Join us for an insightful conversation with Nthabiseng Kubheka, the Chief Executive Officer of Bombela Operating Company (PTY) Ltd, (BOC), as she shares her journey and achievements in the rail industry. Recognised as one of the top 15 women globally in rail by the International Railway Journal (IRJ), Nthabiseng discusses her passion for inclusion and diversity, the strategic initiatives at BOC, and the future of public transport in Africa. In this interview, Nthabiseng highlights: • The importa...
Jun 25, 2024•12 min
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, Zaituni Nakonde, Director of Infrastructure Development at CCTTFA, discusses the agency's role and mandate in enhancing rail connectivity across East Africa. Learn how the Central Corridor is tackling funding challenges and promoting the new Standard Gauge Railway to boost regional trade and logistics.
Jun 01, 2024•8 min
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, Eng. Achieng’ Akun Beatrice discusses the role of the East African Community (EAC) and its mission to integrate the region through various policies and infrastructure development programmes. We touch on topics from project preparation, to standards, and harmonisation for seamless operability and connectivity. The East African Community is a regional intergovernmental organisation with member states from the East African region. Currently, the community ...
Jun 01, 2024•10 min
In this insightful Coffee with the Editor, Mutahi (Alex) Wariithi, Senior Valuer at LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, shares an in-depth look at the LAPSSET project and its current status, particularly focusing on the railway network. LAPSSET, which stands for Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport, is a transformative transport and economic corridor aimed at developing underutilised regions of Kenya, covering 70% of the country's land mass. The project leverages the strategic Port of La...
May 27, 2024•9 min
In this edition of Coffee with the Editor, we are joined by Russell Baatjies, CEO of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). Russell provides invaluable insights into TFR's strategic direction, ongoing collaborations and formidable challenges. Our dialogue navigates through TFR's overarching vision and proactive approach in aligning with industry imperatives while anticipating future demands.
May 03, 2024•14 min
Professor Jan Havenga, the newly appointed board member of PRASA, offered an insightful dialogue on current rail affairs in South Africa, during the celebration of the PRASA’s 200th train launch in Cape Town on 23 April 2024. His expertise in freight logistics will bring fresh perspectives to passenger rail transport. Full article: https://www.railways.africa/rails-of-change-professor-havenga-current-rail-developments-south-africa/
May 02, 2024•13 min
Join Railways Africa Magazine for an insightful interview with Athanacious Makgamatha, General Manager: SAD Signals and Telecoms, as he discusses the latest advancements in South Africa’s passenger rail systems. Recorded during a celebratory event on April 23, marking the 200th trainset and the re-signalling of the Southern Line in Cape Town, Makgamatha shares valuable insights into ongoing progress and future plans. From enhanced signalling systems to proactive measures against vandalism and th...
May 01, 2024•7 min
A brief discussion on the future of rail transport in South Africa with Ngwako Makaepea, Deputy Director General of Rail Transport, during the PRASA celebration in Cape Town on 23 April 2024. Ngwako highlights the Department of Transport's commitment to advancing rail reform, emphasising the importance of laying down foundational building blocks for a robust system. He discusses key initiatives such as the freight logistics roadmap and the establishment of the Transnet Infrastructure Manager.
Apr 30, 2024•15 min
Join us in this interview as the Minister of Transport, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, discusses significant advancements in South Africa's passenger railway system, including the delivery of the 200th train from a total of 600, and the national signalling programme. As of 23 April, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has successfully recovered 31 of the 40 rail corridors.
Apr 29, 2024•8 min
At the Land Linked Zambia Event held on April 4-5, 2024, in Zambia, we caught up with Mudiwa Mupfanochiya from Cornelder de Moçambique, S.A., for a "Coffee With the Editor" interview. Mudiwa provided an insightful overview of the operations and strategic role of the Port of Beira, managed by the private consortium formed through a partnership between the Mozambican public company Porto e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique (CFM) and the Cornelder Group, CdM, since 1998.
