up to us!

Reconciliation Day (a public holiday) is significant to both the Afrikaner and African cultures. The holiday came into effect in 1994 after the end of apartheid, with the intention of fostering reconciliation and national unity. The day is also the de facto start of the South African summer holiday period being the first of four public holidays to fall in a sixteen-day period at the height of summer. (The other days are Christmas Day, Family Day (commonly called Boxing Day) and New Year’s Day).

For Afrikaners, 16 December was commemorated as the Day of the Vow, also known as Day of the Covenant or Dingaan's Day. The Day of the Vow was a religious holiday commemorating the Voortrekker victory over the Zulus at the Battle of Blood River in 1838, and is still celebrated by some Afrikaners.

On the other side of the political spectrum, 16 December is also the anniversary of the 1961 founding of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the African National Congress.

During the first 16 December Reconciliation Day celebrations in 1995, the founding president of our democracy, the late Nelson Mandela said: This Day of Reconciliation celebrates the progress we have made; it reaffirms our commitment; and it measures the challenges. 

"Reconciliation however, does not mean forgetting or trying to bury the pain of conflict. Today we re-affirm our solemn constitutional compact to live together on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”

He concluded with Let us join hands and build a truly South African nation.

Paarl is dressed for 16 Days of Activism

Paarl the third-oldest town in South Africa with its famous vineyards and glistening mountain range is not only the home of various sportsman and woman. The town where world icon, former president Nelson Mandela, gave his first steps as a free man is now setting another example.

The annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children which runs from November 25^th to December 10^th is aimed at creating awareness about the huge negative impact domestic violence has.

The first resident of the municipal area, adv. Gesie van Deventer, executive Mayor of Drakenstein, started the initiative to “dress” the municipal area to increase awareness and build support for victims and survivors of abuse.

Amanda Mostert, a local activist – who herself was a victim of abuse and rape – heard the mayor’s plea and together with other role-players are aiming to a create a mammoth campaign – the same year as South Africa commemorating 20 years of freedom and democracy – in partnership with business and local residents.

Residents and businesses are urged to support the campaign by:

(1) Purchasing an awareness package which contains a branded coffee mug; t-shirt and white ribbon (which you are urged to wear daily.)

(2) Participate in the various 16 Days of Activism events and activities taking place.

A 115 business in the town have geared themselves for the campaign. By gearing yourself, with the awareness package, you show your support for the 16 Days of Activism, everyday!

Campaign information is also provided to businesses that take part, to empower their staff to learn more and assist people in trauma situations.

The community is also encouraged to keep a whistle ready for the opening and closing of the project, where everybody will make sure at 12:00 on November 25^th and December 10^th, their voice against domestic violence is hear loud and clear.

Paarl, the largest of the wineland towns, with a population of more than 112 000 (according to Census 2011) can surely make the biggest noise and unite for 16 Days of Activism.

Youth need to take responsibility

The recent killings of young people in the valley make a fellow youngster feel uncomfortable.

Not so long ago, the death of a young person would shock an entire community, but these days you get the impression people are not shocked, as the killing of innocents has become part of the norm.

If one could argue that the average age of young people who die is between 18 and 24, it would mean they were born between 1989 and 1998, during the infant years of our democracy.

They were then children who had dreams of a free country in which they could raise their own children with hope.

Taking this into account, it poses the question: where did we fail and who is failing us?

I recall when I was in high school in 2002, learners were scared of being caught smoking.

Now children smoke in front of grown-ups.

One always reads that the communities know who the gangsters or criminals are, but surely we were not raised to be bad elements in our communities.

Nor would any parent want their child to use drugs or become a gangster.

I come from the same community and the same street as other bad elements and I am not bad.

The street you come from and the community you are raised in do not determine your destiny.

Responsibility and ownership is not determined by the government, but parents, the youth and society. Do communities not determine their identity?

I am fortunate enough to have grown up in two different areas. In both communities, neighbours knew and supported each other. Children could play in the street until late, without parents fearing a drive-by shooting.

After two decades, I now have to wonder and fear if it is safe for my child to play outside. But I should also wonder about my own safety, as violence in communities has become similar to buying bread – an everyday thing.

To fear is easy and it is human to fear the unknown, but I should ask myself: what am I doing to change that fear?

The solution to our problem is for all of us to work together.

The government and NGOs have the resources, funds, policies and strategies to assist communities with information and education.

Society has the ability to create their identity and they can do this by being an active community, one where neighbours know each other and, more importantly, talk to each other.

A society that does not accept what is happening, but one where they create an environment for children to play in the streets and where the elderly are allowed to walk to the shop and their religious gatherings, without fear.

For parents, it is important to know that before a child looks outside the door, they must be able to find role models in their home. Raising children to the best of their ability, parents need to be these role-models.

Although children have rights, parents should know that they can still discipline a child, without abusing the child and violating the child’s rights.

From an early age we were taught right from wrong, it should worry us that our youth despise this, favouring wrong over right.

Parents are merely the vessel that brings a child into the world and it is still my task as a child to be a responsible citizen and take ownership of my life and actions.

