In this episode of Coffee with the Editor , Railways Africa sits down with Patrick Moodley, CEO of Siemens Mobility South Africa, to discuss the company’s role in the country’s rail reform journey. As South Africa prepares to unlock open access through the Transnet Interim Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), Siemens Mobility is stepping forward with advanced signalling solutions, including SICAS S7 electronic interlockings and the European Train Control System (ETCS). Moodley outlines how these techn...
Aug 08, 2025•15 min
In this Coffee with the Editor interview, Railways Africa ’s Phillippa Dean sits down with Kim Wilson, Managing Director of Clyde Industrial Corporation, to discuss the journey that led to the development and launch of Zak’s 48 kg 1:12 Secant turnout. The turnout features a fully flexible switch blade made from 51 kg rail and a cast manganese rail-bound frog, assembled on concrete sleepers with cast-in shoulders. Designed for 22-tonne axle loads, it is fully compatible with Cape Gauge infrastruc...
Jul 24, 2025•14 min
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean sits down with Martin Vaujour, recently appointed President of Alstom’s AMECA region (Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia) and new member of Alstom’s Executive Committee. Martin shares insight into Alstom’s strategic ambitions across a vibrant and diverse region, covering key rail projects in South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and beyond. From the landmark PRASA Gibela commuter train project in South Africa to...
Jul 20, 2025•19 min
In this insightful episode of Coffee with the Editor , Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Wilson Mogoba, General Manager for Business Development at Transnet SOC Ltd, during Transnet Engineering’s Industry Day. The discussion covers Transnet’s growing regional footprint, strategic infrastructure partnerships, and the transformative role of the soon-to-be-operational LeaseCo. Wilson shares updates on: The proposed 120km Mmamabula–Lephalale cross-border railway , a key expo...
Jun 05, 2025•10 min
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor , filmed at Africa Rail 2025, Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean speaks with the Chief Business Development Officer at Transnet about the strategic vision and current status of the Transnet LeaseCo initiative, which is currently in bid phase. The conversation explores the origins of LeaseCo, its link to local rail reform, regional leasing opportunities and infrastructure studies, and how Transnet aims to unlock underutilised rolling stock to ...
Jun 05, 2025•14 min
In this Coffee with the Editor , filmed during Transnet Engineering’s Industry Day — held the day before Africa Rail 2025 — Railways Africa Magazine editor Phillippa Dean spoke to Bessie Mabunda, Chief Executive of Transnet Engineering. The conversation explores the company’s evolving strategy, notable achievements, and future ambitions as Transnet Engineering strengthens its role within South Africa’s logistics network and the wider African rail ecosystem. Bessie reflects on how the company has...
Jun 04, 2025•7 min
In this Coffee with the Editor , filmed during Africa Rail 2025, Vuyiswa Tlomatsane, Services Executive at Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, unpacks the full scope of Gibela’s Maintenance, Technical Support, and Spare Supply Agreement with PRASA. Under this long-term contract, Gibela not only provides technical support but also develops PRASA’s maintenance regime and supplies all required spare parts. The agreement began in 2016 with just 18 trains and a single operational base. Fast forward to ...
Jun 04, 2025•10 min
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor , filmed at Africa Rail 2025, Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Reggie Boqo , Acting CEO of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium , about how Gibela is positioning itself to meet the future needs of passenger rail on the African continent. Gibela has just delivered its 280th trainset for South Africa’s passenger agency, PRASA and is on track to reach the 300 mark by the end of the year — a significant milestone for the company. As Reggie Boqo reflects on t...
Jun 04, 2025•12 min
Join us for this Coffee with the Editor as Traxtion CEO James Holley shares key updates on the company’s fleet expansion, workforce growth, and African market expansion. Our conversation covers; Fleet Expansion – 50 out of 60 locomotives now in operation, with workshop capacity fully booked until August 2024. Slots for third-party rebuilds available in the second half of 2025. Workforce Development – 10 apprentices enrolled, 4 graduates qualified as Red Seal diesel-electric fitters, including tw...
Mar 18, 2025•9 min
On the sidelines of the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Anura Partners launched their latest report, Tracks to Prosperity: Realising the Vision for the South Africa-Botswana Rail Corridor, at their annual Mining X Logistics event, attended by 250 senior executives.In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Dr Maximilian Matschke, Managing Partner at Anura Partners, discusses the significance of this corridor with our editor, Phillippa Dean.The Mmamabula–Lephalale link offers tre...
