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Rail News

Bombela Operating Company highlights operational, sustainability strides

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 18th November 2024 The Bombela Operating Company (BOC) has highlighted its works in ensuring an effective, efficient and safe Gautrain operation, while also pursuing sustainability at a broader level, as it aims to contribute toward creating an improved, integrated public transport industry in South Africa. BOC,... →

Lobito Atlantic Railways takes delivery of 275 new container wagons

By: Darren Parker 15th November 2024 The first batch of 275 new container wagons bought from Galison Manufacturing in South Africa has arrived in Lobito, Angola, to reinforce the transport capacity of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR). The strategic investment into new wagons is part of the LAR's expansion and modernisation plan... →

SA mulling new ways to unlock much-needed rail infrastructure investment

By: Schalk Burger 15th November 2024 Amid existing initiatives to achieve the correct rail access pricing to make it economically viable for private rail operators to invest, provide services and help State-owned transport agency Transnet to pay off its debt, the most important aspect of getting rail transport to operate at the... →

Traxtion CEO James Holley unpacks his view on private sector investment appetite in South Africa’s freight rail network.

Level crossing incidents not only cost lives but also the economy, TFR CEO says

By: Darren Parker 14th November 2024 Railway safety incidents, such as pedestrian and vehicle collisions at level crossings, are not only tragic but are severely undermining South Africa’s rail recovery plans, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) CEO Russell Baatjies said on November 14. “We’ve had 36 level crossing incidents just this year,... →

WSP’s digital-first approach played key role in building manganese rail infrastructure for South32

By: Darren Parker 12th November 2024 Multidisciplinary professional firm WSP has completed a comprehensive upgrade of diversified miner South32’s manganese rail infrastructure in the Northern Cape. The project was carried out by WPS’s Project Raptor team, which forms part of the company’s Transport and Infrastructure (T&I) division. →

Project Raptor team celebrating completed project

Kenya Railways, Rolls-Royce, resurrect retired locomotives with new generation engines

By: Rebecca Campbell 12th November 2024 Kenya Railways and UK-based power and propulsion systems group Rolls-Royce have announced that three of the former’s heavy haulage locomotives have been re-engined with the latter’s mtu Series 4000 engines. The locomotives were 40 years old and had actually been retired from service, so the refit... →

Photo by Kenya Railways
One of the re-engined locomotives

'Clear vision' for logistics reform encouraging – Mavuso

By: Schalk Burger 11th November 2024 “The clarity of vision” provided by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on what success in terms of logistics reforms looks like and what needs to be done to make progress in dealing with the logistics crisis has boosted business confidence, says business organisation Business Leadership South... →

Ford seeing progress in southern corridor development, albeit slow – Hill

By: Irma Venter 8th November 2024 The automotive industry is “definitely seeing progress” in its discussions with Transnet on developing the southern rail corridor between Gauteng and Gqeberha and Coega, in the Eastern Cape, says Ford Motor Company Africa president Neale Hill. Discussions on this project started in 2019 already. →

Gautrain Management Agency scoops MIKE award

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 5th November 2024 The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has scooped the 2024 Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise (MIKE) South Africa Gold Award. The award recognises GMA’s efforts in harnessing its collective knowledge and expertise, leading to better decision-making, innovation and competitive advantage. →

Since the launch of the Gautrain rapid rail link project 14 years ago, the transit system has maintained high levels of operational efficiency, the GMA says

Gautrain operator scoops award at inaugural Rail Industry Awards

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 4th November 2024 The Bombela Operating Company (BOC), which currently operates and maintains the Gautrain, was awarded the Train Operator of the Year award at the inaugural Rail Industry Awards, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator last week. The award recognises the quality operations and maintenance of the... →

Train Operator of the Year award

Number of operational incidents on South Africa's railways increases

By: Schalk Burger 1st November 2024 The Railway Safety Regulator's (RSR's) 'State of Safety Report 2023/2024' showed that there was a 12.82% increase in operational incidents from the prior year owing to new risks and trends, with 2 496 operational incidents reported during the year. In terms of injuries and fatalities, 85 lives... →

Rail masterplan to be finalised by October next year

By: Irma Venter 1st November 2024 The Department of Transport (DoT) aims to have the interim National Rail Masterplan (NRMP) ready by February next year, says DoT chief director Jan-David de Villiers. This will be followed by an eight-month consultation process, with the final NRMP to be delivered by October 2025. →

Ramaphosa wants 250Mt of freight moved by rail by 2029, as he notes progress in the sector

