Category: People

Dimakatso Ramawela’s Journey from Wagon Maintenance to Author

Tlhalošo ye kopana: Go tloga go tlhokomelo ya kariki go ya bongwading, Dimakatso Ramawela o diriša kanegelo go boloka bohwa bja setšhaba sa Bolobedu mola ka nako ye e swanago a hlohleletša baswa go ba le kgotlelelo, thuto le boikgantšho bja setšo.

Q: You work at Transnet Engineering while also writing a book rooted in your heritage. How have your personal experiences and working journey influenced the story you are telling?

My experiences form the foundation of my story. Growing up in rural Bolobedu taught me resilience, faith, hard work and the importance of community.

My journey at Transnet, from operator and forklift driver to Maintenance Assistant, has also taught me discipline, teamwork and growth. Working in traditionally male-dominated environments pushed me to trust my abilities and grow in confidence.

Through the book, I want readers to see that ordinary people carry extraordinary stories, and that humble beginnings should never limit a person’s dreams or purpose.

Q: What inspired you to write From Bolobedu to Breakthrough: A Story of Faith, Struggle and Triumph?

 I wanted to preserve stories that are often overlooked, especially those from rural communities and African cultures. Many people know the Bolobedu Nation through the legacy of the Rain Queen, but there is much more to our history, traditions and values.

The book reflects both hardship and hope, while honouring the sacrifices and wisdom of my grandmother and many African women whose stories were never written down.

Q: Ke ka baka la eng go be go le bohlokwa go wena go ikgokaganya le Ntlo ya Bogoši ya Bolobedu pele ga phatlalatšo?

Kanegelo ga se ya ka fela. E bile e laetša boitšhupo le bohwa bja setšhaba sa Bolobedu. Ke dumela gore dikanegelo tša setšo di swanetše go swarwa ka tlhompho le potego.

Go boledišana le Ntlo ya Bogoši ya Bolobedu e be e le pontšho ya tlhompho go boetapele le ditšo tša setšhaba, mola gape go netefatša gore sengwalwa se hlompha bohwa bja rena ka nepagalo le ka nnete.

Q: Why is it important for younger generations to preserve indigenous languages and cultural traditions?

Language and culture carry identity, wisdom and history. When a language disappears, part of a people’s heritage disappears with it.

Storytelling has always been central to African communities, passing down values, lessons and traditions from one generation to another.

Q: Ke ka baka la eng go be go le bohlokwa go wena go ikgokaganya le Ntlo ya Bogoši ya Bolobedu pele ga phatlalatšo?

Kanegelo ga se ya ka fela. E bile e laetša boitšhupo le bohwa bja setšhaba sa Bolobedu. Ke dumela gore dikanegelo tša setšo di swanetše go swarwa ka tlhompho le potego.

Go boledišana le Ntlo ya Bogoši ya Bolobedu e be e le pontšho ya tlhompho go boetapele le ditšo tša setšhaba, mola gape go netefatša gore sengwalwa se hlompha bohwa bja rena ka nepagalo le ka nnete.

Q: What message do you hope readers, especially young women and young professionals, will take from your story?

I want readers to know that their background does not define their future. It is possible to overcome challenges, continue learning and create opportunities despite difficult circumstances.

For young women, I hope the story encourages them to believe in themselves and pursue spaces that may seem intimidating.

Above all, I want readers to leave with hope and the belief that faith and resilience can carry them through life’s toughest seasons.

Mondli Mbele on Research, Regulation and Transnet’s Future

A Transnet economist and policy specialist reflects on his journey and a commitment to shaping South Africa’s transport future. 

Uhambo lukaMondli Mbele lusekelwe phezu wentshisekelo, nokubekezela kanye nokukholelwa okujulile emandleni emfundo. Namuhla, ungusomnotho wezamasu kanye nongoti wezocwaningo kwa-Transnet SOC Ltd.

Ngo-2025, wenza isethulo eNgqungqutheleni Yeviki Okuyingqungquthela Yeshumi Yaminyaka Yonke Yokuncintisana Nokulawulwa Komnotho (i-ACER) ebibanjelwe eNamibia egcizelela ukuthi ucwaningo olusekela ngqo ohlelweni labakwa-Transnet Lokusungulwa Kabusha Kokukhula. Kule ngxoxo, usilandisa ngendlela akhuliswe ngayo kanye nohambo lwakhe lwezemfundo nolwezobuchwepheshe.

Umbuzo: Ungasitshela ngemuva lakho kanye kanye nalokho okwakungqungquzela usakhula?

Ngakhulela e-Clermont, okuyidolobha elingaphandle kweTheku. Ubaba wami ongasekho wadlala indima ebalulekile ekwakheni umbono wami ngemfundo kanye nokukhetha umsebenzi engizowufundela. Wayengikhuthaza njalo ukuthi ngizimisele kulokho engithanda ukuba yikho uma sengikhulile, waphinde wangiqinisekisa nokuthi uzongisekela ezifundweni zami.

