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In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, Johny Smith, CEO of TransNamib, joins Philippa Dean to discuss his impending departure from TransNamib and the exciting projects the company is working on. Watch to learn about the Walvis Bay-to-Kranzberg upgrade project, the Trans Kalahari Project, new locomotives being purchased with a 2.6 billion loan, and the government's plan to rehabilitate sections of the railway lines in Namibia. Smith also shares his biggest highlight during his tenure at TransNamib and his vision for the future of the rail industry in Namibia.

Join us as we sit down with Andy Knight, President of the Institution of Railway Signalling Engineers (IRSE), to learn more about ISRE and discuss his recent visit to South Africa and his insights into the challenges facing the country's railway industry. From multiple infrastructure owners to skills development, we delve into the important role that the IRSE plays in providing guidance and support to the rail industry.

Listen to our interview with Xolani Mbambo, the incoming CEO of Grindrod Limited and the current CEO of Grindrod Freight Services. Our interview took place during their recent interim financial results announcement. In our interview, we touch on the locomotive fleet expansion, market opportunities for rail, and the recently launched coal train service with Eswatini, among other items of interest that highlight that the future for rail is bright! Enjoy.

Prof. Jan Havenga and Dr. Zane Simpson, Stellenbosch University cover "The Future of Heavy Haul" at the South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition.

Dr. Andrew Shaw, Group Chief Strategy & Planning Officer covers Transnet's strategy to support the commodity sector at the recently held South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition (SAHHA).

Roger Baxter, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa speaking at the South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition on the topic of: "Opportunities & Challenges of the Mining Sector - Expected Role of the Logistics System".

There is no doubt that open access or third party access to Transnet Freight Rail’s core network is being seen as a “hoorah” moment for the revitalisation of South Africa’s ailing railway sector, but there’s more to this than meets the eye! Transnet Freight Rail is facing some very real and extraordinary challenges – theft, vandalism, rolling stock availability -among others. In this Coffee with the Editor with Phillippa Dean, TFR - CEO, Sizakele Mzimela takes us through the current implementation status of open access, and what the future holds. Enjoy.

Officially a year since Bombardier Transport become part of the Alstom group. Making this an ideal opportunity to connect with Bernard Peille, Managing Director Southern Africa, ALSTOM. In this Coffee with the Editor, we discuss the changes to the group locally and what the future holds for both South Africa and Southern Africa. Especially, now as the product portfolio has been expanded. In South Africa, the Alstom group is actively involved in passenger rail through the delivery of PRASA’s new rolling stock programme, the Xtrapolis fleet through Gibela. Alstom Ubunye, their rail manufacturing factory, is supplying components to Gibela, including end-under-frames, bogies and bogie frames. Looming products and other electrical components. The Isando manufacturing plant, previously a Bombardier Transport facility, is focused on propulsion systems, producing high-power traction converter systems for the Traxx 3300 platform. Alstom will continue to deliver the TRAXX locomotives to Transnet. In addition, with the transfer of Bombardier to the Group, Alstom is now actively involved with the Gautrain. Alstom Southern African is participating in a number of projects outside of South Africa. Bernard highlights signalling projects in Tanzania and Zambia, as well as, opportunities they are exploring in Namibia, Botswana, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe amongst others.

In this Coffee with the Editor, we get to know Dutliff Bredenkamp the recently appointed CEO of Thelo DB. Dutliff has extensive experience in the rail sector and outlines the vision of the business in Africa and South Africa. Thelo DB is an incorporated JV between, Thelo Ventures a 100% Black Owned South African company and Deutsche Bahn Engineering, Consulting and Operations which is a German-owned entity. Thelo DB’s focus is on Railways in Africa, with the aim of being the number one railway entity on the continent.

Nacala Logistics, Director of Operations, Gustavo Stein in a Coffee with the Editor, explains the recent progress made by Nacala Logistics, including, investments and line rehabilitation. The opening of the $5.5 Million Limbe Container Terminal, the partnership with C. Steinweg Bridge and what the future holds for the organisation and the further development in terms of connecting to neighbouring railways.

In this Coffee with the Editor, Refilwe Kunene – Strategic Programs Manager, GCEO office of the Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA), discusses their corridor recovery, network rehabilitation and the overall strategy that is being executed to deliver services. We discuss the impact of theft and vandalism, signalling, services in Cape Town, general challenges and the corridor roll-out plan among other items of interest including depots, to accommodate the new trains and bringing them into service. Our thanks to the PRASA communications team and Refilwe for taking the time to engage with us.

