Transnet Freight Rail Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Transnet Freight Rail has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, administration, and maintenance.

Driven by a commitment to efficient commodity transport, Transnet Freight Rail focuses on heavy haul freight operations, serving export, regional, and domestic markets with extensive rail networks while prioritizing safety and sustainability.

Leadership Roles at Transnet Freight Rail

  • Chief Executive Officer - Siyabonga Gama
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Moosa Tshabangu
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Nomava Mahlakahlaka
  • Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller - Precious Mothogoana
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Julian Manana
  • Siyabonga Gama - Chief Executive Officer

    Siyabonga Gama, the Chief Executive Officer at Transnet Freight Rail, directs the overall strategy and operational execution for the company's extensive heavy haul freight transportation services. Overseeing a division with approximately 38,000 employees, Gama ensures the efficient operation of vast rail networks critical for South Africa's commodity exports, including dedicated lines for coal and iron ore. This leadership involves driving the development of key infrastructure projects, such as the manganese export corridor, to enhance global market access. Gama's strategic vision guides the company's commitment to safety and sustainability across all operations. By fostering relationships with global stakeholders, Siyabonga Gama secures Transnet Freight Rail's position as a vital component of the national economy and a key player in international trade logistics. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses optimizing service delivery to diverse clients in export, regional, and domestic sectors, ensuring the reliable transport of essential commodities.
    Siyabonga Gama

    Moosa Tshabangu - Chief Administrative Officer

    Moosa Tshabangu, the Chief Administrative Officer at Transnet Freight Rail, manages critical administrative functions that support the company's extensive freight operations. This role involves overseeing the internal processes and systems necessary for the efficient functioning of a large workforce of approximately 38,000 employees. Tshabangu ensures that administrative policies and procedures align with the company's overarching goals of safety, sustainability, and efficient commodity transportation. The Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities include optimizing resource allocation and supporting the operational teams that manage the extensive rail networks. By streamlining administrative workflows, Moosa Tshabangu contributes directly to the company's ability to serve export, regional, and domestic markets effectively. This leadership position is vital for maintaining operational continuity and supporting strategic initiatives, including the development of key export corridors.

    Nomava Mahlakahlaka - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Nomava Mahlakahlaka, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Transnet Freight Rail, directs key administrative operations essential for the company's heavy haul freight transportation services. This executive oversees the implementation of policies and procedures that govern the daily functioning of the division, supporting approximately 38,000 employees. Mahlakahlaka's focus includes ensuring administrative efficiency across the extensive rail networks, facilitating the smooth transport of commodities for export, regional, and domestic clients. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) plays a crucial part in maintaining the company's commitment to safety and sustainability by ensuring that administrative support systems are robust and compliant. Nomava Mahlakahlaka's leadership ensures that administrative functions effectively support strategic objectives, including the development of vital export corridors and the overall operational integrity of Transnet Freight Rail.

    Precious Mothogoana - Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller

    Precious Mothogoana, the Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller at Transnet Freight Rail, holds a dual mandate critical to the company's operational success. This executive oversees both the administrative framework supporting the division's extensive operations and the direct management of maintenance activities for the rail infrastructure. Mothogoana ensures that maintenance protocols are rigorously followed to guarantee the safety and reliability of the extensive rail networks used for heavy haul freight transportation. The Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller's responsibilities extend to optimizing maintenance schedules and resource allocation to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency for commodity transport. Precious Mothogoana's leadership ensures that administrative functions seamlessly integrate with maintenance operations, supporting Transnet Freight Rail's commitment to safety, sustainability, and efficient service delivery to export, regional, and domestic markets.
    Precious Mothogoana

    Julian Manana - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Julian Manana, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Transnet Freight Rail, spearheads essential administrative functions that underpin the company's status as a leader in heavy haul freight transportation. This executive directs the strategic implementation of administrative policies and procedures across the organization, impacting the approximately 38,000 employees. Manana's oversight ensures that administrative support is optimized for the efficient operation of extensive rail networks, crucial for moving commodities for export, regional, and domestic markets. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is instrumental in reinforcing Transnet Freight Rail's dedication to safety and sustainability through effective administrative management. Julian Manana's role involves enhancing operational workflows and supporting the company's strategic growth initiatives, including the expansion of key export corridors, thereby contributing to the overall reliability and effectiveness of the freight rail services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Transnet Freight Rail Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Transnet Freight Rail?
    Transnet Freight Rail is led by Siyabonga Gama (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Moosa Tshabangu (Chief Administrative Officer) and Nomava Mahlakahlaka (Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)).
    Who is part of Transnet Freight Rail’s executive team?
    The executive team of Transnet Freight Rail includes leaders such as Siyabonga Gama (Chief Executive Officer), Moosa Tshabangu (Chief Administrative Officer), Nomava Mahlakahlaka (Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Transnet Freight Rail have?
    Transnet Freight Rail has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Transnet Freight Rail’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Transnet Freight Rail includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).