Kusukela ngisemncane, ngangithanda ukwazi ngezinto. Ngangithanda ukubuza imibuzo nokuthola imibono ukuze ngiqonde ukuthi izinhlelo zisebenza kanjani nokuthi zingathuthukiswa kanjani. Le ntshisekelo yami yenza ukuthi ngilandele umkhakha wezocwaningo, nezomnotho kanye nokulawulwa kwengqalasizinda.

Q: How would you describe your professional role today?d in Numbers

I am a strategic economist, researcher and infrastructure policy specialist with over 10 years’ experience in South Africa’s transport and logistics sectors. My work spans ports, rail and pipeline infrastructure within Transnet SOC Ltd.

My focus areas include economic analysis, pricing, regulatory policy, and increasingly, innovation, automation and digitalisation within infrastructure systems. 

Q: You recently presented research at the ACER Week Conference. What was that experience like?

I presented my research paper, “The Impact of Regulation in Network Sectors on Economic Growth in OECD Countries,” at the 10th Annual Competition and Economic Regulation (ACER) Week Conference in Windhoek, Namibia.

It was a valuable opportunity to engage with regional experts on how regulation influences sectors such as transport, energy and telecommunications. The experience reinforced the importance of evidence-based policy in shaping efficient and competitive infrastructure systems. 

Umbuzo: Ucwaningo lwakho luxhumana kanjani nezinto ezibalulekile zabawa-Transnet?

Nakuba ucwaningo lwenziwe ngokuzimela, imiphumela yalo ihambisana ngqo nohlelo labakwa-Transnet Lokusungulwa Kabusha Kokukhula (i-R4G).

Esimweni saseNingizimu Afrika, lapho umkhakha wezokuthutha ubhekene nezinguquko ezinkulu njengokuhlukaniswa kwezitimela nokungena kwezinkampani ezizimele, kubalulekile ukwenziwa kahle kwemithethonqubo. Ucwaningo lwami lukhombisa ukuthi izinhlaka zokulawula ezisebenza ngendlela eyimpumelelo zinganciphisa izindleko, zithuthukise ukusebenza ngempumelelo ziphinde zesekele ukukhula komnotho jikelele. 

Ngisazibophezele ukuqhubeka ekusebenziseni ulwazi enginalo oluzoqinisa inqubomgomo yokulawula, luthuthukise nendlela yokusebenza enempumelelo luphinde futhi lube neqhaza elikhulu ezinhlelweni zezamasu zesikhathi eside zabakwa-Transnet.

Q: What has your career journey within Transnet looked like so far?

I have had the opportunity to work across different parts of the organisation. I started as an Economic Analyst at Transnet National Ports Authority before moving to Transnet Freight Rail and then Acting Senior Pricing Analyst.

I am currently a Research and Development Specialist at Transnet Pipelines, where I focus on innovation, continuous improvement and digitalisation initiatives that improve operational efficiency and business performance. 

Q: What drives your work and long-term focus?

What drives me is the opportunity to use research and evidence to improve how infrastructure systems function.

Whether through pricing, regulation or innovation, I am interested in solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable growth. 

As Transnet strengthens the protection of its people, infrastructure and sensitive information, the new Security Screening and Security Vetting Policy will help support a safer and more resilient organisation.

Q: The Security Screening and Security Vetting Policy officially came into effect on 1 April 2026. Is this an upgraded version of the previous policy? If so, what are some of the new features?

This is an updated version of the policy. One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of screening for company partners, particularly as Transnet expands its Private Sector Partnerships.

Q: Many employees may hear the term “security vetting” and feel uncertain about what it means. In simple terms, what does the process involve?

Security vetting is a structured process used to assess a person’s security suitability. In simple terms, it helps ensure that sensitive or classified information does not fall into unauthorised hands and that the interests of both Transnet and the State are protected.

Transnet has established a dedicated security vetting unit in collaboration with the State Security Agency (SSA), which manages the administration and investigation stages, while the SSA oversees polygraph examinations, evaluations and final decisions.

Q: Who does the policy apply to, and how will employees know whether they are required to undergo security screening or vetting?

The policy applies to Board members, employees, applicants and service providers. It will be implemented through a phased, risk-based approach over three years. Priority will be given to high-risk areas or roles with access to sensitive information, including Procurement, Security, Finance, Treasury, ICT and Executive Management. 

Q: Why is protecting classified information, assets and National Key Points especially important within Transnet’s operating environment?

Transnet plays a strategic role within South Africa’s economy and infrastructure network. Protecting classified information, critical assets and National Key Points is essential to safeguarding operations and reducing security risks. Effective security controls also help protect the organisation against criminal activity, operational disruption and reputational risk. . 

