South Africa’s Tractionel Enterprise (Tractionel), a business now widely admired and considered a dynamic force in the expansive realm of electrical infrastructure and engineering, has undergone a remarkable transformation since its notable acquisition by parent company, Enza Construction (Enza).
Enjoying a rich legacy of technical excellence spanning decades, Tractionel has evolved seamlessly into an empowered entity, aligning its mission and values collaboratively with those of Enza.
In this way, both organisations now share and champion a family-owned ethos, underpinning a distinctive culture and effective approach to every facet of operations throughout the business. This ethos centres around meticulous attention to detail, having a profound impact, and a steadfast dedication to its vast spectrum of stakeholders, from employees and clients to shareholders.
The impressive integration into the wider Enza group has further enriched Tractionel with over 23 years of experience from a Black-owned parent company, deeply enhancing its standing as a preferred infrastructure developer across the nation.
Therefore, this strategic pivot positioned the company as a key player in the rail infrastructure market, a cornerstone of Enza’s evolved focus.
“Established as a niche rail electrification company in 1982, our heritage, spanning over 40 years, has entrenched us as the preferred overhead track equipment (OHTE) solutions provider in South Africa (SA),” introduces Neresh Pather, Group CEO.
“As an industry specialist, our open, collaborative approach has enabled Tractionel to exceed the varying railway electrification needs of our clients,” he sets out.
Moreover, the company welcomes early collaboration between design engineers, its project teams, and supply partners to create sustainable,
ELEVATING INFRASTRUCTURE
For over four decades, Tractionel Enterprise has been a key player in the South African electrical infrastructure and engineering industry. Driven by its commitment to being a solutions-orientated business and providing unwavering quality and integrity, we get the full story with Group CEO, Neresh Pather, and COO, Diaan Viljoen
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold
INFRASTRUCTURE
whole-life solutions that are aligned with the goals of its customers.
The latest industry thinking, use of emerging technology, and modern methods of construction are all embraced by Tractionel to improve its service quality and reduce the costs of its projects.
“Our extensive rail electrification experience allows us to guide our clients through the countless possible solutions from concept ideas and feasibility studies to design, construction, managed maintenance, and even specialist training solutions.”
As part of the company’s portfolio,
rail electrification and its use of OHTE is used widely used in international markets, as well as overhead contact distribution systems (OCDS).
“Our rail electrification division offers an extensive array of OHTE solutions that integrate a multitude of technologies and related services, including traction substations, yard area lighting, power supply projects, and managed maintenance solutions,” Pather elaborates.
THE PERFECT PARTNER
In order to outpace competitors, align with evolving market demands, and embrace cutting-edge technology,
businesses require an innovative and forward-thinking electrical infrastructure partner.
Tractionel prides itself on being that perfect partner, now boasting an accomplished team of engineers, project and contract managers, and safety and environmental advisors who collectively spearhead the expert management of clients’ infrastructure projects every step of the way from initiation to culmination, whilst always upholding the highest safety standards.
“Collaboration forms the bedrock of our approach, as we ensure that our clients, communities, and stakeholders synergise their efforts for a mutually beneficial outcome,” Pather tells us.
Evidently driven by a philosophy of collaboration, Tractionel sets the stage for fruitful partnerships with the local community, respected supply chain partners, subcontractors, and the broader public sector.
“OUR PROMISE TO OUR CLIENTS IS TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL WORK AND SERVICES. QUALITY IS INCORPORATED WITHIN EVERY ASPECT OF OUR BUSINESS AND IS TIGHTLY CONTROLLED DURING CONSTRUCTION”
– DIAAN VILJOEN, COO, TRACTIONEL ENTERPRISE
“These synergies manifest through projects that exemplify broad-based empowerment and transformation, contributing to employment initiatives and the realisation of consensual empowerment targets,” he expands.
Additionally, as a communityminded company, Tractionel firmly believes that its projects can translate into life-changing sustainable initiatives that generate long-term benefits for all its people and partners, establishing the true measure of transformation.