No quick remedy can fix our challenges, the answer lies with us as individuals.

So yes, the recent killings in our communities should not be accepted.

Whether they are gang-related or not, it is a societal issue that requires us to join hands.

We have been united by big sports games let us unite to take back our communities.

*Original opinion piece appeared in the Paarl Post of Thursday 20 November 2014

The humble golden boy of the Valley

I was privileged to attend the memorial service of Tinus Linee on Thursday 6^th November 2014

WHO WAS TINUS

Linee was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in April 2013 and sadly passed away on Monday 3 November 2014, aged 45, at his home in Paarl.

Marthinus "Tinus" Linee was a South African rugby player, who predominantly played centre. He played all his provincial rugby for Western Province and represented Western Province and the Stormers in Super Rugby. He played nine tour games for the Springboks between 1993 and 1994, but never played in a test for South Africa.

Linee attended Nederburg Primary School along with his future wife, Diana. This is the same school that delivered the likes of former Springbok Chester Williams and former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

TRIBUTES

Even before listening to the tributes, as you enter the hall, the attendance by the Paarl community spoke volumes of the golden boy of the valley – as one speaker described him.

Speaker after speaker spoke of a humble person, someone who believed, lived his dream and inspired others.

“Tinus proved how to realise dreams and to strive towards good things,” says adv. Gesie van Deventer, executive mayor of Drakenstein, in a letter to Linee’s widow, Diana.

Executive deputy mayor, Conrad Poole, described him as an ambassador of his own life, who never lost focus.

In his message of encouragement to the mourners, Father Grant Walters said “if you believe something, you live it and Tienie believed and lived as a Christian.”

Hon. Gert Oosthuizen, deputy minister of Sport and Recreation, in his keynote address said to an extend Tinus Linee was larger than live. “We should celebrate his success on and off the field.

Addressing the crowd dr. Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, said as the widow of a former rugby player herself, she recalls and can related to the pain of Diana. She appealed to the rugby community who stood by Linee, to continue supporting Diana now that Tinus is no longer there. “She will need the support now more than ever, don’t leave her behind and forget her.”

The minister apologised to the Linee family for being absent and not supporting them during the 18 months, when they needed her support the most. To his children she said they should remember he’s watching over them.

Mbombo started by saying she does not if Tinus knew what role-model he was for the youth. “He was a rock and role-model for society and our communities needs role-models.”

Breyton Paulse, program director, said in any tragic event, there’s a lesson to learn. “The lesson here is that Tinus Linee and Chester Williams have always been humble and that is the message to our youth, no matter what you achieve, to always remain humble.”

STATE FUNERAL

As the Memorial service started in Paarl, Acting Premier, Anton Bredell issued a statement saying the office of the Premier of the Western Cape takes note of a statement by the Presidency that it did not receive a request by Premier Helen Zille regarding the funeral of the late Linee. Bredell says the provincial government has decided to offer financial assistance for the funeral this coming Saturday in Paarl.

"President Jacob Zuma did not receive a letter from the government of the Western Cape requesting the granting of a provincial official funeral for former rugby player Mr Tinus Linee. The President once again extends his condolences to the family of Mr Linee," reads the statement by thepresidency.

Shortly after this the ANC Western Cape tweeted:

"the DA should stop making cheap party politics of the funeral of former Springbok and WP rugby player Tinus Linee."

"ANC demands of the premier and her cabinet to do whatever within their means to immediately come to the assistance of Linee’s family."

I attended the memorial service and mentioned the attendance alone said this was a Hero of the Valley, a role model for the youth. Reading the statements by both the presidency, office of the premier and ANC tweets I couldn't help but feel hurt and thought:

1) The debate to grant Tinus Linee a state funeral or not, is surely not who this humble smiling person was and it is definitely not how his loved ones would want to remember him. He was after all a down to heart person, a people’s person.

2) Would he have wanted all the big fuss? He’s probably the only rugby player who never left his birth place to go look for better opportunities and always remained humble.

3) Whether the premier sent the request to the president or not, surely the president took note or was advised about the outcry to declare an official funeral. If he did not take note or was not advised, I would be worried.

4) Is it not within the premiers powers to declare a provincial official funeral or should this be signed off by the president.

5) Was or is someone playing politics with the issue? If so, I think it is wrong as a community is still mourning.

6) When I heard the news of the passing of Tinus, my first thought was, he deserves a Civic funeral and now I wonder why the executive mayor did not declared one. I can recall other local heroes, who were role-models for society who received a Civic funeral.

7) Why are we playing the race card on this? 20 years into democracy this should not take place.

I strongly feel it is wrong of us as South African’s to compare the funeral of Tinus Linee to that of Senzo Meyiwa (Bafana Bafana captain who was murdered).

Meyiwa was at the time the current skipper of one of our national teams and in my humble opinion, it is only right to afford him a state funeral.

Linee, was a remarkable former rugby player, with a successful career and even though I support the proposal of a provincial funeral – I also think it is unfair to compare the two.

Whether he’s afforded an official funeral or not, that will not determine his legacy that should live on.

