06 December 2016

Transnet Freight Rail employees celebrate GCU qualifications

Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) employees today celebrated the completion of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) qualifications at a ceremony in Johannesburg.

GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE and Transnet Group Chief Executive Siyabonga Gama led the third graduation ceremony held at TFR’s School of Rail campus inEsselenpark.

Today a total of 145 TFR employees received various qualifications, including BSc degrees in Railway Operations Management; Diplomas of Higher Education and Certificates of Higher Education.

The programme, managed by the University’s School for Work Based Education, is delivered in South Africa through partnership with the University of Johannesburg and was developed following collaboration with the Institution of Railway Operators. More than 360 Freight Rail employees have completed the programme since its establishment in 2013.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Transnet Freight Rail and the University of Johannesburg have extended their successful partnership into the development of an Honours year in Railway Operations Management, and a new postgraduate MSc in Railway Operations Management.

Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “I congratulate our latest cohort of graduates and I am proud that the partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Johannesburg and Transnet Freight Rail continues to develop, as we co-create courses to enhance the life chances of Transnet employees at an affordable cost. This activity is an important part of our enduring commitment, as the University for the Common Good, to provide educational opportunity in Africa.”

TFR is Transnet’s largest division with more than 36,000 employees and maintains about 80% of Africa’s total rail network. Transnet is investing R7 billion over the next seven years in skills development and training as it develops its infrastructure.

Transnet Group Chief Executive, Siyabonga Gama said: “Transnet is proud of the strides it has made in empowering and upskilling its people. For a company that is in the process of reinventing itself, partnerships with institutions such as Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Johannesburg are critical in ensuring that we remain current, relevant and responsive to the needs of our customers.”

In summer 2017, the latest cohort of 70 optometry and orthoptic students from GCU’s Glasgow campus will travel to South Africa to volunteer on Phelophepa, Transnet Foundation’s ‘Miracle Train’ assisting in the delivery of primary health care to poor and rural communities across the country.

Ends

Issued on behalf of Mr Siyabonga Gama, Group Chief Executive

By: Molatwane Likhethe, Spokesperson.

011308 2458/083 300 9586

For further queries, contact Viwe Tlaleane

011308 2384/083 979 0707

Glasgow Caledonian University

David Christie, Communications Officer and Corporate Writer

0141 273 1003

Notes to Editors:

  • Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) Strategy 2020 can be viewed at Follow us on Twitter @CaledonianNews #gcucommongood
  • GCU is an international university delivering excellence to 20,000 students. It has campuses in Glasgow, London and New York, and partnerships in Bangladesh, Africa and Oman.
  • GCU is the top modern university in Scotland by research power (REF 2014).
  • 96% of GCU graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2016).
  • GCU is a signatory to the United Nations PRME initiative (Principles for Responsible Management Education) and is the first Scottish university to join the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate responsible management initiative.
  • For more information visit:

About Transnet

Transnet is wholly owned by the Government of the Republic of South Africa. The company is uniquely positioned to provide integrated, seamless transport solutions for its customers in the bulk and manufacturing sectors. This is part of its drive to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the South African economy.

Transnet has five operating divisions:

Transnet Freight Rail transports bulk and containerised freight along 20 500 kilometres of which 1500 kilometres comprises rail networks heavy haul lines for export coal and export iron ore.

Transnet Engineering manufactures and maintains rolling stock. It consists of eight product-focused business units which provide services ranging from rolling stock refurbishment, conversion and upgrades, to the manufacturing of locomotives, coaches and wagons.

Transnet National Ports Authority isresponsible for the safe, efficient and effective functioning of the national ports system, which it manages in a landlord capacity. The National Ports Authority is also a provider of port infrastructure and marine services at all commercial ports in South Africa.

Transnet Port Terminalsowns and operates 16 cargo terminal operations situated at seven South African ports. It provides cargo-handling services for the container, bulk, automotive and break-bulk sectors.

Transnet Pipelines transports a range of petroleum products and gas through 3 000 kilometres of underground pipelines, which traverse five provinces, thereby ensuring the security of supply of petroleum products to the inland market, especially Gauteng. Transnet Pipelines is gearing itself for full commissioning of the new Multi-Product Pipeline.

Specialist units:

Transnet Capital Projectsmanages our largest capital projects;

Transnet Foundationis responsible for executing our Corporate Social Investment initiatives.

Transnet Propertymanages our property portfolio.