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Safety, technology, skills development and the choice of operating model were among the key themes emerging from the International Heavy Haul Association Technical Workshop in Cape Town. Speaking to Railways Africa, Brian Monakali of the South African Heavy Haul Association and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Safety Regulator explains why safety must remain at the centre of heavy haul operations. He says technology deployment and a stronger safety culture can improve safety and, in turn, support greater operational efficiency. The workshop highlighted common challenges facing heavy haul operators, including incidents, derailments and level-crossing issues. Through the IHHA, member countries have a platform to share best practice and improve their operations. Monakali also reflects on the different railway models represented at the workshop. These include integrated mine-to-port operations, government-owned systems, concessions and other arrangements. He says this international experience can help South Africa implement a model that works for the country as it pursues rail reform and recovery. Technology is increasingly moving from planning into implementation. Monakali points to autonomous train operations in Australia and digital signalling systems implemented by MRS in Brazil and operators in other countries. These developments reflect progress against the heavy haul industry’s 2030 roadmap, which focuses on technology, engineering solutions and innovation. Technical and operational skills development was another key area of focus, particularly how IHHA members can collaborate to improve capabilities. South Africa, through Transnet and the South African Heavy Haul Association, has been elected to lead the IHHA for the next two years. Nkululeko Gobhozi of Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager was elected Chairperson, with Mr Wang of China elected Vice Chairperson. Watch the full interview with Brian Monakali. Subscribe to Railways Africa for interviews, technical insight and reporting from across the African railway industry.

At the International Heavy Haul Association Technical Workshop in Cape Town, Railways Africa spoke to Nixon Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer of Eswatini Railways and President of the Southern African Railways Association. Dlamini discusses SARA’s objective of supporting the seamless movement of regional rail traffic and the need for greater coordination across infrastructure, operating standards and heavy-haul requirements. For Eswatini Railways, understanding developments in neighbouring networks is particularly important because South African commodities and rolling stock move through Eswatini. The country also sits between routes serving Richards Bay and, once the planned rail connection is completed, Maputo. Dlamini provides an update on the Eswatini Rail Link, confirming that Eswatini Railways and Transnet are working to establish the appropriate procurement mechanism. Syndicates of regional and international financiers have been given access to project data, to review the material accumulated during the project’s development. The first phase of resettlement in Eswatini is complete, the government has committed to completing phase two and the servitudes have been cleared. Dlamini says that, if financial close is achieved this year, he estimates that the link could be completed within a further three years. The interview also covers the Mmamabula–Lephalale connection in Botswana, ongoing discussions with Mozambique’s CFM and the successful testing of 85-wagon and 160-wagon trains with Transnet Freight Rail.

Nkululeko Gobhozi has been named incoming Chairperson of the International Heavy Haul Association for the next two years. Speaking to Railways Africa following the announcement at the IHHA Technical Workshop in Cape Town, Gobhozi outlines two priorities for his term: revitalising the association’s technical and operational best-practice publications and beginning a review of the standards used across the international heavy-haul sector. Heavy-haul railways currently work across several regional and national standards covering rail, rolling stock, testing and other technical requirements. Gobhozi believes the IHHA can help align these systems by creating a recognised heavy-haul reference against which technologies and test results can be assessed. Such an approach could reduce repeated testing and shorten the time required to introduce proven technologies into other heavy-haul markets. Local technical due diligence and supplier qualification would still be required. The interview also examines the communications and signalling infrastructure needed to support South Africa’s changing railway operating environment. Gobhozi explains why electronic interlocking is an important short-term step towards reducing vulnerable physical infrastructure and creating a foundation for future train-control systems such as ETCS or PTC. With additional train operating companies preparing to use the South African network, he says that the industry should adopt clearly communicated standards that allow multiple manufacturers to compete without prescribing a single supplier’s technology. Watch the full interview for insight into Gobhozi’s IHHA priorities, the future of heavy-haul technical standards and South Africa’s phased signalling and communications strategy.

