"The Gibela project is history in the making and our group of engineers is excited about making it happen"

Collen Malatji, mechanical engineer

"Rail is the future of transport – it is cleaner, more efficient and faster when moving people and goods"

Matodzi Mukhuba, mechanical engineer

"Of course the Gibela project will have its challenges, but challenges are there to be overcome, and we will be ready and waiting"

Philisande Somdaka, electrical engineer

"We believe in the Gibela journey, and we realise the extent of our collective responsibility to pass on the skills we acquire abroad to colleagues at home"

Kasturie Pillay, senior mechanical engineer

"This is a project of national importance that will touch the lives of millions of South African rail passengers. I can't wait to get going"

Denzel Momplé, mechanical engineer

"We are a motivated group of engineers and there is a synergy between our skills. Most importantly, the people who work here want to be here. I believe Gibela has great possibilities in the year ahead"

Bertus Els, electronic engineer

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Supply chain development

Local supplier achieves European rail standards

A critical part of the Gibela Sourcing team’s work is not only to identify potential suppliers but to measure risk and understand the gap in manufacturing quality and standards. Ultimately, Gibela aims to develop a select group of high potential suppliers so that the project is executed to the required quality level.

In just six months, Siyahamba Manufacturing, an engineering company based in the Wadeville industrial area of the Ekurhuleni Metro, has achieved a rigorous welding standard in line with current European standards. Working hand-in-hand with Gibela, Siyahamba Engineering has progressed from being competent in local welding standards to a European standard (EN15085) qualification. This supplier’s welding process was first audited in February 2014 at a compliance level of 42% with 23 non-conformances noted. After six months of collaborative activities and supplier development with Gibela, the supplier was re-audited in August 2014 and achieved a compliance score of 87%. “This is only one success story in the journey of Gibela and with the dedication demonstrated by our team, many more are sure to come,” says Jeremia Mokhachane, Gibela’s Supplier Quality Manager.