01/12/2025
APPLE EXPRESS RAIL NPC — PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT MEDIA REPORTS
In light of recent articles about the proposed revival of the Apple Express, we believe it is important to clarify the historical record and acknowledge the years of work undertaken by dedicated individuals and partners who kept the dream of the Apple Express alive.
1. Between December 2017 and January 2018, we successfully operated the pilot revival runs through a partnership structure involving Transnet and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
These runs were only possible because private funding, private teams, and private initiative were mobilised to restore sections of the line, clear the depot, and make limited operations viable at the time.
2. Apple Express Rail NPC was subsequently acquired by Compagnie Africaine Devco from the estate of the late Nerina Skuy.
This acquisition ensured that the heritage and intellectual property of the Apple Express were preserved and positioned for future revival.
3. We were the sole bidder in Transnet Freight Rail’s HOAC-HO-36913 process, which was intended to formalise a long-term operating agreement.
Despite being the only compliant bidder, Transnet later renegged on its commitment without issuing any formal outcome or reasons.
4. At Transnet’s invitation, we later submitted a private expression of interest.
After delivering all requested documentation, we received no further communication and the process concluded without feedback, adjudication, or acknowledgement.
These events span many years of real effort by passionate people who poured time, resources, and expertise into preserving a unique part of the region’s heritage.
We remain proud of what was achieved — especially the 2017/2018 trials, which proved the Apple Express could run again.
As new proposals for the line emerge, we simply ask that the full historical contribution of those who worked ceaselessly to keep the Apple Express alive be recognised accurately and respectfully.
Heritage rail belongs to the public, and its story deserves to be told truthfully.
Our own 2022 Apple Express Concession Proposal may have been presented elsewhere without our knowledge or consent.
To clarify:
1. All material in our “Apple Express Concession 2022” document is original work
This includes (but is not limited to):
Our branch-line revival model,
Cruise-line integration strategy,
Park-and-Ride system and intermodal design,
Humewood Apple Village concept,
Sunnyside Station Square & Market precinct,
Crossways Van Stadens Peninsula Hotel proposal,
The photographic safari routes,
The Walmer Township community-integration plan,
The Apple Express volunteer and station-activation strategy, and the phased extension to Gamtoos, Langkloof and Avontuur.
The entire document was produced by our team and partners, and is clearly dated and attributed.
It forms part of our submission in response to HOAC-HO-36913, as well as our later private expression of interest submitted at Transnet’s request.
2. We have no knowledge of Mr Anton Barkhuizen
We have never met, collaborated with, or shared any of our technical or conceptual plans with him.
Any overlap between his publicly discussed ideas and ours is not the result of any engagement with Apple Express Rail NPC.
3. No permission has been granted to use our material
Our submission contains significant intellectual property accumulated over years of work, investment and on-the-ground experience — including the 2017/2018 pilot operations, depot work, siding clearance, tourism frameworks, community activation, real-estate master planning and operational revival strategy.
This content may not be copied, reformulated or represented as another party’s work.
4. We request that all parties publicly acknowledge the correct origin of these ideas
If past proposals or media statements have inadvertently used concepts identical to ours, we expect them to be corrected transparently.
5. We remain supportive of any legitimate, well-structured revival of the Apple Express
Our aim is not conflict — our aim is accuracy, heritage protection, and respect for those who have worked tirelessly to keep the Apple Express story alive especially preserve and honour the legacy of the late Nerina Skuy. We also pay homage to AndiswaTuswa, Justin Wood and many others who believed the the beauty of this amazing little train.
We will continue supporting any future initiative that is transparent, technically sound, and in the best long-term interests of Nelson Mandela Bay and its tourism economy. Apple Express Rail NPC will continue to defend the integrity of its work and ensure that the true history of this project is preserved.
— Apple Express Rail NPC Compagnie Africaine des Wagons-Lits (Pty) Ltd Daily Maverick HeraldLIVE - Nelson Mandela Bay
