24 Jul 2024

Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Eric Molale, says Botswana Railways has engaged in business with both Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions (Pty) Ltd, a long-standing company based in South Africa with over 35 years of operational experience.

Moreover, the establishment of their local branch in Botswana, Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions Botswana (Pty) Ltd in 2021, has further solidified their presence in the region.

Responding to a question in Parliament on Tuesday, minister Molale explained that Botswana Railways spent over P34.5 million (R46 695 064.29) procuring some locomotive spares and permanent way spares and services from Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions (Pty) Ltd in South Africa on competitive bidding.

He said P5.8 million was spent procuring some locomotive and permanent way spares and services from Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions Botswana (Pty) Ltd and on competitive bidding.

He indicated that the procurement agreements were for both companies, as they were legally two separate entities

Meanwhile Mr Molale pointed out that the shareholder and sole director of Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions (Pty) Ltd South Africa was Mr Jason Visagie. He said regarding the

Botswana company, information on its shareholding is in the public domain and that could be sourced from the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) online portal.

MP for Maun West, Mr Dumelang Saleshando had asked the minister if Botswana Railways had ever procured goods from Worldwide Rail and Mining Solutions company.

Mr  Saleshando wanted to know if the procurement agreement was between Botswana Railways and the company as registered in Botswana or outside Botswana.

Furthermore he wanted to know the total monetary value of goods and services procured from the company and whether the procurement was subjected to competitive bidding as well as directors and shareholders of the company. ENDS