Rail and ports operator Transnet has appointed Bessie Mabunda as Transnet Engineering (TE) CE and Moshe Motlohi as Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) CE, with effect from March 1.

These appointments are aimed at strengthening the entity’s existing leadership structure and ensuring stability.

Made after a rigorous talent acquisition process, they are expected to enhance strategic leadership and direction at two of Transnet’s key operating divisions.

TE, the manufacturing division of Transnet, offers research, design, manufacturing and maintenance services and products to the rail industry across the globe and specifically the African continent.

TRIM, which is a custodian of the rail infrastructure in South Africa, has the core functions of managing, maintaining and developing the national rail infrastructure, besides others.

Mabunda previously acted as TRIM interim infrastructure manager and rail network and capital projects GM.

For the former, she was accountable for the implementation of a freight rail infrastructure manager, whose function includes managing open access and ensuring sufficient investment in the freight rail infrastructure network of about 30 000 km.

Mabunda has worked in the freight logistics business for 12 years, holding various roles in Transnet. Prior to joining Transnet, she spent over 12 years in the electrical energy sector focusing on infrastructure maintenance and new build.

Motlohi, who has been TRIM acting CE since October 1, 2024, holds an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town Business School, and a Management Advancement Programme: Business Administration and Management from Wits Business School.

He is an experienced executive with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, logistics and warehousing, corporate affairs and communications, maritime and related industries.

He is a former Transnet National Ports Authority eastern region managing executive.

Prior to joining Transnet, Motlohi worked for various large private sector entities in logistics, warehousing and operations at a local, regional, national and global level.

He is also backed by demonstrable stakeholder management experience across multiple geographical, social, business and government strata.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to recognising and promoting internal talent and enhance our strategic focus.

“Their experience and strengths align with the strategic direction that Transnet is taking and we look forward to their contributions. Stable leadership is foundational in the implementation of strategy to address our operational and liquidity priorities,” says Transnet Group COO Lekau Letsoalo.

“We have confidence in their ability to lead their respective teams, enable the delivery of Transnet’s recovery and growth, and continue to shape and contribute towards the success of the organisation,” Letsoalo adds.