By Phillippa Dean
The Southern African Railways Association (SARA) held its annual board meeting on 19 June at the Hilton in Eswatini, where Executive Director Raymond Shoniwa announced the new leadership of the SARA Board.
Mr Nixon Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer of Eswatini Railways, has been appointed President of SARA, succeeding outgoing President Hishaam Emeran, Chief Executive Officer of the PRASA Group.
Ms Chelesile Malele, Acting General Manager of Botswana Railways, has been appointed Vice President of SARA. She was represented at the AGM by Mr A. Sefawe of Botswana Railways.
Opening the press briefing, SARA Executive Director Raymond Shoniwa outlined the significance of the association within SADC - reiterating the mandate of SARA as a SADC-affiliated body representing regional rail operators. He confirmed that both Mr Dlamini and Ms Malele will serve for two years, effective immediately. In addition, he thanked outgoing President, Mr Hishaam Emeran, for his service and dedication over the past 12 months.
Outgoing Reflections and Achievements
In his address, outgoing President Hishaam Emeran reflected on key milestones from his term, including the appointment of Raymond Shoniwa as SARA’s new Executive Director, the successful 2024 SARA Conference in South Africa – described as the most successful to date – and progress made towards institutional strengthening.
“One of our key focuses was enhancing the effectiveness of SARA,” said Emeran. “We’ve made strides in building the executive team, which is critical as we enter a new phase of development. I’m confident the incoming leadership will carry the mandate forward with excellence.”
Incoming President Sets Vision
Accepting the position, Mr Nixon Dlamini expressed gratitude and a strong commitment to implementing SARA’s revitalisation strategy, with emphasis on regional integration and improved rail operations.
“It is an honour and privilege to be elected President of SARA,” he said. “We are guided by a strategy focused on revitalising rail operations, ensuring seamless movement of goods and passengers, and strengthening our presence from the north to the south of the continent. We currently represent more than 30 members, and our implementation will proceed with urgency.”
Vice President Acknowledges Strategic Mandate
Speaking on behalf of Botswana Railways, Mr Sefawe acknowledged the significance of the Vice Presidency during a period of change, particularly with the growing focus on open access regimes across the region.
“This is an important time, and we accept the responsibility,” he said. “Open access will play a crucial role in improving regional railway integration. We aim to support this agenda actively.”
Top Priorities for the Executive
In response to questions from Railways Africa Magazine, Shoniwa outlined the top priorities for the incoming executive team under the new leadership:
- Regional Integration – Strengthening operational connectivity across member states.
- Infrastructure Development – Addressing the state of rail infrastructure to enhance capacity, speed, and efficiency.
- Human Capital Investment – Tackling the ageing workforce by promoting railway careers to youth and ensuring skills transfer.
- Mining Sector Alignment – Reconnecting with key mining corridors to unlock freight potential and drive tonnage growth.
- Improved Communication and Visibility – Promoting positive developments in the sector, consolidating both regional and domestic traffic data for accurate representation.
Shoniwa also noted the need for a stronger public understanding of the rail sector’s progress. “There is a lot of good happening, but it often goes unrecognised. We want to better communicate our value and achievements,” he said.
Passenger Rail Back in Focus
Railways Africa also asked a question on passenger services, both Shoniwa and Emeran acknowledged its growing strategic relevance.
“Passenger rail has seen renewed momentum, particularly post-COVID,” said Shoniwa. “PRASA has new coaches with excess capacity, and we see potential in redistributing or refurbishing rolling stock regionally. We’re also exploring sustainable models for passenger operations under shifting market dynamics.”
Emeran added: “There’s already progress in South Africa, including new rolling stock manufacturing under the Gibela project, and feasibility studies for high-speed rail. We see increased cooperation in linking passenger services across member states and even airport–rail connectivity initiatives emerging.”
Looking Ahead
The newly elected leadership will oversee the implementation of SARA’s revitalisation strategy, with a focus on delivery by 2027. With experienced executives at the helm, the Association is poised to enhance its role in driving rail transformation and integration across Southern Africa.
