SOUTH AFRICA – Global mobility technology leader Bombardier Transportation has announced the appointment of Makgola Makololo as Managing Director for South Africa.

In this significant leadership role, Ms. Makololo will be responsible for Bombardier Transportation’s strategy development and deployment in the country, with sustainable customer and partner relationships as priorities.

“We are delighted to welcome Makgola Makololo to Bombardier as Managing Director for South Africa; her leadership experience and award laden career makes her a great addition to our senior team”, said Andy DeLeone, President, Europe (Switzerland, Italy, Nordic Countries, Iberia), Middle East, Africa, and India region (EMEAI) at Bombardier Transportation.

“Makgola Makololo has been a trusted leader and proven business partner in South Africa for more than 15 years, and this appointment brings Bombardier the opportunity to refresh and strengthen its business relationships with its customers, rail operators and industry partners, and focus on sustainable business growth.”

Makgola Makololo has held various roles with increasing responsibility during her career and has held a number of esteemed directorships. Achievements on her journey to Bombardier include the position of Acting Deputy Director General for the Energy business at the Department of Public Enterprises.

Former Managing Director for South Africa, Aubrey Lekwane, will lead a crucial new role in Bombardier Transportation as Head of Institutional Relations for South Africa where he will continue to play a vital role in shaping customer relationships.

“I sincerely thank Aubrey Lekwane for his leadership in South Africa and for his ongoing contribution to Bombardier,” Kees Van der Snel, Head of Commercial, EMEAI region at Bombardier Transportation commented.

“Our newly strengthened leadership team in South Africa will take a customer centric approach to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for mobility to support the local rail market evolution.”

With around 300 employees, Bombardier Transportation in South Africa operates a propulsion system manufacturing facility in Johannesburg and locomotive assembly site in Durban.

Bombardier has project maintenance depots across South Africa supporting various rail operators. Bombardier is a long standing partner of Gautrain as the supplier of its commuter trains and signalling systems, and will maintain the fleet until 2026.

Since first deliveries in 2017, the BOMBARDIER TRAXX Africa locomotives have moved millions of tons of freight for Transnet Freight Rail (TFR). Bombardier has been a significant contributor to job creation and economic growth in South Africa since 1985.

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