Rail Transport Controller C3

Valterra Platinum; Thabazimbi; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Rewards & recognition

Learning & progression

Diversity & inclusion

Safe operations

Job summary

Valterra Platinum seeks a Rail Transport Controller to manage surface railway movements with a focus on safety and efficiency. You will schedule loads, authorize movements, and coordinate with drivers and the shift foreman to ensure continuous, safe rail operations.

Role requires Grade 12 and rail competency certifications, with emphasis on radio communication and computer literacy. A commitment to zero-harm safety culture is essential.

Qualifications

• Risk management techniques and safety controls.
• Communicate clearly via radio with Train Drivers.
• Proficient computer literacy for rail control tasks.

Responsibilities

• Schedule loads for the rail system.
• Authorize normal train movements on mainlines.
• Receive and respond to communications from Train Drivers.
• Log track defects and maintain control documentation.
• Coordinate locomotive allocation with the Shift Foreman.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed to prevent incidents.

Skills

Risk management

Radio communications

Computer literacy

Education

Grade 12, NTC 1

Train handling certification

Surface Railways Rules cert.

Tools

SAP

Job description

• Business Entity: Africa - Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)(BU005)

Company Description

Valterra Platinum, formerly Anglo American Platinum, is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals (PGMs), with integrated mining, smelting, and refining operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, marketing the metal we produce globally. Following our demerger from Anglo American plc, Valterra Platinum is now an independent, publicly listed company with a primary and secondary listing on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges respectively.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, Valterra Platinum is positioned to define and pursue its own strategy, anchored in operational excellence, sustainability, and value creation for the long-term. With full accountability for our performance and growth, we are focused on strengthening our capabilities across the entire PGM value chain, from mine to market.

Our independence empowers us to deepen our commitment to stakeholders and lead with purpose – to Unearth Value to Better Our World. We remain steadfast in our ambition to be the world’s foremost producer of platinum group metals, while embedding safety and sustainability in everything we do.

Job Description

To control the movement of trains on the surface railways, by means of the applicable train control method, with the highest possible level of safety and efficiency.

• Scheduling of loads for the rail system
• Veto on individual resources in the area
• Allocating tasks to drivers
• Stopping the operation if the working conditions are unsafe
• Identifying employees suitable for further training
• Disciplining of employees to agreed parameters and procedures
• Safety:

Consistent application of Safety & Health principles in all discipline interactions and take personal responsibility for safety of self and others to ensure zero harm and elimination of fatalities

• Organised and controlled train movements:
• Authorize normal train movements on mainlines in accordance with the methods of train control detailed in the Rulebook.
• Receive requests from Train Drivers for normal train movements related to yards, terminals and sidings, and authorize them once confirmed safe.
• Always know where all trains on the railway are and ensure no conflicting movements are authorized. Advise Train Drivers of any track defects reported by other persons during the shift.
• Advise Train Drivers when work is being conducted on or alongside the track.
• Coordinate with Shift Foreman on locomotive allocation, delivery schedules, contractors’ work and maintenance work on the railway.
• Regarding movements of inspection trolleys: Authorize departure, be aware of planned movements, authorize any deviations from the plan, inform other Train Drivers on the line, authorize trolley turnaround at the destination
• Authorize, where necessary, persons other than Train Drivers and Train Driver Assistants to enter marshalling yard
• Operate weighbridge computer and record and process tonnage as prescribed Facilitated safe abnormal operating and occupations
• Note all track occupations and adapt train movement arrangements accordingly.
• Authorize proceeding with defective rolling stock to the next loop if the Train Driver confirms it safe to do so.
• Knowledge and Skills:

Yard and Siding Layout and Working

Communicated operating information:

• Communicate, via radio, a minimum of once hourly with each Train Driver on duty.
• Inform the Shift Foreman if a Train Driver is not contactable via radio.
• Receive and respond to all communications from Train Drivers regarding normal and abnormal operating.
• Ensure Train Drivers have heard and understood by having them repeat radio communications given. Ensure relieving Rail Transport Controller is aware of all trains on the railway at the change of shift Identify ideas to improve communication
• Ensure all radio and telephone communication equipment in the control tower is functional and correctly used. Maintained control documentation and systems
• Log track defects in the Track Defects Book with the time, date and name of the Train Driver or Patrolman who reported and relay information to Shift Foreman.
• Maintain DLL control documentation as prescribed
• Record all events and train movement authorities, as prescribed.
• Ensure all recording documentation and/or devices are available and fully functional
• In the event of a derailment / incident continually record all relevant information reported

Qualifications

• Grade 12, NTC 1
• Complete and passed Surface Railways Rules and Regulations as amended.
• Certificate of competency for specific locomotive classes.
• Certificate of competency for train handling

Experience:

• 6 months to complete applicable laboratory modules.

Technical knowledge (experience) required for role:

• Knowledge of operational processes within scope of role.
• Risk management techniques and critical controls
• Proficient skill in Computer literacy for role
• Monitoring of benchmarks and identification of performance gaps
• Relevant system (SAP) knowledge would be an added advantage

Additional Information

What We Offer

At Valterra Platinum, you will join a team committed to excellence and impact.

• Meaningful work in a high-performance, values-led environment.
• Market-aligned reward and recognition.
• Opportunities for learning, development and progression.
• A culture that respects diversity and encourages innovation.
• A clear commitment to safe Operations.

Inclusion and Diversity

Valterra Platinum is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfill their potential.
Valterra Platinum has a zero tolerance to dignity harm, these include all acts of gender-based violence, bullying, harassment and victimisation. Ensuring the safety of our employees extends beyond physical safety and includes the eradication of harmful behaviours from our workplace. This responsibility extends to everyone at Valterra Platinum both during work hours and outside of work. We are unconditional in creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe working environment to ensure that no colleague will be violated or harassed under our watch.

Closing Date

07 September 2026