Transnet Freight Rail’s coal business has recovered 10 million tonnes of annual volume in two years, moving from a low of approximately 48 million tonnes to 58 million tonnes. Speaking to Railways Africa at the International Heavy Haul Association Technical Workshop in Cape Town, Theo Johnson, General Manager of Transnet Freight Rail’s Coal Business Unit, explains what has driven the recovery and what must still be done. A stronger security focus has contributed to a 50% year-on-year reduction in security incidents. Signalling systems are being restored, 102 Class 23E locomotives have been deployed with maintenance support, and additional employees have been moved to the coal line as TFR continues its operational ramp-up. The business is currently operating at a 60 million-tonne tempo and is targeting approximately 61 to 62 million tonnes by the end of the RBCT financial year. The next objective is to reach 65 million tonnes in 2027, with the longer-term recovery required to take performance beyond 70 million tonnes. Johnson also discusses the work undertaken during the annual shutdown, after which TFR delivered more than 1.35 million tonnes to Richards Bay Coal Terminal in the first week. According to Johnson, this was its strongest first-week post-shutdown result in five years. The interview examines the relationship between infrastructure, locomotives, wagons, security and people, as well as TFR’s interest in AI-supported train inspection. Watch the full interview for a detailed account of the coal line recovery, the remaining constraints and the operational work behind TFR’s 65 million-tonne target.

What can South Africa learn from countries that have increased heavy-haul rail volumes while addressing level-crossing risk, yard collisions and environmental performance? Railways Africa speaks to Mpumi Ekeke, Chairperson of the Railway Safety Regulator, during the International Heavy Haul Association Technical Workshop in Cape Town. Ekeke explains why international collaboration matters to the regulator as South Africa works towards the national target of moving 250 million tonnes of freight by rail annually by 2030. She reflects on the scale achieved by Australia, India’s work to reduce level crossings and Brazil’s use of automated yard operations. Watch the full interview for the Railway Safety Regulator’s perspective on how international experience could inform safer railway operations in South Africa. Subscribe to Railways Africa for interviews, technical insight and verified reporting on the people, projects and policies changing rail across the continent.

South Africa has operated heavy-haul railways for 50 years, but the next phase will require a different approach to technology, skills, network access and the productive use of secondary railway lines. At the International Heavy Haul Association Technical Workshop in Cape Town, Railways Africa spoke to Moshe Motlohi, Chief Executive of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager, about what South Africa can learn from other leading heavy-haul systems. Motlohi reflects on Australia’s transition to automated train operations, India’s approach to removing level crossings and the value of exposing South African railway professionals to operating environments elsewhere in the world. The conversation then turns to Transnet’s Network Statement and the B-network. Motlohi explains why the main corridors cannot operate effectively without the secondary lines that connect freight sources to consolidation points. Eleven lines have entered an RFP process, while an RFI is being used to assess market interest in other routes. For TRIM, the outcome will not be judged simply by how many kilometres are restored. The real measure will be how much freight and how many passengers return to rail. Watch the full interview for insight into South Africa’s heavy-haul capability, the future of the B-network and Transnet’s plans to bring more of the national railway infrastructure into productive use.

At the recent Africa Rail event, Phillippa Dean, Editor of Railways Africa, spoke with Martin Vaujour, President of Alstom’s Africa, Middle East and Central Asia region, about what comes next for South Africa’s passenger and freight rail networks. The discussion covered Alstom’s established manufacturing and maintenance activities in South Africa before turning to the next phase of rail development. Vaujour identified signalling, maintenance systems, predictive maintenance and digitalisation as areas requiring attention if South Africa is to improve the efficiency and capacity of its existing rail network. The interview also examined South Africa’s move towards rail open access and the potential implications for freight locomotive demand. Vaujour said new Train Operating Companies were approaching Alstom for additional freight capacity, while the company’s TRAXX production capability remained available as its existing Transnet Freight Rail order approached completion. Beyond South Africa, the conversation covered Alstom’s activities in Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco and Egypt, including signalling, rolling stock, metro and high-speed rail projects.

