TransNamib CEO takes over as SARA president
TransNamib Chief Executive Officer, Johny Smith on the 29th June 2021 during the first Southern African Railways Association (SARA) board meeting for 2021, accepted the nomination to lead the association as its President for the next twelve (12) months.
Johny takes over from the current President, Thembi Moyo, managing director of Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway. The current CE of Transnet Freight Rail, Sizakele Mzimela will act as deputy. Leadership positions at SARA are rotated among member countries on an annual basis.
During his inaugural speech, the TransNamib CEO thanked the board for their confidence in his abilities adding that as an association they need to push the agenda of rail in the region.
“Railways need to evolve. Rail needs to achieve its full growth potential, to make it faster, more punctual, efficient and reliable. To achieve all that, rail services need to be customer-driven. This is the key to success in both freight and passenger transport. The corridors form the backbone of the railway network and therefore it presents a major opportunity for railway operators to increase its market share.”
Smith added that the SARA secretariat will continue implementing the association’s strategic plan and liaise with all stakeholders to find new solutions to move the railway development agenda forward.
During his address, Smith addressed the challenges facing the rail industry across the SADC region namely the inequity in terms of developing the infrastructure of the rail industry versus other modes of transportation. He encouraged members to focus on the opportunities at hand. “We have a huge opportunity here to provide fast, safe, reliable, clean transportation in this country. Railways are an economic enabler – hence creating far-reaching opportunities for economic growth.”
Johny M. Smith is at the helm of TransNamib as the CEO of the railway operator since 2018. He previously served as the CEO of the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) and various roles within Namport and Telecom Namibia.
