Siemens Mobility CEO Highlights Company’s Readiness to Advance Operational Efficiency and Sustainable Development in SADC Railways
25 October 2023, Gallagher, Midrand — Patrick Moodley, the newly-appointed CEO of Siemens Mobility South Africa, spoke at the annual Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference, held from 25-26 October 2023. He addressed an audience that included regional Transport Ministers, CEOs, and Board Chairpersons from more than 12 railway operators across the SADC region, as well as other industry stakeholders. During his address, Moodley elaborated on Siemens Mobility’s unwavering commitment to advancing the railway sector in the region.
“After serving as the Senior Vice President of Customer Services for Yunex Traffic in Germany, it is with excitement that I return to the African continent,” began Moodley. “This year’s SARA event offers a tremendous platform for Siemens Mobility South Africa to reconnect with valued clients, partners, and colleagues.”
A Heritage of Innovation and Resilience
Siemens Mobility has a storied history spanning over 175 years, marked by innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the mobility landscape. “Fiscal year 2022 saw Siemens Mobility achieving a revenue of €9.7 billion, a testament to the trust we’ve garnered from our partners and clients worldwide,” Moodley added.
A Vision for Integrated Rail Infrastructure
Moodley underscored the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and the importance of integrated rail infrastructure as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Speaking about the Southern Africa’s Railway Master Plan, he noted, “This is resounding progress for our region as this will be the first time we will have a coordinated plan for railway infrastructure development in the region. The plan will encompass a holistic intermodal view, looking at ports, road, and rail – again, where rail is the backbone to the infrastructure.”
Operational Efficiency for a Sustainable Future
“A component of this year’s SARA conference theme, ‘Enhancing Railway Capacity and the Quality of Services,’ resonates deeply with me and Siemens Mobility, “Moodley explained. “It’s not merely a statement but a vision that we share. Achieving what I call ‘operational excellence’ isn’t solely about the bottom line. It’s about delivering a safe, reliable, and predictable service, which, in turn, yields increased revenue and optimised cost savings. These benefits create opportunities for further reinvestment in operations, supporting the drive to shift freight from Road to Rail”
He further highlighted Siemens Mobility’s comprehensive offerings, “From state-of-the-art rolling stock solutions that span electric, battery, to hydrogen, to advanced signalling, railway automation, maintenance, safety, and security measures, our services are designed for the unique challenges of Southern Africa rail environment .”
Moodley also emphasized the importance of localisation and skills development, “Our commitment doesn’t end with product delivery. We’re devoted to developing local employees and ensuring skills transfer.”
Siemens Mobility South Africa is poised to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of rail infrastructure in the SADC region. With a strong focus on innovation, safety, and operational efficiency for sustainable development, Siemens Mobility looks forward to the collaborative efforts ahead that will redefine railway transportation in Southern Africa.
Connect with the Siemens Mobility team via LinkedIn
Patrick Moodley – https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-moodley-6014692b/
Ivan Bekker – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-bekker-1590b150/
Thomas Mashihi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mashishi-465b0159/
Frederick Beckley – https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederick-beckley-b4a573127/