Africa’s rail sector is moving into a new phase, shaped by reform, open access, corridor development, digitalisation and the need for more reliable infrastructure. In this episode of Railways Africa Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean speaks to Florian Kellenberger, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Mobility South Africa. Florian explained his first priorities since taking up the South African CEO role, Siemens Mobility’s view of the local rail market, and why standardised, reliable infrastructure will be critical for rail reform. The conversation also explores the role of signalling, train control and ETCS in enabling interoperability, how digital rail systems can improve asset availability and operational visibility, and what South Africa can learn from large-scale rail projects elsewhere, including Siemens Mobility’s high-speed rail work in Egypt. Topics covered include: South Africa’s rail reform and open access environmentThe role of signalling, ETCS and train controlDigitalisation, maintenance planning and operational visibilityHigh-speed rail and future corridor developmentPublic-private participation and bankable rail projectsSiemens Mobility’s regional role across AfricaLocal capability, skills development and lifecycle support Watch the full interview for insight into what Africa’s next phase of rail modernisation could require, and how technology partners like Siemens Mobility support the shift from reform policy to operational delivery.

As Transnet advances its LeaseCo model, this Coffee with the Editor interview provides a detailed update on rolling stock deployment, bidder progress and growing demand from Train Operating Companies (TOCs) in South Africa and across the SADC region. Phillippa Dean speaks with Yolisa Kani, Chief Business Development Officer at Transnet and Acting CEO of Transnet International Holdings, on the latest developments shaping the LeaseCo platform and its role in unlocking rail capacity. The discussion outlines how Transnet is structuring a private rolling stock leasing platform, combining surplus assets with the technical capabilities of Transnet Engineering as an anchor partner. Kani details progress on the procurement process, including strong market response, bidder shortlisting and the upcoming RFP phase. With demand accelerating ahead of financial close, Transnet has introduced tactical leasing, with nearly 2,000 wagons already contracted and total demand significantly exceeding available supply. Key topics covered include:• Rolling stock availability, refurbishment requirements and asset recovery• Wagon demand trends across bulk, tankers and flatbeds• Increasing cross-border demand across Southern Africa• Funding and operational challenges facing Train Operating Companies• The development of a pan-African rolling stock leasing platform The interview also highlights Transnet’s shift towards a more responsive, demand-driven commercial model, focused on speed, customer engagement and capturing rail volumes. LeaseCo is progressing from concept to execution, positioning Transnet to support increased rail volumes in South Africa and the region.

In this episode of "Coffee with the Editor," Phillippa Dean sits down with Russell Baatjies, Acting CE of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), to discuss the ambitious roadmap for the 2026/27 financial year. From the deployment of the new 23E electric locomotives to the integration of Artificial Intelligence in maintenance, Baatjies outlines how TFR is moving beyond "recovery mode" toward global best practices. We explore the operational shifts required as South Africa ends its rail monopoly, the challenges of network reliability, and the promising growth in manganese and chrome volumes. Key Discussion Points: Rolling Stock Revolution: The strategic deployment of 102 new 23E locomotives on the coal line and the cascading of 22E fleet to chrome and magnetite sectors.Next-Gen Maintenance: How TFR is moving from time-based to condition-based maintenance using AI and "super sites" to reduce costs and prevent incidents.Operational Innovation: The success of running longer trains (including the 100-wagon chrome trains) and the technical hurdles overcome for the Eswatini rail link.Open Access & Reform: Preparing the workforce for the arrival of 11 new Train Operating - Companies (TOCs) and the shift from a monopoly to a competitive environment.Regional Connectivity: Updates on collaborations with Eswatini Railways, Botswana, and the Maputo corridor to unlock cross-border volumes.

In this Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean reconnects with Traxtion CEO James Holley for a progress update on the company’s acquisition of 46 locomotives (42 U26C and 4 C30-8MMI), as part of its latest rolling stock investment programme. With engine orders placed and manufacturing underway, Holley confirms that the first locomotives are scheduled for shipment at the end of June, arriving in South Africa in July. The first fully upgraded units are expected to enter service in February next year, with six locomotives being upgraded simultaneously at Traxtion’s Rosslyn Rail Hub. The conversation moves beyond delivery timelines to the broader significance of the programme. The R1.8 billion locomotive investment, alongside a planned R1.6 billion allocation for 920 wagons, represents a substantial private sector commitment to additional freight capacity under South Africa’s rail reform framework. Holley outlines the role of economic regulation, policy certainty and vertical separation in creating the confidence required to unlock capital investment at this scale. The discussion also highlights the strength of the local supply chain, the emphasis on skills development and the wider economic implications of cost-effective rail logistics in supporting upstream industry and national growth. This update provides practical insight into implementation progress and the localised industrial impact of one of the largest private freight rail investments currently underway in South Africa.

