International experts from Chile and Australia, along with African transport professionals, will discuss pertinent issues relevant to the transport sector in Africa during the 35th Southern African Transport Conference (SATC), which takes place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria from 4th to 7th July 2016.

Headlining under the theme, ‘Transport – a catalyst for socio-economic growth development opportunities to improve the quality of life’, the event looks at how the transport sector improves the lives of all citizens on the continent. Stakeholder engagement will discuss key infrastructure developments. It will also focus on how urban, public transport and rural transport has the capacity to affect day-to-day living in a positive way.

Key aspects of traffic engineering, traffic management, safety and security as well as freight and logistics will also be dissected. Critical workshops discussing road safety audits and Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTN) as well as a Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) workshop are also taking place along with a conference on Access Management.

Transport connects nations and unites countries. Without proper solutions to move people and freight, economies will remain stagnant which could in turn adversely affect everyone on the continent.

The main aim of SATC is to respond positively to the challenges and needs of transport users. It will also focus on how transport can affect growing the economy in each region. It is officially supported by the South African Department of Transport and the US-based Transportation Research Board (TRB). It is the longest running transport conference in the continent.

South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Ms Elizabeth Dipuo Peters is the event patron and will deliver the opening address on Monday, 4 July. Plenary speakers include Les Bruzsa, chief engineer of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) in Australia and Dr Hernan de Solminihac from Chile. His talk is entitled ‘The importance of the road infrastructure development in the socio-economic growth of Chile.’

“This conference provides a platform for national and international dialogue on transport as a socio-economic development priority. It has also served as a forum for discussion and information exchange on the implementation of transport policy, strategy and technology applications for all aspects and modes of transportation”, says Prof James Maina chairman of the SATC organising committee. “We look forward to addressing some serious issues head on together with 700 experts in the action-packed event.”

All industry players and stakeholders connected with the transport industry are invited to the event. The conference is of particular interest to funding agencies, municipal, provincial and national government authorities. Parastatals, policy- and decision-makers, academics, researchers, students and professionals active in the planning, construction, manufacturing, logistics, operation and safety of passenger and freight transport, road traffic, rail, maritime and aviation will also find the conference of interest.

Delegates for the Southern African Transport Conference can register at www.satc.org.za (Registrations open 3 May) and all delegates are currently eligible for the ‘Early Bird Special’. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The conference also includes an exhibition. Anyone interested in sponsoring elements of the conference and exhibiting at the event can find out more about these opportunities at www.satc.org.za