Sampie Titus

With 24 years in the rail industry, I possess extensive expertise in railway operations, train testing, and compliance assessment. I began my career as a Train Assistant and, after two years, was promoted to Train Driver, where I spent five years ensuring the safe movement of trains. In 2007, I advanced to a management role as a Section Manager, where I led teams, optimized operational processes, and implemented strategic enhancements to boost railway performance.

Currently, as an Assessor, I utilize my deep industry knowledge to evaluate operational standards, compliance, and safety protocols, conducting assessments to identify improvements and ensure adherence to regulations and best practices. My strong background in leadership, operational oversight, and risk management underscores my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of rail safety and efficiency.

TRAIN ASSISTANT - TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL

(2000-01 - 2002-01)

• Obtain and place equipment on train.
• Check and supplement prescribed equipment.
• Coupled locomotives (multiple set) through air and vacuum hoses.
• Dispatch locomotives, operating hand operated points.
• Attach/detach vehicles according to works-order.
• Examining of train.

TRAIN DRIVER - TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL

(2002-01 - 2007-01)

• Qualified to operate 18E, 20E, 23E Electric and 35D GM Diesel locomotive.
• Qualified in vacuum as well as airbrake systems.
• Before departure testing of locomotive brakes.
• Testing of radio communication with the Train Control Officer.
• Examining of locomotives.
• Safely move goods from one destination to another.

SECTION MANAGER - TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL

(2007-01 - 2015-01)

• Managed sub-ordinates.
• Control stock.
• Manage supply and utilization of locomotives.
• Manage utilization of locomotive personnel.
• Control administrative personnel activities.
• Conduct assessments.
• Manage equipment.
• Conduct workplace Assessments.
• Conduct RIC (Rail Incidents) duties.

ACTING CORRIDOR MANAGER - TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL

(2010-01 - 2015-01)

• Manage safety programs.
• Manage subordinates.
• Manage allocated expenditure budget.
• Execute train plan.
• Manage locomotive depot.
• Handle local Trade union matters at depot level.
• Co-ordinate handling of derailments.

INSPECTOR - TRANSNET FREIGHT RAIL

(2015-03 - 2015-06)

• Organize train tests with operations.
• Conduct in-service tests in cooperation with technical experts (Engineers) of all new and enhanced train services.
• Conduct commissioning test with technical experts from suppliers and Freight Rail.
• Train, evaluate and certify personnel on new technologies (e.g., Radio DP, ECP braking and new locomotives).
• Assist in preparation of training material for further training.
• Assistance (technical) with Train Working Rules, General appendix no.6, Train authorizations, train compilation rules, safety instructions etc.

CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ASSESSOR - TRANSNET CORPORATE CENTRE

(2015-06)

• Plan and conduct theoretical assessments to assess operational knowledge.
• Plan and conduct practical assessments to assess operational skills.
• Plan and conduct comprehensive task observation to get direct evidence of the required enterprise standards.
• Develop, design and maintain CPL assessment tools to gather evidence during assessments.
• Conduct assessments according to assessment principles to comply with SAQA standards.

ACTING ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST - TRANSNET CORPORATE CENTRE

(2021-01 - 2023-01)

• Manage and ensure that assessments are conducted in compliance to statutory requirements such as the SDA/SDLA relating to assessment practices, the mandatory Quality Assurance standards and requirements of relevant bodies, namely the SETAS, QCTO and TIM (Transnet Integrated Management System).
• Manage and ensure the timeous and effective completion of assessment events and competence assurance as prescribed in the assessment process and related governance.
• Identify the assessments needs of the organization through job analysis, career paths and consultation with managers.
• Collaborate in development and implementation of assessment tools and workbook content to enhance the assessment processes.
• Evaluate organizational performance to ensure that assessment is meeting business needs and improves performance.
• Manage and execute assessment process objectives and monitor deviations to close gaps.
• Plan and manage project requests.
• Ensure adherence to governance and compliance with all applicable safety, risk, and regulatory requirements, as well as with all applicable Transnet policies and procedures.
• Maintain sound employee relations by creating a work environment that is conducive to collaboration, productivity and high ethical standards.
• Attend to escalated problems and issues, and address grievances, disputes and appeals as required.
• Coach and mentor employees as required to ensure performance excellence.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - RAILWAY OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT - GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY (SCOTLAND) (2017)

ASSESSOR CERTIFICATE - ASSESSMENT COLLEGE OF SA (2009)

MODERATOR CERTIFICATE - KATISO-KUNO (ETDP.SETA) (2019)

SAMTRAC - NOSA (2008)

LABOUR RELATIONS COURSE - UNISA (UNIVERSITY OF SA) (2008)

INTRODUCTION TO LOGISTIC MANAGEMENT - UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (2009)

RAIL BUSINESS PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME FOR MANAGERS - UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (2022)

BCOM - HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - BOSTON CITY CAMPUS (2025)