Alstom has announced the appointment of Thabiso Komako as the new Chief Executive Officer of Alstom Ubunye, effective April 1, 2025. Alstom Ubunye is an operational facility located in Nigel, South Africa, producing mechanical and electrical components for trains and locomotives. In this important role, Thabiso Komako looks forward to working with the team, with the aim of building on the success of Alstom Ubunye.
Alstom Ubunye and Strategic Goals
Alstom Ubunye not only manufactures components, but also ensures the efficient operation of trains by providing regular maintenance services. It also improves train operations using digital tools and offers solutions for various rail vehicles. With this facility, Alstom addresses a wide range of the sector by supporting not only its own railway vehicles but also those produced by other manufacturers.
Thabiso Komako expressed his excitement to work with his team to build on the strong foundations of Alstom Ubunye, to achieve greater success and expand the customer base. Under Komako’s leadership, Alstom Ubunye aims to increase its impact in the region and deliver more efficient and innovative solutions.
Thabiso Komako's Leadership Journey
Thabiso Komako is a leader with over 20 years of experience in the rail industry. An industrial engineer registered with the South African Institute of Industrial Engineering, Thabiso has significant experience in many areas including rolling stock manufacturing, passenger train manufacturing, rolling stock maintenance and infrastructure maintenance. Komako’s most recent role in his career was as Rolling Stock Operations Manager at Gibela Rail Freight Consortium. In this role, he developed strong leadership skills in managing a large and diverse workforce.
Thabiso holds advanced project management certifications from the University of Cape Town, as well as an Honours degree in Industrial Systems/Engineering from the University of Pretoria and a Bachelor of Technology (Quality) from the University of South Africa. Thabiso’s leadership style is built around not only operational success but also enabling team members to perform to their fullest potential.
Alstom Growth Strategy in South Africa
Alstom has a rapidly growing presence in South Africa. It is increasing its presence in the region through entities such as Alstom Ubunye, Alstom Rolling Stock South Africa JV, Bombela Maintenance JV and Gibela Rail JV. These entities are undertaking significant projects in areas such as rail infrastructure and vehicle manufacturing. Through these projects, Alstom is not only advancing the rail sector, but also contributing to local economic development and social progress.
This strong presence in South Africa reflects Alstom’s committed approach to localisation, job creation and skills development in the region. By supporting sustainable development in the region, Alstom aims to create the cornerstones of a strong economy.
New Directions Under Thabiso Komako’s Leadership
Under the leadership of Thabiso Komako, Alstom Ubunye is expected to not only increase its production capacity but also to be a pioneer of innovation in the railway sector with sustainable and digital solutions. Komako will undertake innovative projects that will further build on Alstom Ubunye’s success and transform railway services in the region.
Alstom believes that Thabiso’s experience and leadership skills will align with the company’s global vision and strategy to strengthen its operations in Southern Africa. Alstom’s ambition to make the region’s rail sector more efficient, more sustainable and more integrated will gain momentum under Komako’s leadership.