Or as executive deputy Mayor of Drakenstein Conrad Poole said: “may the tributes result in the creation of more Tinus Linee’s.

Turn hope into reality

It’s time for the National Senior Certificate Examinations or Matric Exams and many could argue why should I study/work hard when majority of the unemployed is young people. Some will say I won’t work and others that they will struggle to get a bursary.

But then I’m reminded of the words of Michelle Obama, first Lady of the United States of America, during a visit to South Africa, when she told a group of young people in Soweto: “when it comes to the challenges we face, we simply don’t have time to sit back and wait. Each of you are ready, to start meeting the challenge. Your efforts might not always draw the world’s attention, but your generation can make the change.”

Matric 2014 Exam Timetable

School and work sometimes feel like slavery though, but if we do everything with the help of our creator, he will help us develop our knowledge and skills. We should do so for our creator and not people, I am reminded in Colossians 3:23 and this will motivate you and me to work hard, when only our creator is looking, (Colossians 3:22).

To reach success you have to work hard, numerous leaders across the world will tell you this and even the bible speaks of it.

We should however always work with a vision, working towards something. As Christian I read this in Colossians 3:24. Therefore you and I should have a vision in life and work wisely towards it. A great vision inspires great sacrifices that result great rewards.

Obama told the youth they can be the generation that discover and build to transform economies, bring opportunity, end HIV/aids, hold leaders accountable, stand up and be heard.

“The Youth is the future and therefore we need to ensure they have all the tools to do this,” Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu said during a Youth Day event.

Working hard can deliver success, you have to believe. People believe in a better South Africa, people died for it…… people prayed for it.

In his last address to the first democratic parliament of the Republic of South Africa, on Friday 26 March 1999, former President Nelson Mandela said we should together continue our efforts to turn our hopes into reality. 

MATRIC SUPPORT with tips and past matric exam papers! 

Metrorail's Good Story

Metrorail has become synonyms with unreliable-, miscommunication and incompetent service and the slogan, getting South Africa to work has become getting South Africa to work late or Not getting South Africa to work.

The railway service however has a good story to tell, sadly one they choose not to, or even to focus on. Not surprising though, as they do refuse to take responsibility – and again proof, they even refuse to accept responsibility for something good.

For more than a year now I’ve been invited to join Metrorail’s Rail Tourism aka Tourism Train on one of their visits and unfortunately every time something popped up. I was blessed to join the team on World Tourism Day (this was not planned) on their outing to Simons Town.

To summarize the trip:

We left about 10 minutes later than scheduled – due to speed restrictions at Cape Town and our train stopped four times along the route. Now because it’s a tourism train, you don’t get frustrated that you’ll be delayed, you rather enjoy the scenic view.

A few things caught my attention during this trip:

- Staff onboard was friendly and always ready to assist. They made you feel they one of your friends was the observation by one of the people that was on the train.

- Staff not only traveled with because it’s their job but they are competent. They are well informed and know the area they traveling in. In their tours they added a personal touch – something that makes you appreciate what they sharing with you.

- The South African Naval Museum and submarine at Navy Base that we toured are not government funded aka supported by government and it is so ironic as Rail Tourism (my conclusion) is not supported by Metrorail big bosses – support is more than just giving a few funds.

- The team also aim to build a relationship with the visitors.

My negative comments:

+ There’s not refuse bags in the train – 80 to 90% of visitors had coffee or a snack with them when they got in and had to wait until we got off at Simons Town...

+ While Metrorail gets mentioned, no real marketing about Metrorail is done to encourage the visitors to make use of the railway service.

+ There were kids onboard and I couldn’t help but wonder, what if they had to injure themselves – is there a first aid kit onboard?

I really enjoyed the train trip and not only the scenery but the information shared at the sites we stopped at.

The Tourism Train was an idea in 2010 and started out as a small project but became a reality in 2011 and it is really tragic that Metrorail’s big bosses don’t focus on their good story.

The Tourism Train in Cape Town, is the only of it is kind in South Africa and what makes this a bigger tragedy is that the two people who can drive telling the good story was there when the initiative was born: Current Regional Manager was Customer Services Manager in 2010 and the Communications HOD is still in the same position 4 years later.

Metrorail can change their own ‘dark’ image, if only their HODs would focus on the company and telling the good story, instead of shifting blame and refusing to accept responsibility.

Metrorail’s HODs, area managers and especially customer services staff can learn a lot from the Tourism team – from how to engage with customers to communication.

The Tourism Train has only been a success the past four years and when Daphne, Keith and team are not with visitors on their way to Simons Town, they off to Khayelitsha to the departmentof Coffee or touring wine farms in Stellenbosch – they hosting school kids, showing them why Cape Town is host to one of the seven wonders of the world and crowned best destination in Africa at the World Tourism Awards.

Ps: Special thanks to Daphne, Keith, Debbie, Joseph and the twins Sibusiso and Sifiso – you guys were awesome. Someone once told me those around you don’t usual see and acknowledge what you do and what impact you have – but others do. I’m one of those others, who appreciate the extra effort you put into making (rail) tourism a success.