Best Solanis Podcasts (2024)

1
Transforming Railways In Tanzania: An Exclusive Interview With TRC's Director General 13:08

4M ago13:08

13:08

Join us in this exclusive Coffee with the Editor session, where our Editor sits down with Mr. Masanja K. Kadogosa, the Director General of Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC). Discover the groundbreaking developments in Tanzania's railway network.From the near completion of the Dar es Salaam-Morogoro and Morogoro-Dodoma sections to future projects …

1
Unveiling Africa's Railway Future: Exclusive Interview with Ibrah Wahabou, AUDA-NEPAD 19:53

4M ago19:53

19:53

Join us in an insightful conversation with Ibrah Wahabou, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, as we explore the future of Africa's rail infrastructure. Recorded in Addis Ababa, this interview delves deep into the initiatives and challenges of developing a connected, efficient, and sustainable railway network across the continent.Key Highlights:…

1
Advancing Africa's Rail Network: The Africa Integrated High Speed Railway Network Workshop 3:45

4M ago3:45

3:45

Join us for a special edition of "Coffee with the Editor" as we sit down with Eric Ntagengerwa from the African Union during the recently held railway technical experts workshop on the Africa Integrated High Speed Railway Network, a flagship project of the AU Agenda 2063, held in Addis Ababa from 12-14th December 2023.Eric provides an in-depth look…

1
Advancing Railway Safety: An In-Depth Discussion with the Railway Safety Regulator 25:01

7M ago25:01

25:01

Join us for another insightful session of 'Coffee with the Editor' as Phillippa Dean sits down with Mmuso Selaledi, the acting CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator. In this in-depth conversation, they explore a myriad of topics, shedding light on the significant transformations within the railway industry and the pivotal role of the Railway Safety R…

1
Empowering Local Suppliers to Go Global: A Chat with Alstom's Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani 6:13

8M ago6:13

6:13

At the recent Ignite SME Summit 2023, Nolufefe Gxakushe-Solani, the Procurement Director at Alstom, took the stage to discuss the company's active involvement in supplier and enterprise development, especially concerning the four joint venture rail projects that Alstom has in South Africa. We caught up with her offstage for an impromptu Coffee with…

1
Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities in South Africa's Rail Sector Transformation 27:37

9M ago27:37

27:37

A few weeks ago, we published a blog authored by Sarah Truen titled: “Unlocking Efficiency – Overcoming Challenges in South Africa’s Rail Freight Sector.” In this Coffee with the Editor podcast, Sarah delves into the intricacies involved in achieving success within this context.Our conversation delves into the challenges and complexities associated…

1
Alstom Ubunye's Vision for the Future – PRASA Trains and Beyond 5:25

10M ago5:25

5:25

In this episode of Coffee with the Editor, we have the pleasure of hosting Logan Naicker, CEO of Alstom Ubunye. This engaging conversation provides comprehensive insights into Alstom Ubunye’s operations within the African Rail industry, with a particular focus on their ongoing PRASA project.Logan delves into the progress of the PRASA project, where…

1
A Deep Dive With Wabtec's Babatunde Oso On Revitalising Africa's Rolling Stock 12:37

10M ago12:37

12:37

In this Coffee with the Editor, Babatunde Oso, Regional General Manager for Africa at Wabtec Corporation, discusses the company’s strategic role and ongoing efforts in the South African and broader African rail industry. The conversation provides a deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the rail sector in Africa, including the co…

1
Regional Coordination Key in Africa's High-Speed Rail Network Project to Revolutionise Intra-African Trade 12:05

10M ago12:05

12:05

Welcome to an engaging Coffee with the Editor with Eng. Eric Ntagengerwa, Acting Head of the Transport and Mobility Division at the Infrastructure and Energy Department, African Union Commission. This interview took place during the Continental Workshop on the Implementation of the Africa Integrated High-Speed Railways Network.Eric takes a moment t…

1
James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, Discusses Refurbishment Projects, Hydrogen Solutions, and Rail Industry Updates 12:59