By: Sashnee Moodley 28th October 2024 The seventh administration aims to push rail as the “backbone of transport” in the country, with President Cyril Ramaphosa urging that rail lines transport at least 250-million tonnes of freight a year by 2029. With Transnet set to finalise its Network Statement by year-end, Ramaphosa noted that... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Experts weigh in on increasingly decentralised freight logistics model

By: Marleny Arnoldi 24th October 2024 As government and the private sector work to accelerate reforms and improve efficiencies in the logistics sector, experts from a range of spheres have emphasised the importance of targeted investment and collaboration to ensure the sustainability and inclusivity of the economic growth that is... →

Speakers who participated in the October 23 transport webinar

Experts weigh in on increasingly decentralised freight logistics model

Auto industry, Transnet to form war room to drive efficiency, improve security

By: Irma Venter 21st October 2024 Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council and Transnet have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and convene a naamsa–Transnet ‘auto war room’. This war room will drive the collection, consolidation and sharing of data to support the implementation of strategic initiatives, while... →

Billy Tom

Association welcomes vertical separation of Transnet’s rail entity into two divisions

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 11th October 2024 The African Rail Industry Association (ARIA) has welcomed the announcement of the vertical separation of Transnet Freight Rail into two distinct operating divisions – Transnet Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) and Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). “This strategic unbundling represents a pivotal moment for... →

An image showing a Transnet rail operation

Transnet aims to increase its rail haulage capacity to 170-million tonnes for the 2024/25 financial year

Better planned, unplanned maintenance is crucial – supplier

11th October 2024 As rail companies seek to enhance cost efficiencies, implementing a robust strategy for both planned and unplanned maintenance is crucial to improving the bottom line, says global industrial product and service solutions provider RS South Africa operations and strategic projects director De Wet... →

A portrait image of RS South Africa operations and strategic projects director De Wet Joubert

DE WET JOUBERT RS South Africa operations and strategic projects director De Wet Joubert stresses that a clear maintenance strategy must be implemented to improve on cost efficiencies

LPG rail line construction on track

11th October 2024 Global liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) value chain company Petredec and South Africa’s State-owned logistics company Transnet announced a ground-breaking rail freight solution last month, that is set to “transform LPG distribution in South Africa”. This landmark project, featuring a dedicated train... →

A representative from Transnet and Petredec sat a table with contracts in front of them at an official signing ceremony

DONE DEAL The contract between Petredec and Transnet, signed last month, is set to “transform LPG distribution in South Africa”

Traction transformers supplied to line restoration project

11th October 2024 Transformer manufacturer LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM, recently manufactured and supplied seven traction transformers for State-owned transport enterprise Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA’s) key line restoration project. LHM transformer engineering services division GM... →

One of seven traction transformers supplied to Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa by LH Marthinusen

GAINING TRACTION The successful supply of seven traction transformers to Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has garnered LH Marthinusen the track record needed to supply more to the rail sector

Business sees third-party rail access as crucial to meeting 250Mt volume target

By: Terence Creamer 10th October 2024 An initial assessment by business into what it would involve to raise yearly freight rail volumes to 250-million tons, estimates that Transnet’s recovery alone could lift yearly volumes to about 190-million tons, leaving 60-million tons to be met through reforms aimed at opening the rail network... →

Rail masterplan to be finalised by October next year – DoT chief director

By: Irma Venter 10th October 2024 The Department of Transport (DoT) aims to have the interim National Rail Masterplan (NRMP) ready by February next year, says DoT chief director Jan-David de Villiers. This will be followed by an eight-month consultation process, with the final NRMP to be delivered by October 2025. →

Mavuso lauds Operation Vulindlela progress with Transnet

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th October 2024 As government continues to drive structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso says in her latest newsletter that private sector participation continues to strengthen. She highlights a major recent milestone of Operation Vulindlela having been... →

Govt, business set 3% growth target for 2025

By: Creamer Media Reporter 4th October 2024 Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the partnership previously formed between government and business to tackle loadshedding and other crises; the launch of a second phase of this partnership and the areas of focus; and some of the potential risks to this partnership. →

Govt, business set 3% growth target for 2025

Creecy calls for smart transport solutions, pioneer EV taxi launched

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 3rd October 2024 Transport Minister Barbara Creecy emphasised the importance of implementing smart solutions as part of efforts to upgrade and revitalise the country’s transport sector, with commuter numbers severely impacted by the pandemic, and passenger and freight transport afflicted by vandalism, theft and... →

Photo by Creamer Media's Tasneem Bulbulia
The eKamva electric taxi

Phillips says Transnet not yet on track to meet 193Mt rail ‘stretch target’

