Q&A’s, 2009

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
IQP: 0-2008

Question 712

Ms S J Loe (DA) to ask the Minister for Public Enterprises:

What has been the cost per annum of copper cable theft of Transnet’s business operations in respect of (a) loss, (b) replacement costs and (c) increased security measures for each of the past five years for which information is available? NW1410E

Reply

The table below indicates Transnet’s costs per annum in respect of loss and replacement costs in the past 5 years arising from copper cable theft.

(a-b) Table 1: Indicates copper cable theft of Transnet’s business operations

 

(c) Transnet is continuously exploring a range of initiatives to decrease cable theft on their networks and business premises.

They are currently involved in a national joint forum called the Non-Ferrous Metals Theft Combating Committee with the SAPS, Eskom, Telkom, City Power and the mines. Internationally, Transnet Freight Rail has formed a forum called the Security Consultative Committee with SADC countries that specialise in rail and port operations. Further, there is a joint initiative with the Private Security Industry and the SAPS’ Organised Crime Fighting Unit to combat cable theft. Transnet Freight Rail is also exploring the possibility of introducing a number of initiatives such as the latest crime fighting technology to decrease cable theft on its networks.

Transnet has, to date, implemented a number of physical measures to try and prevent the theft of cables and further capital expenditure on physical protection measures is planned for the next 12 to 18 months.