Apr 21, 2024•6 min
In this edition of Railways Africa Magazine’s "Coffee with the Editor," filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, we speak with Raymond Shoniwa, the General Manager of Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway (BBR).
Apr 16, 2024•5 min
Railways Africa Magazine's "Coffee with the Editor" filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, features Johan Laubscher, CEO of Afri-Track Group Holdings & Afri-Track Railway Construction. Johan elaborates on Afri-Track's strategic expansion plans, noting their ventures in South Africa, Botswana, and their home base in Namibia. According to Johan, the next stop is Zambia, as they now prepare to open a local office.
Apr 16, 2024•5 min
In this edition of Railways Africa Magazine’s 'Coffee with the Editor,' filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, we speak with Bruno Ching'andu, Managing Director of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). He discusses the current state and forward-looking strategies set to shape the future of TAZARA.
Apr 15, 2024•8 min
In this episode of Railways Africa Magazine's "Coffee with the Editor," filmed at the recent Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event, we sit down with Sifiso Ndhlukula, Managing Director of Swala Logistics. Sifiso discusses the establishment of Swala Rail Solutions, a commercial company registered in the DRC in 2022, with the aim of operating rail services between the DRC and Zambia. The company has procured four locomotives and 120 wagons from South Africa, with two locomotives and 60 wagons already in o...
Apr 14, 2024•6 min
In this Coffee with the Editor session, join us for an enlightening discussion with Webster Gonzo, the acting CEO of TransNamib, captured at the recently held Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event. Gonzo provides an update on Namibia’s major rail projects, including the strategic Trans-Kalahari Railway, the Kranzberg-Otjiwarongo, and the Trans-Zambezi initiatives, all supported significantly by the government.
Apr 10, 2024•11 min
In this Coffee with the Editor, with Ir. Victor Kaluila Muzembe, Director of Planning for the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC), we find out more about the strategic expansion and railway modernisation efforts amidst the Democratic Republic of the Congo's mining boom. We discuss how SNCC is opening its extensive railway network to private operators, securing significant private investments, and enhancing the economic landscape of the DRC. From increasing cargo capacity to conn...
Apr 10, 2024•14 min
Join us as we explore the dynamic changes and strategic advancements at Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL), in this Coffee with the Editor, filmed during the recently held Land-Linked Zambia 2024 event. Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka, Chairperson of the Board, shares inside details on Zambia's rail sector transformation. We discuss the ambitious greenfield projects managed through the Zambian Ministry of Transport and Logistics, including the Chingola to Jimbe and the Chipata-Serenje lines, designed to enhan...
Apr 10, 2024•15 min
In this "Coffee with the Editor," James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, discusses the company's ambitious expansion plans and strategic initiatives within the dynamic context of railway operations in South Africa and the broader African continent. James shares insights into the extensive refurbishment and modernisation of an additional 20 locomotives at the Rosslyn workshops, highlighting the process of weight reduction to facilitate broader deployment across various terrains and the implementation of ...
Feb 22, 2024•26 min
Join us in this exclusive Coffee with the Editor session, where our Editor sits down with Mr. Masanja K. Kadogosa, the Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC). Discover the groundbreaking developments in Tanzania's railway network. From the near completion of the Dar es Salaam-Morogoro and Morogoro-Dodoma sections to future projects linking Tanzania with neighbouring countries, delve into the ambitious plans that are set to revolutionise railway transportation in East Africa. Hea...
Jan 12, 2024•13 min
Join us in an insightful conversation with Ibrah Wahabou, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, as we explore the future of Africa's rail infrastructure. Recorded in Addis Ababa, this interview delves deep into the initiatives and challenges of developing a connected, efficient, and sustainable railway network across the continent. Key Highlights: - AU-NEPAD's role in translating policies into developmental projects. - Insights into the African Integrated High-Speed Rail Network and its evolut...
Jan 12, 2024•20 min
Join us for a special edition of "Coffee with the Editor" as we sit down with Eric Ntagengerwa from the African Union during the recently held railway technical experts workshop on the Africa Integrated High Speed Railway Network, a flagship project of the AU Agenda 2063, held in Addis Ababa from 12-14th December 2023. Eric provides an in-depth look at the workshop's objectives, including assessing the progress of pilot railway projects, discussing challenges in funding and regulation, and the i...