Mar 02, 2025•26 min
This Coffee with the Editor is a follow-up discussion to the article titled "Decarbonisation 2050: What Tractive Effort Could Look Like." Our Editor Phillippa Dean sits down with Dr. Wiehan Le Roux (Technical Director), Dr. Rick Vandoorne (Railway Engineering Computational Designer), and Dr. André Broekman (Civil Engineering Computational Designer) from ZUTARI to discuss the future of rail transport and decarbonising heavy haul rail operations.The conversation explores the possibilities of achie...
Mar 02, 2025•31 min
In this Coffee with the Editor by Railways Africa , filmed during the 8th Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (#PIDAWeek2024) , Ibrah Wahabou , Head of Infrastructure and Transport Unit at AUDA-NEPAD , shares critical insights into Africa's transformative railway projects and their role in driving sustainable development under Agenda 2063 . Our conversation covers progress on key rail initiatives, including the Uvinza-Musongati SGR between Tanzania and Burundi, the transformative LA...
Dec 12, 2024•13 min
Join Railways Africa Magazine Editor, Phillippa Dean, in this Coffe with the Editor, as she sits down with Dr. Birhan Abebaw, CEO of the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transport Service Enterprise, for an in-depth discussion about the challenges and future prospects of Ethiopia’s pioneering light rail system. Key Topics Covered: The operational status of the Addis Ababa Light Rail, including fleet challenges and passenger service. The government’s focus on revitalising the light rail system with support...
Dec 12, 2024•18 min
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Phillippa Dean of Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) Board Chairperson, Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka, covering Zambia’s pivotal role as a rail hub in Southern Africa. The discussion covers Zambia’s ambitious plans for regional rail connectivity, including the strategic role of TAZARA, recent progress on the Lobito Corridor, and partnerships shaping ZRL’s future. Mr. Hachipuka provides updates on ZRL’s plans to secure funding fo...
Nov 16, 2024•25 min
In this Coffee with the Editor , Railways Africa Magazine interviews Adj. Prof. Dr. Andrea Giuricin, CEO of TRA Consulting, at the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Conference in Cape Town. Dr. Giuricin shares his expertise on global rail reform, the complexities of open access, and the importance of adapting reforms to each country’s unique context. Dr. Giuricin highlights how countries like Italy, the US, and China have navigated rail reform, with Italy’s high-speed rail network driving a modal s...
Oct 21, 2024•17 min
In this Coffee with the Editor episode, filmed during the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) in Cape Town, PRASA Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, delves into PRASA’s recovery strategy, future plans, and its role within South Africa's broader rail industry. Hishaam shares insights from his recent trip to China, where he explored digital trends and innovations in rail, including advancements in train control systems and real-time data. A key focus for PRASA is improvi...
Oct 21, 2024•15 min
In this Coffee with the Editor episode, filmed at the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) in Cape Town, Railways Africa Magazine speaks with Gautrain Management Agency CEO, Tshepo Kgobe. Tshepo provides insights into the exciting developments for the Gautrain, including plans for network expansion, which will extend the Gautrain network to nearly 360 kilometres. This expansion will link key areas such as SEZs, Pretoria and Johannesburg, creating a powerful tool...
Oct 21, 2024•27 min
Join us for an insightful "Coffee with the Editor" conversation with MEC Kedibone Diale Tlabela, Gauteng’s MEC for Roads and Transport, recorded at the 2024 Railway Safety Regulator Conference in Cape Town, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR). In this interview, the MEC discusses exciting developments in Gauteng's rail sector, including the expansion of Gautrain into Soweto, Mamelodi, and other townships, as well as the proposed high-speed rail link to Limpopo. Hear more about how Gaute...
Oct 20, 2024•19 min
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor , filmed during the Railway Safety Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) under the theme "Rail Renaissance", we sit down with Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, the Chairperson of the RSR. Ms Ekeke shares key insights into the state of South Africa's rail industry, the critical need to move freight off ageing roads and back onto rail, and the importance of modernising the rail sector with innovative solutions. She also discusses the growin...
Oct 20, 2024•8 min
In this special episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at the Southern African Railways Association Conference and Exhibition, we sit down with Tresor Kapuku Ngoy, Deputy Director General of Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo (SNCC SA). In this insightful discussion, we explore the current state and future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) railways. Tresor Kapuku Ngoy shares updates on the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the SNCC network, which spans 3,641 kil...