In this Coffee With The Editor interview, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority, on the launch of Ghana’s updated national railway Master Plan. The revised Master Plan repositions rail as a freight-led economic enabler, prioritising bulk mineral transport, corridor development and structured private sector participation. It marks a clear shift from the 2020 framework, which focused primarily on connecting capital cities and strengthening passenger services but did not attract the anticipated level of private investment. The new strategy pivots towards bankable freight demand, particularly mining and bulk commodities, where measurable volumes and predictable revenue streams can underpin long-term infrastructure investment.

In this interview, filmed during the recently held TransMEA 2025 in Cairo, our editor, Phillippa Dean, speaks with Alstom’s Vice President for Digital and Integrated Systems for Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, Boris Symchowicz, about the signalling system that powers the monorail. He explains how the system enables high passenger capacity, short headways and future scalability to eight-car trains. He also discusses the shift toward next-generation communication technologies such as FRMCS, the increasing need for real-time data and Alstom’s regional engineering development across Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Tanzania and Central Asia. Enjoy!

Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean catches up with Martin Vaujour, Alstom’s President for Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, at TransMEA 2025 in Cairo. Martin outlines the strong pipeline of activity across the region, including developments in South Africa with PRASA and Transnet, the impact of open access in the freight sector, new very high-speed and signalling projects in Morocco, and ongoing progress on the Abidjan Metro in Côte d’Ivoire.In Egypt, the Cairo Monorail remains a flagship programme, with the first passenger section scheduled to open in 2026. The country is also moving ahead with new signalling and turnkey initiatives. Martin also discusses the renewal of Cairo Metro Line 1, where Alstom will supply 55 modern trainsets to replace the original fleet built in the 1980s. The first 11 units are set to enter commercial service next year.The interview explores regional mobility challenges, the growing demand for urban systems such as metro, tram and monorail, and the potential for mainline and high-speed rail across several African countries. Martin also highlights Alstom’s localisation programmes, including manufacturing, component production, maintenance, skills development and signalling competence in markets such as South Africa, Morocco and Egypt.#Alstom #AMECA #TransMEA2025 #RailwaysAfrica #CairoMonorail #CairoMetro #PRASA #Transnet #Morocco #Rail #Railway #AbidjanMetro #AfricanRail #UrbanMobility #Africa #UrbanMobility #SustainableTransport #RailInfrastructure #HighSpeedRail #Signalling----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------============================================================RAILWAYS AFRICA MAGAZINESubscribe: https://www.railways.africa/subscriptions/Website: https://www.railways.africaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/railways-africa/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railwaysafricaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/railwaysafricaTwitter: https://twitter.com/railwaysafricaEmail - Editor: [email protected]============================================================-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is not every day that forty-six Cape-gauge locomotives in great condition become available at the same time. For Traxtion, this was an opportunity that could not be passed up. In this Coffee with the Editor, Railways Africa Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Traxtion CEO James Holley about the R3.4 billion rolling-stock investment, considered the single largest investment made by a private rail operator in South Africa. Holley explains the policy foundations behind the investment, including confidence in the National Rail Policy and the progress of the interim economic regulator. He also touches on the additional investment already developed and awaiting announcement, which is premised on the content of the soon-to-be-released Version 4 of the network statement by Transnet. The locomotives will undergo modernisation at Traxtion’s Rosslyn facility, where Holley notes that 79 percent of orders will be placed with South African companies, equating to roughly 60 percent local content. The project will drive approximately R207 million in downstream procurement into the domestic supply chain, in addition to around R1.6 billion for wagon procurement. The company will employ 662 people to support the project, most of whom will be trained through Traxtion’s training centre. Holley discusses procurement of around 920 wagons, benchmarking across local and international suppliers and the competitiveness of South Africa’s manufacturing capability. With an estimated 85 to 90 million tonnes of unmet freight demand in South Africa, Holley reflects on how this investment contributes to addressing that gap and Traxtion’s plans to continue supporting regional markets across the continent. If you missed the original announcement, premium subscribers can get it here:https://www.railwaysafrica.com/news/traxtion-confirms-r3-4bn-rolling-stock-investment-to-unlock-rail-capacity-and-jobs Watch the full discussion for clarity, context and insight into one of the most consequential private rail investments South Africa has seen.