A new chairman for Gibela
Kwatsaduza - Gibela has appointed Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi as its new non-executive chairman as of May 1.
Dr Mkhwanazi is an internationally experienced executive, currently serving on a number of boards, including the Central Energy Fund and South32 (formally known as BHP Billiton Southern Africa) as a chairman and non-executive director respectively.
He has extensive executive leadership, business and technical experience in the energy, mining and public sectors.
Dr Mkhwanazi was previously the CEO of Bateman Africa Limited and the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
He is credited with rebuilding Nersa into a world-class regulatory authority.
Gibela CEO Marc Granger said Dr Mkhwanazi’s knowledge and understanding of public policy and current government priorities, coupled with his sound networks in both the public and private sectors, sets him apart.
“We are pleased that he has come on board and look forward to his innovative contribution to the development and success of Gibela,” adds Granger.
Dr Mkhwanazi will lead a board comprising:
- Gibela’s majority shareholders Alstom: Gian-Luca Erabacci, Yvan Eriau and Duke Mgaga.
- Local stakeholders Ubumbano, represented by Sonja De Bruyn Sebotsa and Mziwabantu Dayimani, as well as New Africa Rail’s Zunaid Mayet.
Project status
Much has happened since Gibela’s contract with PRASA became effective in April 2014.
The company now employs over 200 people and is far down the tracks in delivering on its mandate – consistently and on schedule.
The first 20 trains are already being built at Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Brazil, and four of these trains have arrived in South Africa for testing and commissioning at PRASA’s testing facilities at Wolmerton, north of Pretoria.
The remaining 580 trains are due to be built at Gibela’s custom-built factory in Dunnottar, where, following a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony in March, civil works have been completed and building construction is set to begin in May.
This factory will be built to the highest international standards and will be a centre of excellence in its own right – a significant factor for revitalisation of the railway manufacturing centre in South Africa’s industrial heartland.
The first train is due to go into commercial service in October.
