Trans Namib – railway pioneer.

Part 2 in a series of 2

On behalf of TransNamib’s Board of Directors and management, I wish our loyal employees and dedicated clients a joyous Festive Season. May the New Year be filled with blessings!

Proud Safety Record
Namibia experiences fast increase in heavy traffic through its Ports and across its borders due to increased economic activities, and the growth in corridor traffic as a transit Country to its SADC neighbours.
Rail transport has proven itself as the safest mode of land transport with the lowest impact on the environment and society at large, and it is in the best interest of Namibia and its people to maximise the use of its railway system.

TransNamib prides itself with a safety record rated among the best in southern Africa, if not the best. Since its inception in 1988, the fatalities due to rail accidents in Namibia stands at a total of 4, of which 3 have been train crew members and 1 passenger.  Taking into account the total tonnage of 2 million ton conveyed and the 10,000 trains operated by TransNamib per annum, this is indeed a very impressive safety record.
Transporting the People
TransNamib provides a regular economical and safe train service for the transport of passengers between certain main centres in Namibia. This service has proven itself as very popular among the lower income passengers. This service is to be expanded in future to reach as much of the Namibian population as possible, pending the rehabilitation of some railway sections, and investments in equipment.
Since the founding of TransNamib, only one passenger fatality occurred over a period of 24 years with a total of 2 million passenger journeys recorded. Indeed a very proud achievement.
Tourism
Namibia is known as a very sought after tourist destination. TransNamib has also played a very important role in tourism over the years to attract tourists through its products on rail.
The Desert Express luxury train is rated as a unique Namibian experience, and has received many accolades from all over the world.  TransNamib is also host to other tourist train operators such as the Rovos Rail, which is rated as the most luxurious train in the world, providing haulage to such trains over the Namibian network. The frequent visits of trains such as the Rovos Rail to Namibia are evident of the trust these operators have in TransNamib as their local partner.
Preservation of our Roads
TransNamib conveys a total of 2 million net tons of traffic per annum by rail. This is the equivalent of 62,500 road trucks on the Namibian roads per annum or 236 road trucks per working day.
The Namibian roads system is under pressure due to increased heavy traffic levels and deterioration of the road surface. TransNamib provides a viable alternative on rail which has successfully served Namibian industries in the past and will continue to do so in future.
Partner in Developing the Walvisbay Corridors
TransNamib has partnered in 1999 with Namport, other industry stakeholders and Government agencies to establish the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) and has supported this institution consistently over the years.
Prior to the establishment of the WBCG, TransNamib was a pioneer in offering one of the first road transport services to Zambia via the Trans Caprivi in the early 1990’s.
Major Employer and Development of Namibians
TransNamib Holdings is one of the major employers in Namibia with a total workforce of approximately 1700 employees.  The development and training of its people has always been a priority, and TransNamib has founded a fully functional training centre where specialized functional and non-functional training is provided.
Career training is provided for occupations such as train drivers, truck drivers, shunters, train controllers, electricians, diesel electric fitters, telecommunication technicians and other specialized skills.
The quality of training provided by TransNamib has always been rated among the best. The training programmes have over the years not only provided the company with highly skilled employees, but have also served as an important provider of skills to Namibian industries as ex-TransNamib employees are found in many companies throughout Namibia.
As a truly Namibian Company, TransNamib prides itself on the positive impact it has made on the labour market, and the company will continue to do so.
Accolades
TransNamib was awarded the Best Rail Operator in Africa for 2008 at the Annual Africa Railway Industry Awards in South Africa. The award was based on the Company’s consistent service and value-for-money offerings to its customers.
The joint project between TransNamib Holdings and Barloworld Logistics to change the TransNamib Express (TNX) product into a customer driven service also scooped a Silver Award at the Annual Logistics Achiever Awards 2008 in South Africa.
TransNamib truck drivers have over the years always been among the top achievers at Driver of the Year competitions locally, in South Africa and even internationally. Two of our drivers have competed abroad after winning the Regional Competitions.
Achievements – 2012
TransNamib has achieved the following milestones this year:
1.The opening of the Oshikango station & railway line during July 2012
2.New passenger train services between Tsumeb and Oshikango from December 2012 onwards
3.The arrival of 100 new open-top wagons during June 2012
4.New appointments at executive and management level:
Mr Struggle Ihuhua, GM Properties, from 01 November 2012 onwards;
Mr Webster Gonzo, GM HR & Admin, from 01 December 2012 onwards;
Ms Evelina Tomas, Legal Advisor, from 01 December 2012 onwards.