EXCELLENCE THAT ACCELERATES MOMENTUM
In rail, momentum matters, and the same is true of excellence. Once set in motion, its impact extends far beyond a single moment, project, or team. A safer process improves reliability. Greater reliability strengthens confidence. Stronger performance supports economic activity, trade, and industrial growth. In this way, excellence is never isolated; it creates momentum that moves businesses, industries, and economies forward.
This understanding forms the foundation of Traxtion’s culture, where excellence is embedded in our DNA and is not viewed as an isolated achievement, but rather as a catalyst for wider impact. Every breakthrough, innovation, operational improvement, and act of leadership contributes to the momentum that strengthens teams, enables customers, and advances the future of rail.
It was this spirit of exponential excellence that brought together employees, leadership, and industry partners from across the business on Thursday, 14 May 2026, for the fourth annual Traxtion Excellence Awards.
The event celebrated excellence in its many forms, from operational performance and technical expertise to collaboration, innovation, leadership, and the often unseen efforts that keep the business moving forward every day. Collectively, these contributions reflect the multiplier effect of excellence, where individual actions create value far beyond the immediate task at hand.
During his keynote address, the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) CEO, Brian Monakali, reinforced the importance of building a culture where safety and operational excellence are consistently prioritised across the sector.
“Safety is not a once-off achievement. It is built through discipline, consistency, accountability, and the commitment shown by people every single day. When organisations recognise and reward excellence in this way, they strengthen the culture needed to build a safer, more sustainable, and more resilient railway industry for South Africa.”
In recognising employees whose commitment and contribution have helped shape Traxtion over the years, Long Service Awards were presented to:
- 10 years of service – Adele Boshoff
- 15 years of service – Maryke Smit and Wynand Badenhorst
- 20 years of service – Liezel Kuhn, Chris Kruger, Izak Louw, Jeremiah Zimu and Shepherd Golotile
- 25 years of service – Arthur Wulff
We also honoured Traxtion’s 2025 graduates and apprentices, identifying the next generation of technical and operational talent in rail:
- 2025 Graduates – Adriaan Britz, Ellis David, Faith Pieters, Kabelo Mafoko, Laiza Moreroa, Ricardo Da Matta, Thando Makoyi and W.P. Grobler
- 2025 DE Fitter Apprentices – Anathi Mndende, Jordan Botha, Lizwi Ndlangamandla, Lunga Mgidi, Ntsikelelo Gwadiso, Sandile Tibane, Tshepo Kgoedi and Vincent Coetzee
Among the evening’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of Traxtion’s coveted awards, recognising individuals and teams who continue to raise standards across the business:
- Safest Site Award – Vaal River
- Quality Site Award – Senegal
- Rising Star Award (New) – Eutichus Skeffers
- CEO Award – Elmarie Smith
- Behind the Scenes Excellence Award (New) – Tanya Moore
- Paragon Award (New) – Gcobisa Bokleni-Toyi
- Apprentice of the Year Award – Jordan Botha
- Honorary Award – Theo Rogers
Speaking at the event, Traxtion CEO, James Holley, said that progress is never linear, and that excellence compounds.
“Excellence inspires higher standards, creates opportunity for others, and builds momentum that reaches across teams, operations, customers, and industry. As a company operating within a sector that is so critical to trade, industry, and economic growth, we know that every improvement in safety, reliability, quality, and innovation contributes to a stronger and more resilient rail industry for South Africa.”
When excellence is set in motion, it does more than deliver results in the present. It helps move people, business, and rail forward.
