Transnet has unveiled one of the first locomotives to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in Africa.

Developed by the company's engineering and manufacturing division Transnet Engineering (TE), the Trans-Africa locomotive was assembled at the production facility in Koedoespoort, east of Pretoria.

The locomotive is suitable for use on branch lines and in the yard for shunting. It can be used on old rail tracks originally designed to carry light axle loads.

Transnet Group's chief executive officer (CEO) Siyabonga Gama said: “The locomotive is evidence of the strides we are making in transforming TE into an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for locomotives, a move designed to restore our position as a catalyst for African innovation, industrialisation, and critically intra-African trade.”

"The locomotive is evidence of the strides we are making in transforming TE into an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for locomotives."

The Trans-Africa vehicle is also suitable for old railway lines operating on the Cape Gauge system. It features a diesel-powered engine, a unique cabin design with front and rear-facing windows, and various customisation options.

Transnet's engineering chief officer of advanced manufacturing Thamsanqa Jiyane said: “In the past three years of our market demand strategy execution, we have progressively boosted our research capability consolidated at TE and this is one of the many outcomes of such efforts.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

At present, the train is undergoing testing in line with the company’s engineering and commissioning processes.

TE operates six main plants situated at the major cities in South Africa and it undertakes work related to overhaul, repair, upgrading, and new-build of wagons, locomotives, and coaches.