Francois Daniel Welgemoed matriculated from Technical High School Daniël Pienaar, Uitenhage in 1996. Following his matriculation, he proceeded to do a N4 in Mechanical Engineering through Uitenhage Technical College. In 1998, he started his Diesel / Electric Fitter apprenticeship with Spoornet, where he qualified in 2001. Adding onto his qualifications as an artisan, Francois is a registered assessor, moderator and trade assessment practitioner. With over twenty (20) years’ notable experience within the mechanical engineering field, which include his tenure at Traxtion as a Maintenance Manager, he was deemed to be the perfect fit for the role.

In his role, François also joins the company’s executive committee and took up the duties and responsibilities of his position with effect from 1 March 2021.

Many thanks to Mr. Kevin Prozesky, who on short notice stepped into this role during the extended illness and sudden passing away of Willie Nieman. Kevin will continue to assist François by consulting to Traxtion and performing the role of Quality Manager.

In addition to all the activities in Rosslyn, François will be responsible for the management of the entire locomotive fleet both locally and internationally, administration and maintenance records of the locomotive fleet, compliance with Occupational Safety legislation, Railway Safety Legislation and Environmental Legislation.

He will be ably assisted by Chris, Geraldine, Kevin, Theo and the entire workshop staff.