Transnet Freight Rail Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Transnet Freight Rail has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, and maintenance.

Driven by a commitment to safety and sustainability, Transnet Freight Rail ensures efficient commodity transport across extensive rail networks, fostering relationships with global stakeholders to maintain its position as a leader in heavy haul freight.

Leadership Roles at Transnet Freight Rail

  • Chief Executive Officer - Russell Baatjies
  • Chief of Staff - Thabo Bolofo
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Leon Solomons
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Zanele Manqele
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Nomava Mahlakahlaka
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Tshepo Makwela
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Julian Manana
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Hlengiwe Jiyane
  • Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller - Precious Mothogoana
  • Russell Baatjies - Chief Executive Officer

    Russell Baatjies, the Chief Executive Officer at Transnet Freight Rail, directs the company's overall strategy and operational execution. Overseeing a workforce of approximately 38,000 employees, Baatjies ensures the efficient functioning of extensive rail networks critical for heavy haul freight transportation. This leadership role involves managing the development of key corridors, such as the manganese export corridor, and maintaining robust service delivery for export, regional, and domestic markets. The Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives focused on enhancing safety protocols and promoting sustainable operational practices across the division. By fostering strong relationships with global stakeholders, Russell Baatjies solidifies Transnet Freight Rail's market position and facilitates continued investment in infrastructure and technology. The strategic direction set by the Chief Executive Officer directly impacts the company's ability to move commodities efficiently and reliably, supporting South Africa's economic growth.

    Thabo Bolofo - Chief of Staff

    Thabo Bolofo, the Chief of Staff at Transnet Freight Rail, provides direct support to the Chief Executive Officer, managing strategic initiatives and ensuring operational alignment across departments. Bolofo facilitates communication between executive leadership and various business units, optimizing workflow and resource allocation. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects, driving efficiency improvements, and ensuring that strategic objectives are translated into actionable plans. The Chief of Staff plays a crucial part in preparing executive briefings, analyzing performance metrics, and implementing policies that enhance organizational effectiveness. By overseeing special projects and acting as a liaison for key stakeholders, Thabo Bolofo ensures that the executive team's vision is effectively executed throughout the organization. This leadership position is vital for maintaining operational momentum and supporting the company's commitment to safety and sustainability in heavy haul freight.

    Leon Solomons - Chief Administrative Officer

    Leon Solomons, the Chief Administrative Officer at Transnet Freight Rail, oversees critical administrative functions that support the company's extensive rail operations. Solomons manages human resources, legal affairs, and corporate governance, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. This leadership position is essential for maintaining the operational integrity of a division with approximately 38,000 employees. The Chief Administrative Officer directs efforts to optimize administrative processes, enhance employee relations, and support the strategic goals of the company. By ensuring efficient resource management and fostering a culture of accountability, Leon Solomons contributes significantly to the smooth functioning of Transnet Freight Rail's heavy haul transportation services. The administrative framework established by Solomons underpins the company's commitment to safety and sustainability across its vast network.
    Leon Solomons

    Zanele Manqele - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Zanele Manqele, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Transnet Freight Rail, directs key administrative operations essential for the company's heavy haul freight services. Manqele focuses on optimizing internal processes and ensuring efficient resource allocation across various departments. This role involves managing critical support functions that enable the smooth operation of extensive rail networks, including those for coal and iron ore exports. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) works to enhance operational efficiency and support the company's strategic objectives related to commodity transportation. By overseeing administrative frameworks, Zanele Manqele contributes to the overall effectiveness and reliability of Transnet Freight Rail's services. This leadership ensures that administrative functions align with the company's commitment to safety and sustainability, supporting its role as a major player in freight logistics.

    Nomava Mahlakahlaka - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Nomava Mahlakahlaka, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Transnet Freight Rail, manages vital administrative functions that underpin the company's extensive freight operations. Mahlakahlaka oversees areas crucial for supporting a large workforce and complex logistics, ensuring that administrative processes are streamlined and effective. This leadership position is instrumental in maintaining the operational capacity required for heavy haul transportation, including specialized export lines. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) drives initiatives aimed at improving internal coordination and resource management, directly impacting service delivery for export, regional, and domestic markets. By ensuring robust administrative support, Nomava Mahlakahlaka contributes to Transnet Freight Rail's commitment to safety, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. The administrative infrastructure developed under Mahlakahlaka's guidance is key to the company's success in commodity transport.

    Tshepo Makwela - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Tshepo Makwela, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Transnet Freight Rail, leads essential administrative functions that bolster the company's heavy haul freight capabilities. Makwela is responsible for overseeing administrative structures that support the vast rail network, ensuring operational continuity and efficiency. This role is critical in managing the complex logistical requirements of commodity transportation, including specialized export corridors. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) focuses on enhancing administrative support systems to align with Transnet Freight Rail's strategic goals and commitment to safety and sustainability. By driving improvements in administrative processes, Tshepo Makwela ensures that the company can effectively serve its diverse client base across export, regional, and domestic markets. Makwela's leadership reinforces the operational backbone necessary for reliable freight services.

    Julian Manana - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Julian Manana, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Transnet Freight Rail, directs key administrative operations that are fundamental to the company's heavy haul freight services. Manana oversees administrative frameworks designed to support the extensive rail infrastructure and a workforce of approximately 38,000 employees. This leadership role is crucial for ensuring the efficient management of resources and the smooth execution of administrative policies across the division. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) focuses on optimizing administrative support to enhance operational performance and facilitate the transport of commodities. By ensuring that administrative functions are robust and aligned with corporate objectives, Julian Manana contributes to Transnet Freight Rail's commitment to safety, sustainability, and stakeholder relations. Manana's oversight strengthens the company's capacity to manage its vast network effectively.

    Hlengiwe Jiyane - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Hlengiwe Jiyane, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Transnet Freight Rail, leads critical administrative functions that ensure the efficient operation of the company's heavy haul freight division. Jiyane manages administrative processes that support the extensive rail networks, including specialized lines for coal and iron ore exports. This role is vital for maintaining operational excellence and facilitating the seamless transport of commodities for various markets. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) works to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure alignment with Transnet Freight Rail's strategic priorities, including safety and sustainability. By overseeing administrative support systems, Hlengiwe Jiyane contributes to the company's ability to meet client demands and maintain its position as a leading freight transporter. Jiyane's leadership reinforces the organizational structure necessary for reliable service delivery.

    Precious Mothogoana - Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller

    Precious Mothogoana, the Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller at Transnet Freight Rail, directs both administrative operations and maintenance oversight for the company's extensive rail infrastructure. Mothogoana ensures that administrative functions are seamlessly integrated with maintenance strategies, optimizing the upkeep of heavy haul networks. This dual leadership role is critical for maintaining the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the rail lines used for transporting commodities like coal and iron ore. The Chief Administrative Officer & Maintenance Controller oversees programs that enhance operational performance and ensure compliance with stringent safety standards. By managing maintenance controllers and administrative support, Precious Mothogoana directly impacts the company's ability to serve export, regional, and domestic markets effectively. Mothogoana's comprehensive oversight supports Transnet Freight Rail's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
    Precious Mothogoana

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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 Russell Baatjies (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thabo Bolofo (Chief of Staff) and Leon Solomons (Chief Administrative Officer).
    Who is part of Transnet Freight Rail’s executive team?
    The executive team of Transnet Freight Rail includes leaders such as Russell Baatjies (Chief Executive Officer), Thabo Bolofo (Chief of Staff), Leon Solomons (Chief Administrative Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Transnet Freight Rail have?
    Transnet Freight Rail has 9 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 of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).