South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has announced the leasing of five steam locomotives located at Rosherville in Gauteng to New Cape Central Railway Ltd. for a period of five years, following a rigorous open tender process in May 2024.
According to Eskom, the process was conducted in close consultation with the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Heritage Railway Association of South Africa (HRASA), which provided guidance to ensure compliance with national heritage standards.
In a statement issued on Monday, Eskom said that while its core mandate is to deliver quality and reliable electricity, it also has a responsibility to safeguard the valuable heritage assets entrusted to it.
“By opting for a lease arrangement rather than a sale, Eskom retains custodianship of these assets, affirming its commitment to heritage preservation as a proudly South African company,” Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said.
Originally intended for restoration and public exhibition, the locomotives were retrieved from the now-defunct museum.
Commenting on the development, Chief Executive Officer of Eskom Rotek Industries, Hector Danisa, said:
“These iconic locomotives have powered the energy industry for more than a century. This milestone demonstrates our shared commitment to preserving them and making them accessible through structured partnerships, ensuring their legacy endures for many years to come. They form a vital part of South Africa’s industrial and cultural heritage.”
Eskom, which turned 102 years old on March 1 this year, supplies around 90% of South Africa’s electricity and 30% of Africa’s total power.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Discover more from Energy News Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.