R1bn Dunnottar facility boosts Nigel economy, youth employment

22nd November 2018

R1bn Dunnottar facility boosts Nigel economy, youth employment

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the R1-billion, 78ha Gibela train manufacturing facility at Dunnottar Park, in Johannesburg. The facility will manufacture, assemble, test, commission and deliver 580 new X’Trapolis Mega commuter trains for Prasa. Nadine James tells us more.

Nadine James:

The facility’s launch formed part of Prasa's 20-year Rail Modernisation Programme, which is aimed at revitalising the rail industry through the local manufacture of parts, the provision of training facilities, and the creation of jobs. Prasa spokesperson Nana Zenani explained how the facility will benefit the Nigel community.

Prasa spokesperson Nana Zenani:

Nadine James:

The six-car trains are 131m long and weigh 220t. They comprise of locally-produced stainless steel. Zenani described some of the other features and explained the focus on local procurement.

Prasa spokesperson Nana Zenani:

Nadine James:

The industrial complex houses a factory, a supplier park and a Rail Training School, to enable the continued transfer of new rail-related skills to Gibela’s employees and suppliers. One of the beneficiaries of the Gibela system is Gibela Test Engineering Manager Elizabeth Foly.

Gibela Test Engineering Manager Elizabeth Foly:

Sashnee Moodley:

Other news making headlines:

Telkom delivers strong H1, retrenchment, retirement costs cut earnings

Voluntary severance package and voluntary early retirement package costs have dragged down the earnings of JSE-listed Telkom during the first half of the year.

Telkom CFO Tsholofelo Molefe

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.