10M ago12:59

12:59

James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, recently joined Railways Africa Magazine for a Coffee With The Editor interview. The conversation covered various topics and updates in the rail industry. One of the key highlights was the refurbishment of Class 39 locomotives purchased from Transnet Engineering. Two of the locomotives are currently in testing, and al…

1
Unveiling the Future of Ethiopia's Railways 9:27

11M ago9:27

9:27

For this Coffee with the Editor, we sit down with Engineer Hilina Belachew - CEO, of Ethiopia Railways Corporation. In this in-depth interview, we discuss the transformative role of the rail network in Ethiopia, its current projects, and future expansion plans. We explore exciting development corridors and dive into the Corporation's visionary plan…

1
Advancing Railway Development in Southern Africa: Insights from SARA Director Lubinda Sakanga 28:40

11M ago28:40

28:40

We had the opportunity to catch up for a "Coffee with the Editor" with Lubinda Sakanga, Director of Technical & Operations at the Southern African Railway Association (SARA), during the recent Continental Workshop for the Africa Integrated High-Speed Railways Network (AIHSRN). SARA, a subsidiary organization of the Southern African Development Comm…

1
Building A Sustainable Rail Future In The Middle East: Perspectives From Mama Sougoufara, Alstom's MD For MENAT 11:55

11M ago11:55

11:55

Join us for an insightful interview with Mama Sougoufara, Alstom's Managing Director for MENAT - Middle East, Northern Africa and Turkey, as part of our "Coffee with the Editor" series. In this episode, Mama shares his perspectives on the Middle East rail market, its potential, and Alstom's approach in supporting its development. Discover the excit…

1
12th IHHA Conference: Advancing Heavy Haul Operations and Sustainability 5:59

11M ago5:59

5:59

In this Coffee with the Editor, Antonio Merheb, the current chairman of the International Heavy Haul Association, gives me an update on the plans for the 12th IHHA - International Heavy Haul Association Conference and Exhibition, which is set to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 27-31, 2023, at the Windsor Convention & Expo Centre. It…

1
Expertise Of The International Union Of Railways (UIC) Benefiting Railway Operators In Africa 20:13

11M ago20:13

20:13

Join our editor for an insightful "Coffee with the Editor" session featuring the team from the Union Internationale des Chemins de fer (UIC) – International Union of Railways, as we discuss their involvement and activities in the African region. We had the privilege of "meeting" Christian Chavanel, the coordinator for the Africa region and Rail Sys…

1
Discussing Transnamib's Railway Projects and Future 12:01

1y ago12:01

12:01

Intro: Welcome to Coffee with the Editor, where we bring you exclusive interviews with industry leaders. Today, we're joined by Johny Smith, the CEO of Transnamib. Interview: Philippa: Johny, thank you for joining us. Let's start with the big news – you're leaving Transnamib at the end of the month. Can you tell us more about that? Johny: Yes, that…

1
Advancing Railway Safety and Efficiency: Insights from IRSE President Andy Knight 23:36

1y ago23:36

23:36

Join us as we sit down with Andy Knight, President of the Institution of Railway Signalling Engineers (IRSE), to learn more about ISRE and discuss his recent visit to South Africa and his insights into the challenges facing the country's railway industry. From multiple infrastructure owners to skills development, we delve into the important role th…

1
Grindrod The Future For Rail Is Bright 10:24

1+ y ago10:24

10:24

Listen to our interview with Xolani Mbambo, the incoming CEO of Grindrod Limited and the current CEO of Grindrod Freight Services. Our interview took place during their recent interim financial results announcement. In our interview, we touch on the locomotive fleet expansion, market opportunities for rail, and the recently launched coal train serv…

1
SAHHA: Future of Heavy Haul 34:14

1+ y ago34:14

34:14

Prof. Jan Havenga and Dr. Zane Simpson, Stellenbosch University cover "The Future of Heavy Haul" at the South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition.By Railways Africa

