Awareness campaigns

Communities must be made aware of the nature and importance of non-ferrous metals. Hotlines and reward systems must be promoted in communities. Scrap metal dealers, smelters and exporters must be educated and made aware of stolen metals that can end up on their premises. Business licences must be controlled by the SAPS and by-laws must be enforced by municipalities.

Telkom spends R100 million a year on security measures and has been running a series of TV inserts about copper cable theft. The inserts re-enact how the cables are stolen, the most common method being the cutting of cable at two manholes and the section being pulled out by a truck.

In 2007 the South African Rail Commuter Corporation (SARCC) spent almost R5 million on road shows, safety workshops and media campaigns to educate the public and initiate dialogue on rail safety.