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Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele is highly impressed with China's achievements in the area of rail transport and believes that South Africa could learn some valuable lessons from China.

"The main challenge facing South Africa is to modernize its railway system in a manner that promotes growth and development. We need new rail technologies to meet the demands of the 21st century. Our ability to efficiently move freight and people is vital to a modern, thriving economy.

"We have learnt some very interesting lessons and gained valuable insights into the Chinese rail transport sector. These include the role of technology, which is a key driver for a modern railway system. Local manufacturing capacities are also vital, as outlined in South Africa's Industrial Strategy which places emphasis on local manufacturing. Therefore, in our determination to modernize our railway system, we must ensure that we build capacity, not only for South Africa, but for the SADC Region as a whole. Skills development is also of paramount importance as a modern, integrated railway system requires a specific set of skills. As an integral part, our modernization drive should be accompanied by a skills drive aimed at delivering skilled engineers, artisans, train drivers and so on," said the Minister.

Minister Ndebele is currently on an official visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 3 to 10 March 2010. The main aim of the visit is to strengthen ties between China and South Africa in the transport sector, with the specific focus of this visit being on rail transport.

Minister Ndebele has attended a number of important meetings which commenced with a joint session with the Ministry of Transport in China. The Minister also met with a number of Chinese manufacturers of railway cars, passenger coaches as well as locomotives. The Minister and his delegation also experienced travelling on a high-speed train at a speed of 300 km/h.