Altogether 15 sets of tender documents were collected by firms with interest in Transnet’s intended acquisition of 1,064 new locomotives – 599 dual-voltage electrics and 465 diesels – for its general freight business division.

Instead of tenders closing in October 2102, as originally indicated, 28 February 2013 now seems a more likely date.

Apparently the National Treasury and Transnet have yet to conclude details in terms of the country’s Competitive Supplier Development Programme (CSDP). The value of the total deal is estimated at about R35 billion.