1
SAHHA: Transnet’s Strategy to Support the Commodity Sector 27:38

1+ y ago27:38

27:38

Dr. Andrew Shaw, Group Chief Strategy & Planning Officer covers Transnet's strategy to support the commodity sector at the recently held South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition (SAHHA).By Railways Africa

1
SAHHA: Opportunities & Challenges of the Mining Sector - Expected Role of the Logistics System 24:06

1+ y ago24:06

24:06

Roger Baxter, CEO of the Minerals Council South Africa speaking at the South African Heavy Haul Conference and Exhibition on the topic of: "Opportunities & Challenges of the Mining Sector - Expected Role of the Logistics System".By Railways Africa

1
Transnet Freight Rail - Open Access, Lost Opportunities And A Positive Outlook 19:03

2y ago19:03

19:03

There is no doubt that open access or third party access to Transnet Freight Rail’s core network is being seen as a “hoorah” moment for the revitalisation of South Africa’s ailing railway sector, but there’s more to this than meets the eye! Transnet Freight Rail is facing some very real and extraordinary challenges – theft, vandalism, rolling stock…

1
Alstom Southern Africa One Year on After the Bombardier Transportation Acquisition, What's Next? 28:41

2y ago28:41

28:41

Officially a year since Bombardier Transport become part of the Alstom group. Making this an ideal opportunity to connect with Bernard Peille, Managing Director Southern Africa, ALSTOM. In this Coffee with the Editor, we discuss the changes to the group locally and what the future holds for both South Africa and Southern Africa. Especially, now as …

1
Thelo DB - A Keen Eye On African Railway Projects 19:53

2+ y ago19:53

19:53

In this Coffee with the Editor, we get to know Dutliff Bredenkamp the recently appointed CEO of Thelo DB. Dutliff has extensive experience in the rail sector and outlines the vision of the business in Africa and South Africa. Thelo DB is an incorporated JV between, Thelo Ventures a 100% Black Owned South African company and Deutsche Bahn Engineerin…

1
Great Expectations for Malawi’s Railway as Nacala Logistics Expands Portfolio 20:30

2+ y ago20:30

20:30

Nacala Logistics, Director of Operations, Gustavo Stein in a Coffee with the Editor, explains the recent progress made by Nacala Logistics, including, investments and line rehabilitation. The opening of the $5.5 Million Limbe Container Terminal, the partnership with C. Steinweg Bridge and what the future holds for the organisation and the further d…

1
PRASA Rebuilding Passenger Rail 16:04

2+ y ago16:04

16:04

In this Coffee with the Editor, Refilwe Kunene – Strategic Programs Manager, GCEO office of the Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA), discusses their corridor recovery, network rehabilitation and the overall strategy that is being executed to deliver services. We discuss the impact of theft and vandalism, signalling, services in Cape Town, ge…

1
Unitrans Africa Steps Into Rail 9:51

2+ y ago9:51

9:51

Unitrans Africa is a diversified contractual logistics company serving the needs of selected sub-Saharan African markets. A few months ago the company ventured into offering a dedicated rail link between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In partnership with the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), Caminhos de Ferro de Mocambique (CFM) and Traxtion. In this …

1
Coffee with the Editor, Andrew Waller, CEO of Grindrod Limited 12:59

2+ y ago12:59

12:59

Andrew Waller, CEO of Grindrod Limited, took a few minutes for a virtual Coffee with the Editor, following the announcement of Grindrod’s interim results for the 6-months ended 30 June 2021, on 27 August. Despite a tough year the company produced solid results. We discuss rail, leasing, the potential of open access, logistics and the recent reintro…

1
Thelo DB, SAPRO Mayoko Railway Project 9:35

2+ y ago9:35

9:35

In this Coffee with the Editor, we catch up with Ronnie Ntuli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thelo DB, following the recent news that Thelo DB will manage, finance, build and operate a 450km railway corridor from the port of Pointe-Noire to the Mayoko Station in the Republic of Congo. With an estimated 100 million tonnes per annum! In addit…