Unitrans Africa is a diversified contractual logistics company serving the needs of selected sub-Saharan African markets. A few months ago the company ventured into offering a dedicated rail link between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In partnership with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), Caminhos de Ferro de Mocambique (CFM) and Traxtion. In this Coffee with the Editor, Unitrans Africa’s CEO, Rob Hayworth, discusses their journey into rail, the service offering and what the future could hold. Enjoy.

Andrew Waller, CEO of Grindrod Limited, took a few minutes for a virtual Coffee with the Editor, following the announcement of Grindrod’s interim results for the 6-months ended 30 June 2021, on 27 August. Despite a tough year the company produced solid results. We discuss rail, leasing, the potential of open access, logistics and the recent reintroduction of locomotives in Sierra Leone, along with other items that focus on #rail and #Africa.

In this Coffee with the Editor, we catch up with Ronnie Ntuli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thelo DB, following the recent news that Thelo DB will manage, finance, build and operate a 450km railway corridor from the port of Pointe-Noire to the Mayoko Station in the Republic of Congo. With an estimated 100 million tonnes per annum! In addition, Ronnie shares his insight into the business, new appointments and his views on the rail industry. Enjoy.

This Coffee with the Editor, with Kevin Pillay, CEO of Siemens Mobility South Africa follows the article published in week 28 of Railways Africa Magazine titled, Significant Milestone Reached For PRASA’s Gauteng Signalling Project. Article: https://go.railwaysafrica.com/milestone-gauteng-signalling-project 76 of 88 stations have been completed so far and Kevin discusses why this is such a significant milestone, and what makes the next station, being Germiston so significant. In addition, we discuss the timeframe to completion, their commitment to executing the project, and some of the industry challenges being experienced at the moment. Enjoy.

James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, discusses two recent highlights for the company in this Coffee with the Editor. Firstly, the newly branded EURO4000’s that have entered service on the TAZARA line through the Calabash operation. James discusses the project and the logistics of getting the EURO4000’s to site, as well as, the value the new locomotives will bring to customers. Secondly, Traxtion is really excited to be part of Unitrans Africa’s journey into rail. The project scope includes the leasing and maintenance of GE C30 locomotives, which will be operated by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). James notes that Unitrans has a reputation for being a blue-chip service provider to their customers and have a reputation for delivering high-class logistics solutions that fits with Traxtion’s philosophy and that it has been wonderfully refreshing working with NRZ.

James Holley the CEO of Traxtion is also the chairperson of the African Rail Industry Association (ARIA). In a recent Coffee with the Editor, James takes a moment to give us an update on the association’s activities, specifically on the progress of the study for the practical implantation of third party access to the South African railway. This has been well supported by the various stakeholders. ARIA as an industry association is focused on supporting the future of the industry. It is important that structural reform for the railway sector backed by Operation Vulindlela is executed. #railway #africa #openaccess

CEO of TransNamib, Johny Smith, in this Coffee with the Editor, discusses his appointment as President of the Southern African Railway Association (SARA), and his agenda for Southern African rail operators for the next 12 months. The key being integration and a real push of the road-to-rail strategy for the Region. Johny also provides an update on TransNamib’s operations, projects and the recent award to Traxtion for four leased locomotives.

Railways Africa’s Coffee with the Editor is with Logan Naicker following the recent announcement of his appointment as the new CEO for Alstom Ubunye in South Africa. Logon discusses his time so far with the company, the continuous improvements at the Nigel based facility and what their next steps are. This is over-and-above meeting the supply requirements of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s rolling stock programme with Gibela, who are manufacturing the trains. Enjoy!

A brief Coffee with the Editor, with the Deputy Minister of Transport, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi, following the inspection of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Wolmerton maintenance depot in Pretoria North, Gauteng, with the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Board. Whilst we discuss the state of the Wolmerton depot, we also touch on the current status of the station modernization programme, Public Private Participation through concession agreements, and the joint efforts between the Department of Transport, Transnet and the Department of Public Enterprises to bring about efficient railway operations in, South Africa. Last but not least, because it is youth month – we close off with a great message of encouragement for our youth and women in rail, enjoy!