In honour of Women’s Month in August, ACTOM Engineering Projects and Contracts (EPC) actively supported the Women in Rail initiative. EPC participated to demonstrate ACTOM’s dedication to skills development, inclusivity, and inspiring the next generation of talent in the rail and engineering sectors.
Traxtion Rail Services Hub in Rosslyn, Pretoria, has been delivering leading rail solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa for the past thirty years. It hosted the Rail Fair, aimed at high school learners from disadvantaged communities, with a strong focus on encouraging young women to consider future opportunities in the rail industry. The event also involved industry leaders, executives, and stakeholders from across the rail sector.
Nqobile Mthembu, Business Development Manager for ACTOM EPC, hosted a panel discussion that featured the following inspirational speakers:
- Tiisetso Mokaoena – Executive Manager: Engineering Management, Gautrain Management Agency
- Maphefo Anno-Frempong – CEO, Transport Education Training Authority (TETA)
- Bongani Sibiya – HR Executive, Railway Safety Regulator (RSR)
- Raymond Shoniwa – Executive Director, Southern African Railways Association (SARA)
After completing the formalities, the schools were tasked with presenting innovative solutions to real-world challenges faced in the rail industry. Their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork were celebrated with prizes, including:
Amandasig Secondary School, the first prize winner, received a R20,000 cash prize, vouchers for boarding the Gautrain for each learner, a three-year training course with Techno Girl, and certificates.
The second prize was awarded to Ingqayzivele Secondary School, which included R15,000 in cash, vouchers to travel on the Gautrain for each student, a three-year training course with Techno Girl, and certificates.
The third prize was awarded to Botsebotse Secondary School, which included a R10,000 cash award, vouchers for each learner to travel on the Gautrain, a three-year training course with Techno Girl, and certificates.
The exciting day ended on a high note with a career exhibition and a site tour for the learners.
We are very proud to be part of such a momentous occasion, and we would like to thank the Traxtion team for organising such a powerful and meaningful workshop. You have given learners from disadvantaged schools the opportunity to dream bigger, broaden their horizons, and see the exciting possibilities for women in rail,” concluded Mthembu.