The honourable Secretary toured the Transnet locomotive assembly in Koedoespoort accompanied by business leaders, including the acting group CEO of Transnet, Siyabonga Gama, president and CEO for GE Transportation, Russell Stokes and chief executive officer of Transnet Engineering, Thami Jiyane.
He visited the various assembly units for the GE AC30ci locomotive which is currently in final production and forms part of the contracts for the last 203 locomotives being supplied by GE to Transnet. As part of the visit, he went through the various stages of production, in particular, those that are part of the 35% localisation commitment of the contract. These include the production of boogies and frames.
Speaking before the tour, Secretary Foxx applauded GE and Transnet for a partnership that is changing the South African rail landscape and putting South Africa on the map as a locomotive manufacturing hub.
He said this partnership must be credited for the enabling role that it has played in creating and sustaining jobs in South Africa and in the USA. "The USA is committed to partnering with South Africa in broadening the innovation play in the transportation sector by providing world-class technology, such as the technology delivered by GE and Transnet," he said.
His words were echoed by Gama who described the partnership between Transnet and GE as one that has delivered on time, every time and for the broader benefit of South Africa. He added, "Together with GE, we have delivered a world-class product to market and have ensured that we take other key players in the value chain, such as SMEs and employees, on this journey with us. We have ensured that our people at both Transnet and GE are equipped with the necessary skills and training."
"We are supporting small and medium enterprises and have integrated them into the value chain as our contribution towards delivering on the industrialisation priorities of the country as outlined in the National Development Plan. Lastly, we are happy to say that with all that we are doing with GE, we are contributing to creating a better South Africa for all," he concluded.
In closing Stokes said GE is humbled to be a partner with Transnet. "This partnership is one of our best case studies at GE. We remain committed to growing it by delivering best in class technology, increased local content from 35% to 55% going forward and more investment in people and SME development."
