This was the warning from Tshwanelo Tswai, General Manager of Transnet Manufacturing and Ports, during a media briefing held in Cape Town. He pointed out that while the entity is working hard to return to profitability, criminal damage to its facilities continues to hamper progress.

“Vandalism is not just a Transnet problem, it’s a countrywide issue,” said Tswai. “We’ve seen people entering our plants through stormwater drains. It’s happening at ports and other sites too. Our priority is to strengthen security and ensure the safety of our employees.”

Transnet has been under pressure to deliver on its turnaround strategy amid declining rail performance, freight backlogs, and increasing calls from the private sector for operational reforms.

When asked about the role of National Treasury in supporting the entity’s recovery, Tswai pointed to the importance of collaboration and targeted investment.

“The role of the Transnet Engineering Authority is clear,” he explained. “When tenders are advertised, they come with budgets. If we secure the contract, we execute the work and in doing so, we create employment within our manufacturing divisions. It’s about delivering on time while boosting job creation.”

Colette Yende, Chief Procurement Officer at Transnet Engineering, also addressed the media, highlighting the company’s broader ambition to lead the continent in engineering and manufacturing.

“We are working to reposition Transnet as a powerhouse across Africa, but we must first prove our capability here in SA,” she said. “We’re focused on restoring and enhancing technical skills, many of which were lost during COVID-19 and the economic downturn. In areas like rolling stock manufacturing and maintenance, we’ve remained open for business and we will continue to grow.”

--ChannelAfrica--