2008 Media Releases
Scoops Award
Transnet Freight Rail has won the coveted international “Innovation in Management Accountancy award” at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 27 November 2008 in London.
Gama steps down as Chairman of UAR
Transnet Freight Rail’s Chief Executive, Mr. Siyabonga Gama, has stepped down as Chairman of the Union of African Railways (UAR) after having served his two year term with distinction. Members of the UAR had requested Mr. Gama to continue for another two year term but he politely declined citing the depth of leadership in African railways. He nominated and was succeeded by Mr. Abdelaziz Chaabane, President and CEO of the Tunisian Railways.
Union agreement
The strike threat by the South African and Allied Workers Union (Satawu), the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) and the South African Railways and Harbours Union (Sarwhu) on Transnet Freight Rail has been withdrawn. This came after the concerned parties concluded an agreement this week on the dispute over the train driver refresher course.
Noupoort Accident
A freight train travelling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg derailed at 14:05 today when a motorist failed to stop at a level crossing and collided with the train. The accident happened at Donkerpoort which is situated between Noupoort and Colesburg.
Historic 100th Loaded 342 RDP IRON ORE Train
On Sunday 20 July 2008 at 07:15, the 100th loaded 342-wagon RDP (Radio Distributed Power) train arrived at Salkor Yard in Saldanha. Congratulations to the iron ore liners!
Traditionally the iron ore line operated 216 wagon head-end powered trains and since the 18th of December 2007 started phasing in the 342-wagon RDP trains. Today, just 7 months later this major milestone of the 100th loaded mega train to arrive at Salkor was achieved.
Coal Line and GFB’s Great Achievement
Transnet Freight Rail would like to congratulate the Coal line and GFB employees on work well done as evidenced in the attached letter from Mittal Steel South Africa.
Achievements like these will surely assist Transnet Freight Rail realise its aim of becoming a world- class freight company. Keep up the good work.
Coal line resumes full operations
after 10 day shutdown to improve service efficiency
Transnet Freight Rail has announced it has resumed normal operations at the coal line to Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). The shutdown, between 27 December 2007 and 6 January 2008 was meant to improve infrastructure maintenance and significantly enhance reliability.
Transnet Freight Rail Exceeds Record
on its Iron Ore Line
Transnet Freight Rail has announced that it has exceeded its weekly iron ore throughput achieved in October 2007 by a massive 30,804 tons. The record was set at 758,352 tons on 6 January 2008 compared to 727,548 in October 2007.
An upbeat Siyabonga Gama, CE of Transnet Freight Rail, said “these positive results are a consequence of excellent teamwork between Transnet and the Mines and lots of hard work. We will continue to put much effort into increasing installed capacity in our rail system to pave the way for sustainable growth.”