Southern African Railway Association Appoints New President and Vice President
The Southern African Railway Association (SARA) recently concluded their annual Board meeting on June 22nd in Maputo, Mozambique, the SARA Board is pleased to announce the appointment of their new President and Vice President.
Eng. Agostinho Francisco Langa Junior, from Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique EP (CFM), has been appointed as the President of SARA. Eng. Langa Junior has graciously accepted this prestigious role and is committed to advancing the interests of the railway operators in Southern Africa. With his strong leadership and dedication, Eng. Langa Junior aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within the Southern African Railway industry.
“I am truly honoured to assume the role of President of the Southern African Railway Association (SARA). I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed SARA Board members and the SARA Executive Director for the trust they have placed in me.
Our slogan, ‘Together We Are Better’, encapsulates not only my personal commitment but also our collective dedication to advancing the rail industry in Southern Africa and fostering collaboration among public and private sector stakeholders. With an unwavering focus on capacity, performance, modernisation, regional integration, and safety, we will collectively address the challenges and seize the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead.
By harnessing our combined expertise, we will usher in a new era of innovation and growth in the rail sector. I pledge to work tirelessly alongside the Board to ensure that SARA continues to serve as an invaluable force for progress, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Together, we will shape the future of our railways.” – Eng. Agostinho Francisco Langa Junior, President of the Southern African Railway Association (SARA) and CEO of Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique EP (CFM).
SARA is also delighted to welcome Mr. Hishaam Emeran, the Group CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), as the Vice President.
“I am grateful to the new President Eng. Agostinho Francisco Langa Junior, of Portos e Caminhos de Ferro de Moçambique EP (CFM), the SARA Executive Director, and the Board members for electing me as the Vice President of the Southern African Railway Association (SARA). I humbly accept this appointment, recognising SARA’s vital role in the South African rail industry.
Our sector urgently needs to resolve several issues, including capacity, performance, modernisation, regional integration, and safety. I believe in the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead. Fleet modernisation and technological breakthroughs in signalling, digitisation, and fuel technology promise to usher in a new era in the rail sector. The rail policy in my country has sparked excitement among established players and those aspiring to enter the industry. However, incumbent players face uncertainty that needs to be addressed.
SARA’s unique composition, bringing together both public and private sector players, provides a platform for healthy collaboration. In closing, I am committed to shaping and implementing an ambitious agenda that will make SARA indispensable in driving progress in the rail sector in Southern Africa and beyond.” – Mr. Hishaam Emeran, PRASA Group CEO and newly elected Vice President of the Southern African Railway Association.
The appointment of Eng. Langa Junior and Mr. Emeran as President and Vice President, respectively, brings a renewed sense of optimism and energy to SARA. The association is confident that under their leadership, they will be able to tackle the region’s railway-related issues effectively and implement strategies that enhance operational performance, safety standards, and customer satisfaction.
“The railway operators in Southern Africa can look forward to benefiting from their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the industry. SARA remains steadfast in its mission to promote cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and continuous improvement among its members, ensuring a robust and sustainable railway network in the region.” Babe Botana – Executive Director, Southern African Railway Association.
As the railway industry continues to play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Southern Africa, SARA, under the guidance of President Langa Junior and Vice President Emeran, is poised to lead the way in shaping a brighter future for the region’s railways – Together We Are Better!
