Eswatini Railways (ESR) and Transnet Engineering on Saturday, 6 September 2025, signed a key three-year contract at the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) for the supply of rolling stock wheelsets and specialised D-shed locomotive maintenance services.
The agreement signed at ESR’s stand at the Mavuso Exhibition Centre covers the supply of rolling stock wheelsets (critical components for freight wagons) and the provision of D-shed services, which involve the specialised maintenance of locomotives.
Eswatini Railways was represented by its Director of Operating and Technical Services, Sandile Dlamini, while Transnet Engineering was represented by its General Manager: Manufacturing and Maritime, Tshwanelo Tswai.
Dlamini explained that the partnership was the outcome of a competitive tender process. He noted that although Transnet Engineering is a South African company, it has consistently demonstrated the capability to deliver high-quality services.
“Our relationship with Transnet Engineering spans many years, and they have proven themselves to be a reliable partner. This history gives us confidence that they will once again deliver the best service and meet deadlines, as they have previously done,” he said.
He further emphasised that the contracts will benefit EmaSwati directly, as all work will be conducted locally.
“Since the work will be done here in Eswatini, we anticipate significant skills transfer and knowledge sharing. This means our people will benefit by learning from the expertise of Transnet Engineering, building our local capacity in railway operations and maintenance,” Dlamini added.
For Transnet Engineering, the contract reaffirms the strength of a long-standing relationship. Tswai described the occasion as a continuation of a strong and enduring partnership between the two state-owned enterprises.
“Our presence here today is a testament to the steadfast partnership we’ve cultivated over the years with Eswatini Railways. This three-year contract for the supply and delivery of freight wagon wheelset assemblies builds on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared progress,” he said.
Transnet Engineering, a manufacturing division of Transnet SOC Ltd, has been a key partner to Eswatini Railways in advancing freight mobility within the SADC region. Over the years, the company has supplied and maintained crucial rolling stock, including:
• 75 iron ore wagons delivered in 2014
• 50 refurbished fuel tanker wagons and 40 new flat-bed container wagons in 2016
• A two-year contract to maintain four diesel locomotives locally in Eswatini, empowering ESR to build in-house maintenance capacity
• A six-year contract for ongoing diesel locomotive maintenance services
With an annual production capacity of over 4,500 freight wagons and a maintenance portfolio covering more than 10,000, Transnet Engineering positions itself as a leading original equipment manufacturer in the region.
Tswai emphasised that the contracts signed at EITF 2025 underscore Transnet’s long-term commitment to Eswatini’s rail sector.
“As one of our most valued partners in the SADC region, Eswatini Railways can continue to count on Transnet Engineering to deliver with reliability, quality, and innovation. Together, we will continue to enhance operational efficiency and drive sustainable growth,” he added