Event information
Monthly steam train rides in designated areas in Gauteng with the Reefsteamers trains on regular Saturday intervals.
Reefsteamers is a non-profit company affiliated with the Transnet Heritage Foundation. When Transnet discontinued daily steam operations in 1991, Reefsteamers was established at the old loco shed in Germiston. The main objective is to preserve and rebuild old steam locomotives. There are also special day and weekend trips for private persons and companies to various destinations to fund activities.
The organization comprises people from all walks of life such as business executives, engineers, accountants and pensioners, most of whom spent many years in the employ of the Railways. All work is done voluntarily and no one is paid any remuneration whatsoever. The foundation currently has 100 members both, local and overseas. Twenty-five people are actively involved in restoration during weekends.
There are many opportunities for members to become involved in activities such as organizing and controlling the steam train trips, polishing, fitting, cleaning, advertising or even assisting with general tasks such as administration. There has been a growing demand for steam since this method of traction was phased out years ago. Often these trains are featured in advertisements on television, in movies or recently in South African musicians' videos.
