2.1          Position to Date.

Negotiations have been entered into between the KwaZulu Railway Museum represented by the Chairman D. Eatwell / J. Pereira and Spoornet represented by Mr. J. Naude of Link Rail.

               The successful conclusion of the negotiations will activate the immediate implementation of the project.

2.2                Mission Statement.

The Patons Express Project has been launched to utilise an abandoned and available railway line with the potential to become a vehicle to uplift a poor and disadvantaged community through their participation in the provision of income generating tourism related services.

2.3                Short Term Objectives.

Re-instate the railway line between Allwoodburn and Ncalu with the assistance and participation of the committed parties.

Erect a few basic structures to accommodate a locomotive, coaches and information office respectively.

Facilitate the involvement of the local community in the design, construction and occupation of the craft sales structures and also in the project as a whole.

Introduce a limited train service after the relevant legal framework, including safety, etc., has been complied with.

Actively promote and market the project.

2.4                Long Term Objectives.

Increase the development and business opportunities for the local communities through the rehabilitation of the line between Ncalu and Madonela.

To assist in the development of a game reserve area through which the railway line passes.

To purchase the Carisbrooke farm and to establish a holiday accommodation center and Oribi breeding herd at the top of Carisbrooke Hill – now known as Paton’s Hill.

2.5                Key Personnel.

The Ixopo based responsible person is Julian Pereira, Director of the PCNGR local Agricultural Extension Officer.

The remaining Directors of the PCNGR and members will provide assistance in the development and operation of the railway aspects of the project.

Representatives of local interest groups will participate in the development and operation of the project.  Amongst others the following interest groups are involved:

The following development committees represented by their chair persons::

Carisbrook – Philip Ncgobo

             Webstown – Nogobiso Nyede

             Plain Hill – Lucky Ngobone

             Ixopo – Louis Mahlaba – the mayor.

Umzimkulu - Cyril Malanda  a prominent Umzimkulu buisiness man is also directly involved in the project.

Ixopo Community Tourism Association

Ixopo Transitional Council

Department of Agriculture – South West Region  

2.6                Legal Structure.

The PCNGR  formally the KwaZulu Railway Museum is a section twenty-one company, registration no. 98 19004/08.

The Ixopo Tourism association the Two Rivers Tourism Association is officially recognised association.

Development committee structures amongst the local communities of Ixopo, Carisbrook, Plainhill and Webstown are in place with constitutions and the necessary office bearers.