Elsewhere, as a diversified and trusted electrical contractor, the company ensures its suite of electrical infrastructure construction solutions provides customers with complete turnkey solutions.
“Our clients demand superior project execution, and we strive to always deliver to these standards. From collector systems and switchyards, to engineering and bus work, our extensive and expert skill set and resources help bring any project vision to life.”
Moreover, Tractionel’s teams are
Providing total service excellence
BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) – Mico is a level 1 contributor specifically aimed to contribute to transformation
• CIDB level – PE 7 EP (Electrical engineering works – Infrastructure –Potential Emerging), PE 7 CE (Civil engineering – Potential Emerging.)
Mico Construction is dedicated to delivering excellence through top-tier performance, efficiency, and superior workmanship. We are committed to fostering sustainable growth, development, and social transformation within South Africa and Africa. Our company also prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, while striving to minimize environmental impact as we pursue service excellence.
Power Infrastructure
Construction of Powerlines from 66kV – 400kV, Maintenance of infrastructure and Loop in – Loop out configurations
Live Line Speciality works
Conductor spacer replacements, re-insulation and line crossings all under live line conditions
Telecommunications
Leading contractor for installation of ADSS and OPGW Fibre in South Africa and surrounding countries, with more than 3000km successfully installed.
Substations
• Foundations: Pouring of concrete foundations for transformers, circuit breakers, and other heavy equipment.
• Control Buildings: Construction of buildings that house control systems, relay panels, and communication equipment.
• Cable Trenches: Installation of underground conduits and cable trenches for power and control cables.
well-versed in performing substation work under engineer-procureconstruct (EPC) and construct-only methods of project delivery, with the company’s vast experience spanning decades of substation operations
GAUTRAIN RAPID RAIL LINK
GAINING TRACTION
Over the years, Tractionel has meticulously constructed a highperforming team of diverse and talented individuals.
With an unwavering commitment to
A historic, crowning achievement for Tractionel included securing the design and electrification contract for the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link – a transformative endeavour that has not only heightened connectivity between Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the surrounding areas, but has also ushered in a new era of modern, efficient, and dependable transport.
Not only did Tractionel execute this project, but the company continues to maintain the OHTE related to the railway today, 13 years since the beginning of operations.
The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is a one-of-a-kind South African rapid transport service that safely, efficiently, and reliably transports commuters and airport travellers in Gauteng.
“In 2011, Tractionel was appointed as the main electrical contractor for the Bombela Operating Company. We are proud to have been a key partner in this project for more than 10 years and still take responsibility to ensure the continuity of the Gautrain operation,” prides Pather.
excellence, and four strong decades of experience under its wing, the company has firmly entrenched itself as an industry expert in the electrical infrastructure construction and maintenance landscape in SA.
Furthermore, Tractionel employs industry leading experts to keep pace with global demand and best practices, constantly challenging itself to improve service delivery and bring its clients’ ideas to life.
With an exceptional team of resident engineers, draftsmen, project managers and planners, health and safety practitioners, quality assurance officers, and a fully-fledged project office, Tractionel’s workforce ensures that its clients’ electrical infrastructure needs are not only effectively managed from start to finish, but are also executed to the highest quality, safety, health, and environmental standards, from implementation stage right through to final completion and maintenance.
“Our promise to our clients is to deliver exceptional work and services. Quality is incorporated
Griffcor’s Journey of Innovation and Excellence in Renewable Energy
At Griffcor, we owe much of our success and growth to our valued partnership with Tractionel Enterprise. This collaboration has been instrumental in our development and diversification into various specialities within the renewable energy space. Founded in 2018 by Boyd Griffiths, our visionary Founder and CEO, Griffcor has rapidly emerged as a leader in providing bespoke cable sealing solutions across the renewable energy, marine, rail, and industrial sectors throughout Africa.