By: Terence Creamer 2nd October 2024 Meeting the 193-million-ton rail stretch target set under the newly launched second phase of the partnership between business and government would require a significant amount of work and collaboration, Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips has acknowledged. Speaking at the Joburg Indaba a day after the... →

A Transnet Freight Rail train on the Sishen-Saldanha iron-ore corridor

Transnet Academy forms railway education partnership with UCT, UP

By: Schalk Burger 2nd October 2024 The State-owned Transnet Academy has concluded a five-year partnership agreement with the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Pretoria (UP), which will help it to enhance technical capacity, develop reliable safety standards and deliver superior customer service. The Faculty of... →

Growth target of 3% set for 2025 as business and government relaunch partnership under GNU

By: Terence Creamer 1st October 2024 A second phase of the partnership launched between government and business to tackle South Africa’s electricity, logistics and crime crises has been launched under the Government of National Unity (GNU), with an immediate goal of raising growth to over 3% from 2025. Speaking at the launch in... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the relaunch of the partnership between government and business at the IDC's offices in Johannesburg

Large-scale infrastructure concessions needed to drive logistics competitiveness

By: Schalk Burger 30th September 2024 State-owned logistics agency Transnet has taken tentative steps towards limited engagement with the private sector, but there should be large-scale concessions of port and rail capacity to drive competition between ports and rail corridors, says business organisation Business Leadership South... →

AFC signs concession agreements with Angola, Zambia to advance Lobito rail project

By: Darren Parker 25th September 2024 Infrastructure financier Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has signed concession agreements with the governments of Angola and Zambia for the financing, construction, ownership and operation of the Zambia Lobito rail project. The agreements pave the way for AFC to spearhead and complete the... →

Logistics sector under pressure in June, July – Ctrack index

By: Irma Venter 19th September 2024 After moving upwards for three consecutive months, the newest Ctrack Transport and Freight Index (TFI) declined in June and July to reach a level of 119.8 in July – the lowest level since February. The weakness in the South African logistics sector has been broad-based, with five of the TFI’s six... →

Creecy sets year-end deadline for rail Network Statement amid ‘complicated tariff balancing act’

By: Terence Creamer 17th September 2024 Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says that, despite Transnet’s turnaround progress, the State-owned enterprise is not able to meet the target of increasing South Africa’s yearly rail volumes to 250-million tons alone. The Government of National Unity is, therefore, prioritising efforts to open... →

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy addressing a Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa conference in Ekurhuleni

Transnet, SAPS sign MoU to combat logistics network theft and vandalism

By: Schalk Burger 16th September 2024 State-owned Transnet and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaborative efforts between them in the fight against theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure across Transnet’s logistics network. Enhancing security at... →

Cape Town proposes new CBD spatial plan; expects up to 50 000 new inner-city residents by 2040

By: Irma Venter 13th September 2024 The City of Cape Town (CoCT) has invited the public to comment on its 2040 local spatial development framework (LSDF) for the central business district (CBD). The LSDF will guide decisions about land use, development, density, transportation and urban design. →

Image of CoCT's study areas for its LSDF

The LSDF study area

Not enough chrome shipments to fill Maputo corridor capacity, TFR says

By: Darren Parker 12th September 2024 The Maputo Corridor is being underused by chrome exporters, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) northeast corridor acting managing executive Mandisa Mondi has said. Speaking at the Critical Materials Conference: Ferroalloys 2024, in Johannesburg, on September 11, she challenged chrome producers to... →

Transnet breaches loan terms again as debt weighs on investment

By: Bloomberg 11th September 2024 Transnet breached loan covenants for a second year running as the South African port and rail operator staggers under a debt burden that’s constraining investments needed to resurrect its ailing equipment and infrastructure. The state-owned company’s loans increased to R138-billion in the year... →

Improving Transnet’s performance key to bolstering economic growth – BLSA

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 9th September 2024 Recent statistics have underscored how crucial it is to fix State-owned enterprise (SOE) Transnet, with second-quarter GDP growth of 0.4% still insufficient to achieve the necessary progress in the country, and the rail operator reporting a R7.3-billion loss in the year to end March, compared... →

BLSA CEO Busi Mavuso

Private train operators could access Transnet's rail network by April 2025, says business development exec

By: Schalk Burger 5th September 2024 State-owned Transnet Group chief business development officer Yolisa Kani has said calls for applications for private train operators wanting to access the freight rail network are likely to open early next year. Reform of rail legislation means that it is likely that private train operators will... →

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