Sep 28, 2024•23 min
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed during the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference and Exhibition, we speak with Tunde Ayorinde from the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s property side. Tunde provides insights into the rapid growth of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, which now spans over 3,000 kilometres and operates both narrow and standard gauge lines. He highlights the expansion efforts, particularly with the new standard gauge lines like Lagos-Ibadan, Agbor-It...
Sep 28, 2024•4 min
In this episode of “Coffee with the Editor,” filmed during the Critical Materials Conference: FerroAlloys 2024 held in Johannesburg from 9th to 11th September, Railways Africa Magazine talks to, Kenneth Williams from the Makoya Group. The Makoya Group is a niche bulk-handling commodity advisory service for the mining industry, specialising in rail operations, private sidings, and bulk material loading. Kenneth shares insights on the company’s involvement in loading coal to key destinations such ...
Sep 28, 2024•5 min
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, our editor Phillippa Dean sits down with Howard Rosen, Chairman of the Rail Working Group, at the Southern African Railways Association’s (SARA) annual conference and exhibition. The discussion covers the latest developments around the Luxembourg Rail Protocol and its growing influence on rail asset management globally. The protocol, which officially came into effect on 8th March 2024, is currently operational in Sweden, Spain, Luxembourg, and Gabon, ma...
Sep 18, 2024•9 min
In this episode of Railways Africa Magazine’s “Coffee with the Editor,” our editor, Phillippa Dean, speaks with Anneri Robinson from Hatch at the South African Heavy Haul Association (SAHHA) conference about her paper, “Approach to Assessing the Condition of a Railway System,” co-authored with Nathan Wilson. Robinson talks about the challenges faced by railway operators, including asset decay and diminishing capacity, and outlines Hatch’s risk-based asset condition assessments. These assessments...
Sep 16, 2024•10 min
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, filmed at the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) annual conference and exhibition, Phillippa Dean engages with Kannan Ponnusamy, Head of Business Development at SMH Rail. They explore SMH Rail’s impactful projects across Africa, focusing on locomotive remanufacturing in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and new ventures in South Africa. Kannan provides key insights into the remanufacturing of three Alco locomotives for Kenya Shipyard Limited, with Kenya...
Sep 13, 2024•5 min
Join Railways Africa’s Editor, Phillippa Dean, in this Coffee with the Editor as she sits down with the Acting CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Mmuso Selaledi, to discuss the upcoming changes in South Africa’s rail safety landscape. In this in-depth interview, Selaledi provides insights into the new Railways Safety Act awaiting presidential approval, the implications of open access on the rail network, and how the RSR is preparing for an expanded role in overseeing rail safety. Discove...
Sep 09, 2024•14 min
In this Coffee with the Editor, Johny Smith, CEO of Grindrod Rail, shares insights into the company's strategy and plans in light of their recent interim results. Despite a challenging period, Grindrod Rail's performance has been commendable, showcasing the company's resilience and strategic focus. Smith highlights the critical role of rail in Grindrod’s broader logistics strategy and outlines the steps the company is taking to leverage rail as a key growth driver. He also discusses Grindrod Rai...
Sep 09, 2024•4 min
In this Coffee with the Editor, we catch up with Bernard Peille just before his transition from Managing Director of Alstom Southern Africa to Alstom Brazil. Bernard discusses Alstom's involvement in the MetroKin project in Kinshasa, a key mass transit initiative aimed at addressing the city's severe congestion. Alstom is set to be part of the first phase of the project—connecting the central station to N'Djili International Airport, featuring eight stations along a 22-kilometre route as a metro...
Sep 07, 2024•13 min
In this special edition of Coffee with the Editor, we catch up with Ms Nompumelelo Sibongile Ekeke, the Chairperson of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), at the SARA Conference and Exhibition held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Ms Ekeke discusses the exciting developments in rail safety, including the inaugural Rail Safety Awards celebrating 21 years of the RSR, the importance of harmonising safety standards across the SADC region, and the challenges and opportunities in open access for new ...
Sep 06, 2024•10 min
Welcome to another episode of Coffee with the Editor! In this insightful discussion, Phillippa Dean, Editor of Railways Africa, sits down with Mike Salawou, from the African Development Bank (AfDB), during the Southern African Railways Association’s (SARA) Conference and Exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre. In this episode, we explore the African Development Bank’s pivotal role in transforming Africa’s rail sector. Mike Salawou shares how AfDB is financing major rail-related projects acr...
Sep 02, 2024•17 min
