The Railway Safety Regulator, an entity of the Department of Transport, has entered into a partnership with Takalani Sesame to educate South African children on how to utilize the South African railway infrastructure in a safe and responsible way. An official launch will be taking place on 19 March 2024 at Isiziba Primary School in Tembisa, Johannesburg.
As part of its profiling initiatives and strengthening its course to educate young minds, the RSR identified Sesame Workshop International South Africa (SWISWA), a non-profit Early Childhood Development organisation headquartered in Johannesburg as a partner in its endeavour. SWISWA is the non-profit organisation behind the very popular Takalani Sesame programme that reaches 3.5 million children and 2.8 million caregivers who watch the show with a child, every Season.
The partnership campaign with SWISWA will educate children between the ages 3 to 6 and their care givers on how to utilize the South African railway infrastructure in a safe and responsible way while highlighting the dangers associated with trains and railways.
The dynamic partnership between the RSR and Takalani Sesame has birthed six compelling video assets. These feature Zikwe, a blue muppet who is a taxi driver, as Chief Training Officer (CTO) and David Kau, South African comedian, as Junior Training Officer, delving into the realm of rail safety, impeccably aligned with the Regulator's educational and awareness mandate. The engaging video clips will premiere on the RSR Facebook channel and take center stage in school-based educational and awareness campaigns.
The launch will blend entertainment seamlessly with rail safety content, featuring Zikwe’s engaging interactions with the Deputy Minister of Transport, Lisa Mangcu, the learners and senior officials from the RSR including Board Chairperson, Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke and Acting CEO, Mmuso Selaledi as well as Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director and Senior Director Education and Outreach from SISWA.
Members of the media are invited to be part of the launch as per the details below:
Date: 19 March 2024
Time: 07h45
Venue: Isiziba Primary School