1. Best manufacturer for export: For a South African owned company only that has made a contribution to the sale of local products. The judges will be paying particular attention to the following:
Percentage increase in revenue related to exports done in that particular year  Creativity in a cost saving export strategy  Contribution to job creation in South Africa Global demand and impact of the product

2. Best technology provider: For all technology providers with innovative solutions relating to operational aspects, maintenance, freight or signalling. The judges will be paying particular attention to the following:
Contribution of the software to improving the competitiveness of railways Improvements in productivity, speed, efficient as well as delivery Contribution towards increasing the volumes being transport Impact on advancing the value of railways to a country

3. Best funded rail transport programme:   This award is open to all investment and financing houses, showing unparalleled commitment, guidance, support and the ability to create winning partnerships. The judges will be paying particular attention to:
Current service offering     a. Innovation in services or products     b. Innovation in funding methods     c. Depth and breadth of financial service available Number of project Number of completed projects and success indicators Ability to deliver winning partnerships (proven track record)

4. Best concessionaire: For a concessionaire or private railway operator who has shown consistency and performance improvements when taking over and African railway system. The judges will be paying particular attention to:
An active project of over 5 years Structure and complexity of the deal Social development and surrounding benefits Use of local industry supply Effective local partnerships

5. Special merit for operational excellence:   For a railway operator, asset owning authority or concessionaire who has demonstrated innovation and excellence in their operations. The judges will be paying particular attention to:
Implementation of new technologies or processes Improvements in timing, efficiency and reliability Cost management Percentage shift of freight from road back to rail

6. Best mining railway:   For all mining companies that develop their railway to achieve maximum efficiency and productivity. Let your innovations teach the railway sector. The judges will be paying particular attention to:

Consistency in safety data Creativity in on-site safety initiative Production     a. Link size of operations to the production e.g. gross ton/km Maintenance of Siding and Equipment     a. Track conditions (Audits and use of technology)     b. Track classification     c. Creativity in strategies for maintaining equipment Environmental Compliance and Environmental and Occupational Health issues Staff development through training

7. Best railway asset owning authority:   For all state owned railway companies. The judges will be paying particular attention to:
Initiatives for encouraging investment Clearly defined processes and mechanisms Incentives to ensure investment are made on the ground User friendly legislation and what’s best for the industry

8. Best railway operator:   This award is open to all operators, operating in Africa. The judges will be paying particular attention to:
Customer experience Creative initiatives to promote traffic back to railways  A consistent safety record Operational efficiency Average freight rates (excl. bulk mined products)

9. Africa Rail Personality of the year    The judges will be paying particular attention to:
Contributes to industry through development and initiatives Promotes innovative approaches  in the industry Well accepted visionary leader in industry

10. Africa Rail Lifetime Achievement  Award    The judges will be paying particular attention to:
Someone who’s role has advanced, and has expanded access rail  in Africa More than 15 years loyal service to industry Well accepted visionary leader in industry

The award entries will be judged by an expert panel comprising of industry players in the African Rail sector. They will include Associations, Publications, Consultants and Academics.

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