Gibela, a railway rolling stock manufacturer based in Nigel launched its traction motor manufacturing workshop which is 3600sqm, which is expected to produce four traction motors a day and create at least 90 new jobs.
The launch took place on the 29th of October 2021 and it was attended by the MMC of Transport and Planning, Pelisa Nkunjana as well as the MEC of Economic Development, Parks Tau and Dr. Buyiswa Mncono- Liwani, who is the Executive Director of Corporate Services and Traction Motors operations at Gibela as well as the CEO of Gibela, Hector Danisa. The decision-making of this project is said to have started in 2019. “We took a bit of time to set up this project but around April this year, we started with the commissioning of machines and recruitment of people. We’re in partnership with Alstom as they are our technological partner. They started coming into the country and started transferring technology. At the moment we have 25 people and at peak, we will create 90 jobs for South Africans. This means that we have achieved our commitment to our customer which is Prasa,” expressed Dr. Buyiswa.
Traction motors is said to work as an engine of trains as it plays a role of supplying power to the wheels and giving it momentum to move. The management of Gibela were thrilled to announce that they will be using the latest technology when it comes to their new trains as the trains will travel at a 120km speed per hour. “As part of our commitment and contribution to the country as well as Prasa, we will also be giving out bursaries in line with the provisions as well as requirements within the current contract. We’ll be giving out internships and recruiting more apprentices,” added Dr. Mncono-Liwani.
The MEC of Economic Development and the MMC of Transport and Planning congratulated the company for the path it has taken by creating jobs for South Africans and they also expressed their gratitude for the company as this project was meant to improve the economy of the country.
All senior management as well as the workers of Gibela showcased their manufacturing machinery and revealed the extra safety precautions the company has taken into ensuring its workers are secure and safe.
By Palesa Ndinisa and Vusumuzi Makwakwa
