Strategic programmes aim to build human capital and strengthen sustainable communities
Traxtion has committed approximately R1.5 million in 2026 to two impactful skills development initiatives aimed at strengthening long-term capacity within South Africa’s rail and logistics sector, while advancing inclusion and sustainable community development.
Through its TraxWagon Bursary Programme and Disability Learnership Programme, the company is expanding access to both technical and practical skills. The investment reflects a growing recognition that sector growth depends not only on infrastructure and equipment, but also on a skilled workforce capable of operating, maintaining, and advancing these systems.
Across the rail and logistics landscape, skills shortages remain a persistent challenge. As operational activity increases, rebuilding human capital is becoming just as critical as upgrading infrastructure. Traxtion’s multi-level approach addresses this by supporting both tertiary education and community-based vocational training.
Building long-term sector capability
In 2026, Traxtion awarded 13 bursaries across engineering and logistics-related disciplines, with a strong emphasis on gender inclusion. Notably, 11 of the recipients are women, signalling a deliberate push to increase female participation in technical fields.
The bursary intake is primarily focused on engineering, reflecting ongoing technical skills gaps within the rail sector. Additional fields include supply chain management, warehouse and inventory management, and transport and logistics, all essential to ensuring efficient and reliable freight movement.
Approximately R700,000 has been allocated to the current bursary cohort. While two engineering students from the 2025 intake have transitioned into Traxtion’s apprenticeship programme as of 1 March, the initiative is not designed as a direct recruitment pipeline. Instead, it aims to strengthen the broader industry skills base and contribute to long-term resilience across the sector.
Expanding inclusion beyond traditional pathways
Alongside its bursary programme, Traxtion has invested approximately R810,000 in a 12-month Disability Learnership Programme. This initiative supports ten learners, 80% of whom are women, all living with disabilities.
The programme offers an AgriSETA accredited National Certificate in Plant Production and is delivered in communities north of Pretoria, including Garankuwa, Mmakau, and Soshanguve.
Blending 30% theoretical learning with 70% practical training, the programme also incorporates soft skills and entrepreneurship development. Each participant receives a monthly stipend of approximately R4,500, with funding covering both training delivery and institutional support.
By focusing on plant production and entrepreneurial skills, the initiative goes beyond traditional administrative roles often associated with disability learnerships. It supports food security, local enterprise development, and sustainable income generation within underserved communities.
“Skills investment must translate into real opportunity,” says Nnoni Mohlaphuli. “If we want the rail and logistics sector to remain viable, we need to widen access, strengthen technical capability, and support communities in ways that produce lasting outcomes.”
Encouragingly, more than 50% of participants from previous disability learnership cohorts have successfully transitioned into employment or entrepreneurial activities. This demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness in delivering tangible outcomes beyond qualifications.
As South Africa’s rail and logistics sector continues to evolve, initiatives like these highlight the critical role of skills development in driving inclusive growth, strengthening industry resilience, and building sustainable communities.