Today saw the official unveiling at Transnet’s Koedoespoort production facility east of Pretoria of the first locomotive to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Africa.
The Trans-Africa Locomotive was conceptualised and engineered by Transnet which is keen to establish itself as a manufacturer and supplier of rolling stock on the continent.
It is designed for the African landscape, according to Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama.
“It is appropriate for aged railway lines that operate on the Cape gauge system, offering a cost-effective solution for the majority of the continent’s railway lines that are currently unused,” he said.
Transnet has, for many years, built and supplied rail stock for clients both within and outside the borders of South Africa, but has never owned a product from design to assembly.
