After 46 years with Transnet, Richard’s Bay train driver Gedeon Faulconer reflects on a career built on hard work and continuous learning.
From his early days as a trainee to mentoring the next generation of rail professionals, he shares lessons and memories from his remarkable journey in the rail industry.
Q: Tell us about your start at Transnet?
I joined Transnet 46 years ago as a young trainee, looking for a stable job and a chance to build a meaningful career. I learned the fundamentals of railway operations, safety procedures and the responsibilities that come with working in the rail environment. Those early years laid a strong foundation for the career that followed.
V: Wat staan vir jou die meeste uit omtrent jou vroeë jare in die spoorwegbedryf?
My leergierigheid en begeerte om my te verbeter. Die senior werknemers het baie kundigheid en ervaring gehad, en hulle was dikwels heel streng, maar hulle was trots daarop om die jonger werkers die regte manier te leer van hoe dinge gedoen moes word. Ons het deur harde werk en praktiese ervaring geleer. Daar was ’n sterk gevoel van kameraadskap, en die spoorweg het soos ’n familie gevoel waar almal mekaar ondersteun het.
Q: The rail industry has really evolved over the decades. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen?
One of the biggest changes has been technological advancement. When I started, many systems and processes were manual and required significant hands-on work and communication. Today, rail operations are much more advanced with improved locomotive technology, modern communication systems and sophisticated signalling. Developments like these have really improved operational performance across the network.
Q: Safety has always been central to railway operations. How have safety standards and practices changed throughout your career, and why is safety so important in this industry?
Safety standards have improved a lot. Today, there is a much stronger focus on training, compliance, and the use of modern safety equipment. Procedures are more detailed, and employees are regularly reminded about the importance of working safely. In this industry, safety can never be taken lightly. We work with heavy equipment, large loads and demanding operating environments, so every employee has a responsibility to look after themselves, their colleagues and the public.
V: Waarop is jy die meeste trots uit jou tyd by Transnet?
Daar was talle gedenkwaardige oomblikke oor die jare heen. Ek is besonder trots daarop dat ek lang tydperke van ongeluksvrye diens kon behaal end at ek die spoorwegbedryf kon sien groei en verander. Een van die lonendste dele van die werk was om jong werkers te mentor en om te sien hoe hulle groei tot kundige mense. Dit laat my werklik trots voel om te weet dat ek ’n klein rol in hulle reis gespeel het.
Ek is veral trots daarop dat ek 46 diensjare behaal het. Dit verteenwoordig ’n leeftyd waarin ek werk gedoen het wat ontsaglik baie vir my beteken het.
V: As jy na die toekoms van spoorweë kyk, waarvoor hoop en wens jy vir die bedryf in die jare wat voorlê?
Ek wil graag sien dat daar volgehoue belegging in spoorweginfrastruktuur, tegnologie en vaardigheidsontwikkeling is. Die spoorwegbedryf het enorme potensiaal, en ek glo dit kan ’n selfs groter rol daarin speel om ekonomiese groei en werkskepping te ondersteun. Ek hoop om ’n moderne, betroubare spoorwegstelsel te sien wat aanhou om veiligheid te prioritiseer terwyl dit uitsonderlike diens aan kliënte lewer.
Q: What advice would you give to young people considering a career in the rail industry today?
Work hard, stay disciplined and never stop learning. Rail is an industry that demands commitment and a strong focus on safety. Listen to people with experience, make the most of every learning opportunity and take pride in your work. If you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be a very rewarding career.
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