Transnet Engineering (TE) and Wabtec have signed a long-term Material and Technical Support Agreement (MTSA) worth approximately R6.6 billion to support Transnet’s Class 43D (C30Aci) and Class 44D (ES40Aci) locomotive fleets.
The agreement aims to improve locomotive availability and maintenance performance across key freight corridors. The two locomotive classes play a critical role in transporting export commodities, containers and general freight across South Africa.
Under the agreement, Wabtec will supply components, technical expertise and predictive maintenance capabilities for the two fleets. The support package also includes Wabtec’s Expert-on-Alert™ digital condition-monitoring platform, which is intended to help improve locomotive performance, reduce maintenance turnaround times and support lifecycle fleet management.
“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,” said Transnet Engineering Chief Executive Bessie Mabunda in a statement on Thursday.
Mabunda said the agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy and represents an important step towards improving locomotive fleet performance.
Beyond maintenance support, the partnership includes technical collaboration, knowledge transfer and localisation initiatives. According to Transnet, these measures are expected to strengthen local rail capabilities, develop industry skills and contribute to the long-term growth of South Africa’s rail sector.
The agreement was concluded through Transnet’s established procurement and governance processes. It was formally signed by Mabunda and Tefo Mokaila, Director of Wabtec South Africa, at a ceremony attended by Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer Solly Letsoalo.