From the outset, Griffcor has been dedicated to minimising risk exposure and protecting critical processes, a mission that is absolutely crucial in industries where millions of rands could be lost in equipment, production, and recapitalisation. With a base in Cape Town, our reach extends across the continent, ensuring that our innovative solutions contribute to the stability and efficiency of vital infrastructure projects. Our journey into the renewable energy market began in earnest in 2019. Through interactions with various engineers in the sector, it became evident that there was a pressing need for cost-effective, reliable, and resilient cable sleeve sealing solutions.
Existing solutions were plagued by constant maintenance requirements and an inability to maintain functionality over long periods. Griffcor rose to the challenge, developing a seal that is fireproof, watertight, UV and vermin resistant, maintenance-free, with the ability to retrofit cables. This breakthrough solution set a new standard in the industry and significantly reduced the operational burdens on our clients.
Our skilled and experienced technicians are at the heart of Griffcor’s ability to provide customised sealing solutions tailored to our clients’ specific needs. This capability has positioned us ideally to serve the burgeoning renewable energy market, and our track record speaks for itself. We have successfully executed projects on numerous wind and
solar farms throughout Southern Africa, sealing IPP and Eskom substations, equipment yards, cable entries into turbines, PTK units, BESS units, switchgear and control rooms, junction and inverter boxes, PV panels, and more.
Our impressive portfolio includes landmark projects such as Karusa 147 MW, Soetwater 140 MW, Nxube 140 MW, Kangnas 140 MW, Perdekraal 110 MW, Kenhardt 540 MW, and the monumental BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) Kenhardt 1140 MWh. Each project reflects our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation, and underscores our role as a trusted partner in the renewable energy sector.
As Griffcor continues to evolve and grow, our dedication to innovation and excellence remains unwavering. Through new ventures and projects, we strive to be supportive of every client, meeting their needs with exceptional customer service, professionalism, honesty, and the best possible value. Our goal is not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, ensuring that every partnership we forge is marked by success and mutual growth.
In collaboration with Tractionel Enterprise, we look forward to a future where Griffcor’s solutions continue to drive progress and sustainability in renewable energy and beyond. Our journey is one of passion, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—a journey that we are proud to share with our clients and partners.
within every aspect of our business and is tightly controlled during construction,” ensures COO, Diaan Viljoen.
“As a result, our clients experience a smooth transition from construction to operation, supported by a suite of accurate compliance records. At Tractionel, we believe in doing the right thing, at the right time, all the time,” he confirms.
UPGRADING AFRICA
As the vast continent of Africa strides boldly towards sustainable development, renewable energy systems continue to emerge as a beacon of hope for achieving energy security and economic growth. Its vast natural resources, ranging from abundant sunlight to powerful winds and geothermal springs, present an unparalleled opportunity to achieve environmental growth.
Undoubtedly, renewable energy systems play a vital role in achieving energy security and sustainability in Africa and offer numerous benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, creating job opportunities, and enhancing energy independence.
However, the journey towards the widespread adoption of clean energy is fraught with difficulties.
One of the most significant challenges is the lack of adequate infrastructure and advanced technology. Many regions across the continent still lack the necessary grid infrastructure to support large-scale renewable energy projects.
Additionally, the technology required to harness and store the required systems efficiently is often expensive and difficult to access.
In the face of these challenges, however, Tractionel is at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution in Africa.
“Our expertise and comprehensive range of services enable the successful implementation of renewable energy projects across the continent. From project design to maintenance, Tractionel is committed to enhancing energy access and reliability,” Pather excites.
“Our projects not only provide clean energy but also drive economic growth and social progress,” he concludes.
The rise of renewable energy systems is crucial for Africa, and as the company continues to mobilise these technologies, the continent’s energy landscape is set to transform, promising a sustainable and prosperous outlook.
By harnessing the power of the sun, wind, water, and geothermal resources, and with the help of organisations such as Tractionel, Africa can build a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure and expect an optimistically bright future.
