Transnet Engineering – Procurement At The Centre Of Rail Recovery

At the recent Africa Rail event, Railways Africa Magazine Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Colette Yende, Chief Procurement Officer at Transnet Engineering, following the Transnet Engineering Industry Day held the day before.

In this important conversation, Yende outlines how Transnet Engineering is reshaping its procurement strategy as a central pillar of operational recovery. From deep clean-ups in procurement patterns to fostering long-term partnerships with suppliers, Transnet Engineering is focused on restoring locomotive availability, improving planning processes, and rebuilding industry trust.

Key topics discussed include:
– How procurement is supporting Transnet’s national recovery plan
– Demand management, strategic foresight, and supplier engagement
– Strengthening contract management and reducing lead-time shocks
– The role of approved supplier lists and transformation
– Creating space for innovation and direct product engagement
– Milestones on Priority One and Priority Two procurement streams

Yende also calls on the private sector to engage directly: “We’re not just tendering—we want solutions. Bring your products, bring your support. I can’t do this alone.”

This conversation offers valuable insight for suppliers, OEMs, and infrastructure stakeholders seeking to partner with Transnet Engineering and contribute to South Africa’s rail modernisation efforts.

 Watch the full interview to learn how procurement is being reimagined to rebuild capability, confidence, and connectivity across the rail network in South Africa and beyond…

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