Rail Cadet Programme – Building Future Skills for Transnet Freight Rail
Overview
The Rail Cadet Programme was established as part of Transnet Freight Rail’s (TFR) response to the growing shortage of critical skills within the rail industry. The programme focuses on identifying and developing learners who demonstrate strong academic potential in Mathematics (Pure), Physical Science, and Accounting.
These learners form part of future feeder pipelines into Transnet’s Operational Division, Rail Network Environment, and Commercial Streams, ensuring long-term sustainability and capacity building within the organisation.
Rail Cadet Programme Purpose
The Rail Cadet Programme aims to create a sustainable skills pool for Transnet Freight Rail by building capacity ahead of industry demand.
The programme creates a pathway for:
- Future bursary recipients
- Young Professionals in Training
- Technicians in Training
- Potential direct employment within Transnet Freight Rail
Learners who maintain the required minimum academic performance throughout their participation may be given an opportunity to apply for full-time bursaries to study at a recognised university or technical institution in South Africa.
Upon completion of high school, recruited learners will predominantly come from identified critical and hotspot areas.
Target Group
The Rail Cadet Programme targets learners in:
- Grades 10 to 12
- Consistent academic performers
- Strong results in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Accounting
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Programme Impact and Administration
This intervention enables Transnet Freight Rail to develop a future pool of bursars and employees, while contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s skills development agenda and social responsibility objectives.
The Corporate Affairs Department continuously identifies public schools located along the Transnet railway network to participate in the programme.
School principals act as the primary point of contact and are contracted into the programme on behalf of participating learners.
The Capacity Development Department works closely with learners and parents through the school principal to ensure all parties clearly understand the programme’s terms, conditions, and benefits.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of 50% or higher in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Accounting
- Continuation depends on consistent academic performance
- Sponsorships are reviewed and renewed annually
- Non–South African citizens are not eligible
Programme Sponsorship Includes
- Study guides for learners
- School uniforms
- Academic support programmes to improve Maths, Science, and Accounting results
- Identification and development of high-performing learners in:
- Engineering
- Technical fields
- Accounting
- Operations
- Safety
- Commercial streams
Programme Milestones
- Since inception in 2012, 10,722 learners have been sponsored
- Total sponsorship value to date: R26.8 million
- Sponsorship includes uniforms and study guides
- 18 learners have received full-time Transnet bursaries
- 10 learners are currently employed by Transnet
- The upcoming financial year target is 1,500 learners across all TFR corridors
Rail Cadet Programme – Contact Details
| Role | Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Rail Cadet Team | Nontshukumo Nqadini |
Tel: (011) 583 0803 Email: nontshukumo.nqadini@transnet.net |
| Rail Cadet Team | Tumane Majake |
Tel: (011) 584 0845 Email: tumane.majake@transnet.net |
| Coordinator | Martha Lenka |
Tel: (011) 584 1098 Email: martha.lenka@transnet.net |
| Coordinator | Josephine Lamlikii |
Tel: (011) 929 1125 Email: josephine.lamlikii@transnet.net |
| Coordinator | Noluthando Sibisi |
Tel: (011) 584 1025 Email: noluthando.sibisi@transnet.net |
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