Transnet Engineering (TE) and Wabtec have signed a long-term Material and Technical Support Agreement (MTSA) valued at approximately R6.6 billion to support Transnet’s Class 43D (C30Aci) and 44D (ES40Aci) locomotive fleet. The agreement is aimed at improving locomotive availability, reliability and maintenance performance across key freight corridors.
The Class 43D and 44D locomotives play a critical role in moving export commodities, containers and general freight throughout South Africa. The agreement supports Transnet’s efforts to restore operational performance and strengthen the country’s freight logistics network. Under the agreement, Wabtec will provide Transnet Engineering with components, technical expertise and predictive maintenance capabilities for the 43D and 44D fleets. The support package includes Wabtec’s Expert-on-Alert™ digital condition-monitoring platform, which is designed to improve locomotive performance, accelerate maintenance turnaround times and strengthen lifecycle fleet management. “This agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy and represents an important step in improving the performance of our locomotive fleet,” said Transnet Engineering Chief Executive, Ms Bessie Mabunda.
“The 43D and 44D locomotives serve critical freight corridors that move export commodities, containers and general freight across South Africa. Strengthening their reliability and availability will help improve service delivery, support freight recovery and enhance the country’s logistics competitiveness.”The partnership extends beyond maintenance support and includes technical collaboration, knowledge transfer and localisation initiatives. These efforts are expected to strengthen local rail capabilities, develop industry skills and support the long-term growth and sustainability of South Africa’s rail sector. The agreement was concluded through Transnet’s established procurement and governance processes and was formally signed by Ms Bessie Mabunda and Mr Tefo Mokaila, Director of Wabtec South Africa, during a signing ceremony attended by Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer Mr Solly Letsoalo.
