Following the inaugural Traxtion Excellence Awards ceremony in 2023, Traxtion continues to build on its success by investing in its employees and recognising the individual efforts that drive its achievements.
“Whilst this may only be our second year hosting a physical awards ceremony, recognising excellence is at the core of our business, which is now in its 37th year. This excellence has sustained our business for these 37 years,” said James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, during the welcoming address.
As with last year, the Excellence Awards were held in May, coinciding with Africa Month. Traxtion operates across more than seven African countries, each with its own challenges and unique operational conditions. The flexibility and resilience of the Traxtion team in meeting and overcoming these challenges make Traxtion a leader in the railway leasing and operations on the African continent.
In addition to employees, Traxtion was pleased to host the following stakeholders at this year’s event: Harith, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the Department of Transport (DOT), the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), and the Southern African Railways Association (SARA).
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Lisa Mangcu, delivered the keynote address at the Excellence Awards, stating, “Celebrating the remarkable achievements of your staff is not merely a tradition; it is a profound acknowledgment of the dedication, talent, and excellence that drive this business and our industry forward. By honouring these individuals, we inspire a culture of continuous improvement and set a high standard for future generations. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more efficient future for our railways.” The Deputy Minister also emphasised the government’s focus on making rail a key priority, noting, “The enhancement of our rail infrastructure is not merely a logistical endeavour; it is a cornerstone of our nation’s economic vitality and growth.”
The Traxtion Excellence Awards consist of five categories, along with Long Service awards, these are;
- The CEO Award: Recognises the individual or site with the most exemplary display of Traxtion DNA, exceptional contributions towards the company’s growth, outstanding service to the Traxtion community and/or visitors, and special efforts in promoting workplace diversity.
- The Safety Award: Recognises the site that made significant contributions in fostering a culture of safety in the workplace.
- The Quality Award: Recognises the site that went the extra mile in achieving quality targets and delivering consistent and accurate customer service.
- Traxtion Apprentice of the Year: Awarded to the outstanding student from the rigorous three-year apprentice programme cohort.
- The Honorary Award: Given for notable years of service to the rail industry.
- Graduates Awards: Awarded to employees that completed qualifications that took a duration of 1+ years of Traxtion funded studies in 2023.
This year’s Traxtion Excellence Award winners:
- Quality Site: Rail Services Hub
- Safest Site: Calabash
- CEO Award: Herno Ngono
- Honorary Award: Piet Labotske
- Traxtion Apprentice of the Year: Innocent Lebogang Sekgopo
Long Service Awards:
- 10 Years: Michael Williams
- 15 Years: Antonie Welman, Thanduxolo Makoyi, Antonie van Heerden, Billy Mnyambo, Thulani Mdluli, Sanna Buda, Petrus Steyn, Rossow Kruger
- 20 Years: Jacobus Grobler, Thoko Mahlangu, Elize Howell, Ignatius Swart
Graduates Awards
- Business Management: Wynand Badenhorst, Hannes Du Preez, Steven Nel and Johan Oberholzer
- BCom Financial Accounting: Charmell Simons
- TETA International Executive Development: Zinhle Simamane
“We are railroaders in our hearts and souls. What we deliver is not about us; it is about the upstream economy. It’s about the leveraging effect our work has on the lives and jobs of the people in the upstream economy. That is what gives our company incredible meaning and gives everyone in this industry amazing meaning in what we deliver daily,” said Traxtion CEO, James Holley.