1
Gauteng Resignalling Project To Be Completed By The End Of 2021 12:08

3y ago12:08

12:08

Article: https://go.railwaysafrica.com/milestone-gauteng-signalling-projectBy Railways Africa

1
Traxtion's EURO4000’s Enter Service And More On The Unitrans Africa Project 10:08

3y ago10:08

10:08

James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, discusses two recent highlights for the company in this Coffee with the Editor. Firstly, the newly branded EURO4000’s that have entered service on the TAZARA line through the Calabash operation. James discusses the project and the logistics of getting the EURO4000’s to site, as well as, the value the new locomotives w…

1
African Rail Industry Association Progress On Open Access 3:53

3y ago3:53

3:53

James Holley the CEO of Traxtion is also the chairperson of the African Rail Industry Association (ARIA). In a recent Coffee with the Editor, James takes a moment to give us an update on the association’s activities, specifically on the progress of the study for the practical implantation of third party access to the South African railway. This has…

1
TransNamib CEO Takes Over As President Of SARA 9:06

3y ago9:06

9:06

CEO of TransNamib, Johny Smith, in this Coffee with the Editor, discusses his appointment as President of the Southern African Railway Association (SARA), and his agenda for Southern African rail operators for the next 12 months. The key being integration and a real push of the road-to-rail strategy for the Region. Johny also provides an update on …

1
New CEO at Alstom Ubunye 9:08

3y ago9:08

9:08

Railways Africa’s Coffee with the Editor is with Logan Naicker following the recent announcement of his appointment as the new CEO for Alstom Ubunye in South Africa. Logon discusses his time so far with the company, the continuous improvements at the Nigel based facility and what their next steps are. This is over-and-above meeting the supply requi…

1
PRASA Progress 14:29

3y ago14:29

14:29

A brief Coffee with the Editor, with the Deputy Minister of Transport, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi, following the inspection of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Wolmerton maintenance depot in Pretoria North, Gauteng, with the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) Board. Whilst we discuss the state of the Wolmerton depot, we also touch on the cur…

1
Commuter Rail Project for Namibia - Trans Auas Express 19:49

3y ago19:49

19:49

As a brief background Trans Auas Express (TAE) founded in 1994, drafted a project proposal to the Ministry of Works and Transport in 1996 for the establishment of a rail commuter service between Windhoek and Rehoboth to address road accidents and fatalities.The road between Windhoek and Rehoboth road carries the highest number of commuters in Namib…

1
Coffee With The Editor - African Rail Industry Association 32:15

3y ago32:15

32:15

This week's Coffee with the Editor is with Mesela Nhlapo, CEO of the African Rail Industry Association, previously known as the Railroad Association. It is a long Coffee with the Editor, so make yourself comfortable as we cover many topics. Including, the recently established third party open access working group, opinions on the recent SONA, conce…

1
TransNamib - 2020 Wrap Up And Plans For 2021 8:04

3+ y ago8:04

8:04

Johny Smith - Chief Executive Officer - TransNamib Limited, talks to Railways Africa Magazine about the challenges brought by 2020 and what the plans are for 2021. Johny notes as do most, that 2020 has been a tough year, but the opportunities to look at and analyze their current situation and interrogate areas of improvement have been positive. The…

1
Botswana Railways - 2020 Wrap Up And Plans For 2021 7:29

3+ y ago7:29

7:29

Although Leonard Makwinja role as CEO of Botswana Railways comes to an end soon, we really appreciate the time he made to go through the year that has been and the year ahead. We talk about the progress of railway projects, especially the Mmamabula-Lephalale line, which was announced in the mid-term review of the Governments National Development pl…

1
The Current State of Safety and the Role of the Railway Safety Regulator in Open Access 15:28

3+ y ago15:28

15:28

Acting CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), Ms Tshepo Kgare in a Coffee with the Editor, discusses key highlights from the recently released State of Safety report.While theft and vandalism has had the greatest impact on the number of incidents, the biggest area of concern is around the safety of people, especially as we start trying to attra…

