1. THE ROLE OF LEGISLATION IN TRANSPORT AND SAFETY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN PARTICIPATION
ALTA SWANEPOEL

2. Introduction
Traffic, transport and safety legislation are the basis of the control of the manufacture, use and roadworthiness of all vehicles and vessels on road, rail, air and sea
Traffic and transport are very regulated environments in South Africa and most aspects are regulated in detail
In many instances authorities require legislation to adhere to provisions that could have been covered by a procedure or a guideline – e.g. the K53 manual for driver testing
Additional to the vast array of legislation, road sea, rail or airworthiness of the vehicles and vessels are controlled by detailed South African National Standards

3. Introduction
The legislation is further supported by guidelines and policy documents that cover aspects like safety standards for infrastructure, motor vehicles, testing of drivers and vehicles and every other aspect linked to transport
Traffic and transport legislation impact on every citizen of the country and knowledge of these laws is essential in most businesses
This myriad of laws, standards and guidelines create confusion but also present opportunities to assist in simplifying the legislation to allow for a clear understanding and simple rules for compliance

4. Responsible Government entities
The National Department of Transport (DOT) together with the nine Provincial Departments of Transport manage the legislation and administration
The DOT also has numerous agencies that are responsible for the management of road traffic, rail and aviation i.e. SANRAL, PRASA, RTIA, RTMC, ACSA, etc.
Opportunities to be involved in any of these organisations, especially for women are ample
All the municipalities also have a responsibility to deal with road traffic and transport at a local level and have road safety officers, transport legal advisers, traffic officers, etc.
Anyone who is interested in transport and dedicated to serve people and prepared to learn should be able to succeed in this industry

5. The transport industry
The Transport Industry in South Africa is responsible for a wide range of businesses that employ people in many different types of employment
Many of these business are still orientated more towards a male environment simply due to the type of environment being traditionally male-
Motor vehicle design and manufacturing
Law enforcement
Road safety engineering
Rail environment
Road construction
Transport of commodities

6. The Legislative process
As legislation is the cornerstone of the regulation of transport, it is very important that the legislation needs to be in line with new developments to ensure legislation is not the reason why progress is stifled and new technology is not adopted
Unfortunately amending the legislation to keep up with new developments and concepts such as disruptive transport technologies has become a real challenge for government.

7. The legislative process
Amendments to legislation that used to take on average 12 to 18 months to amend, is taking 5 to 6 years e.g. the AARTO and NLTA bills that were submitted in 2012 and 2013 and not finally approved yet.
This is discouraging new investors and entrepreneurs to pursue new avenues of business and to invest in any type of transport that is not already allowed for by the legislation
Disruptive transport technologies will require amendments to the legislation to allow it to be utilised in SA and with the existing time frames for such amendments. there are real opportunities to be on the forefront of these new developments and changes

8. opportunities
The opportunities in the field of transport, regardless if they are in the government environment or in the private sector are available in a wide range of industries and disciplines
The number of women in the industry are definitely in the minority and due to the employment policies in South Africa the opportunities for women are very real and available
Women who wish to excel in this industry need to move outside their comfort zones and learn new skills to make themselves qualified for the opportunities avaialble

9. Conclusion The opportunities are available
The industry is very dynamic
Disruptive transport technologies will provide for new legislation and industries
The existing transport environment already has many areas where women are under represented and where the influence of women could enrich the industry

10. CONTACT DETAILS: Alta Swanepoel & Associates CC Tel: /9 Cell: Fax: