(2).jpg)
The Minister of Transport, Dr. Blade Nzimande will officially launch the new, multi billion rand train-manufacturing factory at Dunnottar Park in Nigel, City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng on Thursday, 25th October 2018 as part of the 2018 October Transport Month campaign under the theme Together, we move South Africa Forward.
October Transport Month 2018 focuses on demonstrating service delivery and showcasing transport infrastructure and services in rail, road, maritime, aviation and public transport meant to improve the country’s transport system to make it safe, affordable, efficient and reliable.
Not only will the Ministerial launch of the train factory create much-needed jobs and job opportunities, it will also attract investment and boost the economy of the country.
The site at Dunnottar Park in the City of Ekurhuleni, approximately 72 hectares housing the factory, Supplier Park and Rail Training School at construction completion, amounting to approximately R1 billion will manufacture, assemble, test, commission and deliver 580 new commuter trains.
This massive investment among others will include the local manufacturing of parts, maintenance, training facilities, creation of jobs, skills development, the achievement of a 65% local content, will promote black economic empowerment and support communities.
Construction of the factory commenced in January 2016 with manufacturing activities starting in 2017. The overall employment equity constitutes 49% female and 51% male with 635 full time employees, 90% of whom are Black.
The plant will deliver 2 new trains by December 2018, an approximation of 9 trains by March 2019 and an estimated total of 56 trains over the next two years thereafter if Bulk service challenges are overcome.
The unwarranted torching of Metrorail trains, vandalism and arson attacks of rail infrastructure in the recent past has resulted in severe inconveniences to the rail commuting public, whereas the local manufacturing of new trains and the implementation of a world-class rail system through the new rail manufacturing factory will alleviate challenges of overcrowding in and delayed arrival of trains, thereby providing an affordable, efficient and reliable rail service.
Minister Nzimande will be joined during the official launch of the new train-manufacturing factory by the Deputy Minister of Transport Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Gauteng Premier Mr. David Makhura, Provincial MECs of Transport, senior government officials together with key government stakeholders and members of the public.