Transnet has unveiled one of the first locomotives to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in Africa.

Developed by the company's engineering and manufacturing division Transnet Engineering (TE), the Trans-Africa locomotive was assembled at the production facility in Koedoespoort, east of Pretoria.

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The locomotive is suitable for use on branch lines and in the yard for shunting. It can be used on old rail tracks originally designed to carry light axle loads.

Transnet Group's chief executive officer (CEO) Siyabonga Gama said: “The locomotive is evidence of the strides we are making in transforming TE into an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for locomotives, a move designed to restore our position as a catalyst for African innovation, industrialisation, and critically intra-African trade.”

"The locomotive is evidence of the strides we are making in transforming TE into an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for locomotives."

The Trans-Africa vehicle is also suitable for old railway lines operating on the Cape Gauge system. It features a diesel-powered engine, a unique cabin design with front and rear-facing windows, and various customisation options.

Transnet's engineering chief officer of advanced manufacturing Thamsanqa Jiyane said: “In the past three years of our market demand strategy execution, we have progressively boosted our research capability consolidated at TE and this is one of the many outcomes of such efforts.”

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At present, the train is undergoing testing in line with the company’s engineering and commissioning processes.

TE operates six main plants situated at the major cities in South Africa and it undertakes work related to overhaul, repair, upgrading, and new-build of wagons, locomotives, and coaches.