As South Africa accelerates its R158.54 billion infrastructure investment plan, the spotlight is once again on the country’s rail network – and the engineering expertise that keeps it running. One of the companies at the forefront of this work, ACTOM, will be participating in Africa Rail 2025, taking place from the 13th -14th of May at the Sandton Convention Centre.

With more than 120 years of experience, ACTOM has built up a strong footprint in rail, supporting both modernisation and maintenance projects across South Africa. Its work with key clients like Transnet and PRASA reflects a broader effort to ensure continuity in rail services while adapting to new technologies and challenges.

Balancing continuity and change
“In many ways, we’re helping to bridge South Africa’s rail past and its future,” says Nqobile Mthembu, Business Development Manager at ACTOM. “Much of the country’s rail infrastructure still relies on older systems, but the pressure is on for South Africa to upgrade and automate. That transition needs to be managed carefully.”

In KwaZulu-Natal, ACTOM is assisting with the refurbishment of legacy relay-based interlocking systems, a key part of the signalling infrastructure. Elsewhere, it is involved in modernising rail yard automation systems for Transnet, improving safety and operational efficiency.

ACTOM plays a critical role in supporting both in-house and third-party legacy technologies, drawing on its experience as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This capability allows the company to service and maintain aging infrastructure while laying the groundwork for modernisation to ensure that older systems remain functional and safe as new technologies are phased in.

“We’re not just installing new equipment,” Mthembu notes. “Our cradle-to-grave operational model means that we stay involved throughout the system lifecycle, providing the support needed to keep things running and to ease the shift to more advanced technologies.” 

Cross-cutting industry expertise
ACTOM’s work in the rail sector brings together multiple business units, each contributing to different parts of the network:

• Signalling systems (ACTOM Signalling): Currently focused on upgrading relay-based systems, particularly in PRASA’s KZN operations.
• High voltage equipment (HVE): Produces components like disconnectors, circuit breakers, and instrument transformers.
• Smart technologies: Offers substation automation, smart metering, and battery backup systems that help improve energy resilience – a growing concern given load shedding and cable theft.
• Rotating machinery and traction motors: ACTOM subsidiaries LH Marthinusen and Reid & Mitchell support the repair and supply of key electromechanical components used across freight and passenger rail.
• Vibration management: Arnot Vibration Solutions contributes technology that enhances locomotive reliability and passenger comfort. 

Local presence means faster response
Maintenance is a central focus for ACTOM, with its after-sales support and proactive service models helping rail clients achieve up to a 30% reduction in downtime. This in turn results in significant savings that lower the total cost of ownership while improving overall operational efficiency. 

One of ACTOM’s key advantages is its local reach. With service hubs and factories across the country, the company is able to respond quickly to client needs – often dispatching technical support teams in less than two hours.

“Our nationwide footprint means we’re not flying in support from elsewhere,” says Mthembu. “We’re embedded in the areas we serve, and that’s essential when it comes to reducing downtime on critical infrastructure.”

Sector still faces key risks
“There’s no doubt that security and sustained funding are major challenges,” Mthembu says. “We’ve seen too many instances where progress is rolled back by vandalism or delays in key upgrades. There’s a real need for coordinated investment – not just in equipment, but in protecting what’s already there.”

She adds that while companies like ACTOM are ready and able to support rail revitalisation through local manufacturing and technical expertise, lasting improvements will require long-term commitment from all stakeholders.

“Government, operators, and private sector partners must work together to create a stable environment for rail to thrive. If we can secure the infrastructure and maintain consistent investment, rail can once again become the backbone of affordable, sustainable transport in South Africa.”

Looking ahead at Africa Rail 2025
ACTOM will offer a closer look at its capabilities through an interactive digital showcase over the two-day event. Visitors will be able to explore case studies and speak directly with engineers working across signalling, traction motor manufacturing, and energy resilience.

“We intend to show how local capacity can contribute meaningfully to national infrastructure goals,” says Mthembu. “It’s about keeping the system moving – today and into the future.”