Transnet Engineering looks set to achieve its goal of penetrating the African market as the biggest supplier of locomotives. Having vowed to do dominate the market 5 months ago when it displayed its manufacturing might during an exhibition at its Kodoespoort plant outside Pretoria attended by delegates and guests to the Africa Rail Conference that was taking place in Johannesburg just the next day, the entity has gone on to secure a three year deal for the supply and maintenance of diesel locomotives in Eswatini.
The contract with Eswatini Railways (ESR) will see the South African state owned company supply 26 rolling stock wheelsets and provide specialized locomotive maintenance, known as D-shed services.
The Eswatini government aims to use the deal to enhance ESR’s service provision by delivering critical components for freight wagons and specialized maintenance for their locomotives.
The collaboration has been praised as underscoring the trust SADC customers place in Transnet Engineering’s capabilities and its role in supporting railway operations within the region.
Transport Engineering’s Tshwanelo Tswai said the agreement continues a long standing supplier-consumer relationship with Eswatini.
“Our relationship with Eswatini Railways is built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared progress. Over the years, we’ve delivered a range of services, ranging from research and design to manufacturing, maintenance, and skills development, particularly in the realm of freight rolling stock,” said Transnet Engineering’s General Manager for Manufacturing Tshwanelo Tswai.
Tswai said as a leading original equipment manufacturer, producing over 4,500 freight wagons annually and maintaining more than 10,000 Transnet Engineering is in good stead to meet ESwatini’s rail needs and listed the following contributions to Eswatini Railways:
• Supplied 75 iron ore wagons in 2014
• Delivered 50 refurbished fuel tanker wagons and 40 new flat-bed container wagons in 2016
• Recently awarded a two-year contract to maintain four diesel locomotives locally in Eswatini, empowering the railway to build internal maintenance capacity
• Secured a six-year contract to provide ongoing diesel locomotive maintenance services
“Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude to one of our most valued partners in the SADC region, Eswatini Railways. At Transnet Engineering, we remain unwavering in our commitment to deliver these projects with reliability, quality, and innovation. As your strategic partner, we will continue to enhance your operational efficiency and support your journey toward sustainable growth,” said Tswai.
Beyond manufacturing, Transnet is establishing a new leasing company, set to start operations within the next 18 months. This strategic move aims to bolster its competitive edge while also catering to the leasing needs of neighbouring African nations.
Summary of the Deal
Supply of Wheelsets: Transnet Engineering will supply 26 rolling stock wheelsets, which are essential components for freight wagons.
D-Shed Services: The contract also includes the provision of D-shed services, which involve the specialized maintenance of locomotives.
Duration: The contract is for a period of three years.
Strategic Partnership: The agreement is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the relationship between Eswatini Railways and Transnet Engineering, enhancing customer value and service delivery.
Regional Context: This deal highlights Transnet Engineering’s increasing collaboration with other railway operators in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, demonstrating confidence in their capabilities.