Gama steps down as chairman of UAR

Transnet Freight Rail’s chief executive Siyabonga Gama has stepped down as chairman of the Union of African Railways (UAR) after serving a two-year term. Abdelaziz Chaabane, president and CEO of the Tunisian Railways, has taken over the role. The Union comprises railway operators in the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Its objective is to standardise, expand, coordinate and improve railway services among its members. Commenting on his term of office, Gama said: “The Union is a specialised agency of the AU, responsible for railway development in Africa. My focus was on the implementation of the Brazzaville Declaration, which was adopted at the first Conference of African Ministers responsible for railway transport held in Brazzaville in 2006. I am especially pleased that we have succeeded in transforming the UAR into a focused and meaningful organisation.” The UAR has given him the title of honorary president in recognition of his contribution to the organisation.