1
Hope For Passenger Rail in South Africa! 17:33

3+ y ago17:33

17:33

Ms Dikeledi Magadzi the Deputy Minister of Transport, joins our editor Phillippa Dean for a Coffee with the Editor, following the release of the Railway Safety Regulators Annual State of Safety Report. Vandalism, theft and encroachment on railway reserves amongst other things, have severely impacted PRASA. But, PRASA has a plan, a new board and the…

1
Open Access Working Group 7:33

3+ y ago7:33

7:33

The RailRoad Association (RRA), recently issued an invitation to the rail industry, to participle in a working group that will focus on Open Access.Open Access to Transnet’s core network was announced by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, as part of South Africa's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.Our Editor took a moment to chat to …

1
Railway Industry Opinion On Open Access - Railways Africa 4:22

3+ y ago4:22

4:22

The South African President last week noted in the SA economic recovery plan, that good things were about to happen with the rail sector! Off the back of this, Traxtion, announced an initial investment of R1.5 billion, during a virtual Africa Rail event. Probably the best news to come out of 2020! With that said, we chatted to a few private operato…

1
The Opportunity To Revitalise The Rail Sector 26:09

3+ y ago26:09

26:09

Releasing Gibela’s first socio-economic impact survey, CEO Hector Danisa notes that R6.4-billion had been spent on local content in the four years since inception. This includes the construction of their facility. There are a few things that need to be put into context, especially the timeline as production starts to ramp up and of course how one g…

1
Transnet Engineering a solid future in the making! 14:48

3+ y ago14:48

14:48

The first time we spoke with Ralph Mills, Chief Executive at Transnet Engineering he had literally been in “office” for just over a week and in the midst of Covid-19 lockdown! One hundred days later, Ralph Mills is definitely a man with a plan! We talk about the future of Transnet Engineering, expanding on the potential product lines as a heavy ind…

1
Status Update on Eswatini Railways 16:33

4y ago16:33

16:33

Nixon Dlamini joined as CEO of Eswatini Railways (previously known as Swazi Rail) in March this year, just as COVID-19 really started disrupting life here in Africa. The 300km railway network plays a pivotal role in feeding the regional railways within the SADC region. Nixon provides the latest details (stages) on current and new projects, specific…

1
Meditation Monday #20 - Solo V - Wim Hof 43:44

5y ago43:44

43:44

Hello fellow humans, friends and family, Welcome back to Meditation Monday #20! Today I take a look at one of modern science's most controversial and incredible men, Wim Hof, The Iceman. Wim Hof is known as the Iceman for his incredible superhuman ability to withstand freezing temperatures and extreme conditions by focusing his intention and will o…

1
Meditation Monday #19 - Solo IV - Multitasking 28:34

5y ago28:34

28:34

Hello fellow humans, friends and family Today we discuss the very misunderstood and often praised ability called multitasking. I'll go in depth to discuss the research and studies done on this incredibly important topic. How multitasking affects the human mind, and what it's really doing to our overall level of productivity. Spoiler: It's not as gr…

1
Meditation Monday #18 - Solo III - Morning Ritual 40:56

5y ago40:56

40:56

Hello fellow humans, friends and family! Today I'm back with another solo podcast! This time I discuss my morning ritual and the scientific/health benefits of my process. Hopefully we can all learn a little something about the body, mind and spirit, how we could be treating it better in the morning, so we can all achieve our full potential each and…

1
Meditation Monday #17 Solanis Returns! - Solo II 53:48

5y ago53:48

53:48

Hello my fellow humans, friends and family! Today I make my return to the podcast with my personal story of trials and tribulations, why I left the page for so long and what it's like to deal with traumatic brain injuries! Sorry I left unexpectedly, but don't worry I'll be back with regular podcasts for you beautiful people. Thank you for subscribi…

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