Train driver Zuma promises more locomotives
President Jacob Zuma toured Transnet's premises.
Transnet’s locomotive factory at Koedoepoort was stopped in its tracks on Thursday when President Jacob Zuma toured the premises before the unveiling of the 95th electric locomotive assembled at the plant.
Much to his delight, the president had the opportunity to be a locomotive driver (admittedly only for about 100 yards) before disembarking from the locomotive, smiling broadly.
Zuma said the successful achievement of the delivery of 95 locomotives had set a good platform for Transnet to deliver on the acquisition of 1064 locomotives announced last year.
“We are pleased to join Transnet to witness and celebrate the completion and delivery of 95 electric locomotives, delivered by Transnet in collaboration with partners CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotives Company,” he said.
“The acquisition of these locomotives forms part of Transnet’s long-term fleet renewal programme aimed at increasing capacity while reducing the average age of our locomotives fleet. We also welcome the fact that this project marks the success of Transnet’s first venture into the production of electric locomotives.”
He said the delivery of these locomotives would enable Transnet to transport more freight on rail and in a more efficient way. This would advance government’s objective of shifting the transportation of goods from road to rail.
Transnet had invested more than R140 billion in the maintenance and expansion of the country’s rail, ports and pipeline networks the past five years.
Zuma said in this particular project, 190 people were trained in China and 260 people were employed in the assembly.
“It is also very pleasing that Transnet did not only partner with a broad-based black economic empowerment company, but that this consortium of CSR includes a black woman-owned company and a community trust. We welcome the fact that 85 of the 95 locomotives were assembled in South Africa,” he said.
“This will contribute to the development of local industries by stimulating local commerce, strengthening industrial cycles, as well as building up the manufacturing capacity of the rail industry.”
Zuma said it was encouraging to note that at least 65%, or R1.7 billion, of the total R2.7 billion contract was committed to local supplier development.
“In fact, a recent meeting of the African Union Heads of States took a decision to nominate South Africa to champion the manufacturing of rolling stock for the continent.”
Zuma emphasised Transnet’s role in supporting the mining sector.
“In response to the global Manganese market, South Africa’s production of Manganese is projected to increase significantly in anticipation of a deficit in global supply by 2017 onwards.”
More than three quarter of the new locomotives would be used in the transport of manganese ore to Port Elizabeth.
“As part of our drive towards economic transformation and empowerment, black people and especially youth and black women, should take advantage of these opportunities by developing the requisite skills in this regard in order to defeat the ill of unemployment,” Zuma said.
“State-owned companies and enterprises must contribute to skills development and Transnet is playing its part.”
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