Jan 12, 2024•4 min
Amidst the bustle of the International Railway Safety Council conference in Cape Town, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator, we engaged in a candid "Coffee with the Editor" session with James Holley, the CEO of Traxtion. Our discussion touches on Traxtion's growth, the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa's railway sector, and the actionable steps ahead for the industry. Aligning with Open Access Open access is on the horizon for South Africa's railway sector, and Holley views it a...
Nov 04, 2023•9 min
In our "Coffee with the Editor" segment, set against the backdrop of the International Railway Safety Council conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator, we feature Thami Gwala, the CEO of SAFLog. Reflecting on SAFLog's journey, Gwala recalled that they were one of the first companies to obtain their license in 2004. This not only marked a historic moment, being recognized as the first black-owned company in South Africa to do so, but also emphasized the significance of championing and pr...
Nov 04, 2023•10 min
Tshepo Kgobe, set to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) in February 2024, sat down for an enlightening Coffee with the Editor, chat during the International Railway Safety Council Conference, organized by the Railway Safety Regulator. While everyone eagerly awaits updates on the Gautrain extensions and the impending Gautrain concession transition, Tshepo hinted at exciting, forward-thinking plans on the horizon. High on the agenda is the Gauteng-Li...
Nov 04, 2023•25 min
Hishaam Emeran, the CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), recently shared insights during a "Coffee with the Editor" interview at the International Railway Safety Council's annual conference, hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator. The discussion revolved around PRASA's commitment to delivering a safe, reliable, and predictable rail service, encompassing aspects like signalling, network expansion, and depot modernization. One of the key topics Hishaam addressed was the ongoin...
Nov 04, 2023•12 min
During the International Railway Safety Council Conference hosted by the Railway Safety Regulator, Ngwako Makaepea, the Deputy Director-General of Rail Transport at the Department of Transport, shared valuable insights during a "Coffee with the Editor" session. In the midst of Transport Month, the spotlight is firmly on the rail industry. Makaepea observes, "Transport stands as the heartbeat of the South African economy. Rail, as a pivotal mode of transport, not only facilitates the movement of ...
Nov 04, 2023•18 min
Join us for another insightful session of 'Coffee with the Editor' as Phillippa Dean sits down with Mmuso Selaledi, the acting CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator. In this in-depth conversation, they explore a myriad of topics, shedding light on the significant transformations within the railway industry and the pivotal role of the Railway Safety Regulator in fostering safety and innovation. Topics Covered: - International Rail Safety Council event 2023 - Annual State of Safety Report Insights -...
Sep 27, 2023•25 min
At the recent Ignite SME Summit 2023, Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani, the Procurement Director at Alstom, took the stage to discuss the company's active involvement in supplier and enterprise development, especially concerning the four joint venture rail projects that Alstom has in South Africa. We caught up with her offstage for an impromptu Coffee with the Editor session. Alstom, globally renowned for its commitment to innovation in transport solutions, has firmly rooted itself in the South African ...
Aug 21, 2023•6 min
A few weeks ago, we published a blog authored by Sarah Truen titled: “Unlocking Efficiency – Overcoming Challenges in South Africa’s Rail Freight Sector.” In this Coffee with the Editor podcast, Sarah delves into the intricacies involved in achieving success within this context. Our conversation delves into the challenges and complexities associated with introducing competition, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling third-party access within the rail industry. We explore the delicate ba...
Aug 15, 2023•28 min
In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, we have the pleasure of hosting Logan Naicker, CEO of Alstom Ubunye. This engaging conversation provides comprehensive insights into Alstom Ubunye’s operations within the African Rail industry, with a particular focus on their ongoing PRASA project. Logan delves into the progress of the PRASA project, where Alstom Ubunye is nearing the serial production phase, with almost six train sets being manufactured every month. He recalls how they hit the ground ...
Jul 02, 2023•5 min
