Transport Minister Blade Nzimande is set to launch a train manufacturing factory at Dunnottar Park in Nigel, Ekurhuleni this week.
The launch, which coincides with the commemoration of Transport Month under the theme ‘Together, we move South Africa Forward’, is expected to create much-needed jobs and job opportunities, while attracting investment and boosting the economy of the country. The R1 billion site at Dunnottar Park consists of a Supplier Park and Rail Training School, which will manufacture, assemble, test, commission and deliver 580 new commuter trains.Skills development
“This massive investment will include the local manufacturing of parts, maintenance, training facilities, creation of jobs, skills development, the achievement of a 65% local content, and it will promote black economic empowerment and support communities,” the department said. Construction of the factory began 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 two new trains by December 2018, an approximation of nine trains by March 2019 and an estimated total of 56 trains over the next two years thereafter if bulk service challenges are overcome,” said the department.
