The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Brian Monakali as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 August 2025. This landmark appointment, approved by Cabinet and endorsed by the RSR Board of Directors, ushers in a new era of decisive leadership and strategic direction for the organisation.
Following an extended period of over two years without a permanent CEO, Mr Monakali’s appointment brings critical leadership stability at a time when the South African railway sector is undergoing major regulatory, operational and technological transformation. His appointment aligns with the implementation of the Railway Safety Act, 2024, a key piece of legislation that redefines the future of rail safety in the country.
Mr Monakali is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of multidisciplinary experience, including over 14 years in the rail sector and a decade in executive roles within the mining industry. He has held key leadership positions at South32, Transnet Freight Rail, Lonmin Platinum, Unilever and the Municipality of Port Elizabeth, demonstrating deep expertise in engineering, operations, strategy, commercial and stakeholder relations.
A respected voice in international rail forums, Mr Monakali is the former Global Chairperson of the International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA), where he spearheaded the creation of the Heavy Haul Vision 2030 – Digital Rail 4.0, a bold global framework adopted by ten countries in 2023. He is also the Founder and current Chairperson of the South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA), a national platform that promotes innovation and excellence in heavy haul rail operations.
Widely recognised for his inclusive leadership style and commitment to institutional capability-building, Mr Monakali is deeply passionate about people development, ethical governance and operational excellence. His ability to inspire high performance and foster collaborative partnerships will be central to the RSR’s mission to ensure safe, reliable and resilient rail operations across South Africa.
"Mr Monakali’s appointment is not just a leadership transition, it is a defining moment in the RSR’s journey to reimagine rail safety in South Africa. His global perspective, deep sector knowledge and unshakable commitment to excellence embody the leadership we need to drive meaningful reform and restore confidence in the rail system. The Board has every confidence in his ability to lead with vision, integrity and impact", says Ms Mpumi Ekeke, Chairperson of the RSR Board of Directors.
His appointment signals a strategic turning point for the RSR, as the organisation deepens its focus on regulatory compliance, digital integration and stakeholder accountability. With Mr Monakali at the helm, the RSR is well-positioned to drive meaningful impact and reaffirm its role as a proactive and progressive rail safety regulator.
We look forward to advancing our strategic priorities under Mr Monakali’s leadership and extend our appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued support in building a safer, future-ready railway system.