Q: Employees may have concerns around privacy and personal information. How does the policy ensure confidentiality during the vetting process?

The security vetting process is conducted in a lawful, secure and confidential manner, with safeguards aligned to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Information collected during the process is used strictly for security vetting purposes, and access is limited to trained security vetting personnel and the SSA. 

Q: The policy describes security vetting as an ongoing process rather than a once-off exercise. What does this mean in practice?

Security clearances remain valid for specific periods depending on the level of clearance required. Confidential Security Clearances are valid for 10 years, while Secret and Top-Secret Clearances are valid for five years. Security clearances for service providers remain valid for the duration of the contract.

Security clearances may also be upgraded or withdrawn if circumstances change.

Q: What message would you like to share with employees as the organisation begins implementing this policy across the business?

Security vetting is about maintaining a security-competent and integrous workforce. It is an important risk management tool to help protect Transnet’s sensitive information, critical infrastructure and National Key Points.

Ultimately, the policy supports the creation of a safer, stronger and more resilient organisation for everyone.

Transnet Foundation’s nationwide Shoes-on-Feet Campaign distributed more than 4,000 pairs of school shoes to learners over three months.

Driven by the generosity and volunteer spirit of Transnet employees, the Transnet Foundation’s 2026 Shoes-on-Feet Campaign has delivered more than 4,000 pairs of school shoes to learners across South Africa, bringing dignity and hope to communities where support is needed most.

Launched in January in Gauteng, the nationwide CSI initiative travelled across several provinces, reaching schools in communities where Transnet operates. Employees helped identify beneficiary schools and supported distribution efforts, reflecting Transnet’s culture of care and community support.

Among the schools reached were H.M. Dlikidla Primary School in Beaufort West, where 150 pairs of shoes were donated as part of a broader distribution across six schools in the region.

Other beneficiary schools included Inyathi Primary School in Gompo Village in the Eastern Cape, which received 250 pairs, and Mashishimale Primary School in Phalaborwa, Limpopo.

The initiative was warmly welcomed by learners, parents, and educators, who highlighted its positive impact on learners’ confidence, dignity and school attendance.

Speaking at Inyathi Primary School, Transnet Group Chief Executive Adv Michelle Phillips said education remains central to transformation.

“We believe in the power of education as an instrument that can transform lives for the better, and we do not want to see learners missing school because they do not have school shoes,” she said. “This initiative ensures learners can attend school every day with dignity.”

Lindelwa Thomas, a parent and SGB member at J N Tulwana Junior Primary School in Kariega, expressed gratitude for the support.

“It is a special day for our children and us. Many families in our community struggle to provide proper school uniforms. These brand-new school shoes have uplifted our children mentally and boosted their confidence,” she said.

The campaign concluded in early May at Mveledzandivho Primary School in Chiawelo, Soweto, where 194 pairs of school shoes were donated, marking the end of the three-month campaign rollout.

Since its launch, the campaign has grown through partnerships with stakeholders and the continued generosity of Transnet employees and donor partners.

“The Shoes-on-Feet Campaign reflects the compassion and

commitment of our employees, who continue to answer the call

to donate school shoes to learners in need,” said Susie Mabie, Senior Manager for Livelihoods at Transnet Foundation. 

Through Shoes-on-Feet, the Transnet Foundation continues to demonstrate how simple acts of care can restore dignity, unlock opportunity, and help learners step confidently toward a brighter future.

Transnet and Wits Business School celebrated the completion of a three-year Women in Leadership Programme, with 126 graduates and more than 200 women empowered since 2023.

Last month, Transnet and Wits Business School celebrated the graduation ceremony for the Women in Leadership Programme, concluding a successful three-year partnership.

Since its inception in 2023, the programme has empowered more than 200 women leaders across the organisation. The ceremony honoured 126 graduates, reflecting a commitment to real transformation by developing a pipeline of strong women leaders. 

The event was attended by Transnet leadership, including Chairman of the Board Dr Andile Sangqu, Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips, Group Chief of Strategy Dr Andrew Shaw, Chief Business Development Officer Yolisa Kani, Transnet Pipelines Chief Executive Sibongiseni Khathi, Transnet National Ports Authority Chief Executive Mohamed Abdool, and other members of the executive team.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of People Management and Learning Tumi Matsheka said the programme had marked a bold investment in Transnet’s future. She noted that more than 200 women had graduated since 2023 across multiple disciplines and that the programme had equipped participants to lead with confidence and purpose.

Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips reflected on her own leadership journey, noting that she was a product of similar Transnet development programmes. She said the initiative strengthened leadership capability and created networks of support and collaboration among women, while also building resilience and adaptability in a changing environment.

The graduates were congratulated on their achievements and encouraged to use what they learned to grow as leaders and make positive impacts on the organisation.