According to Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba, South Africa can be proud of the unveiling of 50 Transnet Pipelines (TPL) tank wagons which will help the country in its quest to become an original equipment manufacturing hub on the continent.

Mr Gigaba unveiled the XPRJ-23 locomotives at the Transnet Rail Engineering (TRE) Germiston plant on Friday.

The wagons were manufactured in a partnership between TPL and Transnet Rail Engineering.

These new wagons can carry about 74 000 litres and are almost 19 metres in length. They will be used to transport highly flammable liquids that are stored under great pressure.

The minister has praised TRE as the leader in the manufacturing of these new high pressure tank wagons in Southern Africa.

“This technological progress presents a massive innovative opportunity for the South African economy. It demonstrates that TRE can act as both the original equipment manufacturer and prime contractor for the design and manufacture of complex and safety critical rolling stock,” said Gigaba.

Mr Gigaba has also said that we as South Africans should be proud of this achievement.

“This is clearly a watershed that all South Africans can be extremely proud of, as we continue to build and demonstrate our capability in our quest to become an important technology and original equipment manufacturing hub in Africa,” he said.