Clifford Petzer has been driving trains for 30 years. Although he retired five-and-a-half years ago, he continues to drive a Steam Engine for Rovos Rail. “I could say my profession is my hobby” beams Clifford. Clifford’s father was also a steam driver until the day he retired. “My father said I would lose my inheritance if I became a fireman on the railways and I became one,” laughs Clifford. It seems as if steam is in Clifford’s blood. Clifford drove a diesel train from 1986 and changed to electric in 1993. He eventually came back to steam, his passion, in 2001. Clifford spoke to SA Career Focus about his love for steam engines and driving trains.

Basics

Clifford is a steam driver but has also been a diesel and electric driver. The salary for train drivers differ. Clifford says that “your salary depends on the journey and drivers usually charge R50 to R100 an hour.”

Job description

Clifford says that you have to know the locomotive – be it steam, electric or diesel – that you will be driving. “Coupled with that, you have to know the Spoornet rules and regulations,” says Clifford.

Pros and cons

“There are no cons because I am a steam enthusiast. Everything, even the good and bad is the same

Required studies and experience

“You need about two years experience as a steam locomotive fireman before you can do the course to become a steam driver. Then you need to do 50 supervised trips before you get your certificate,” says Clifford. A person also needs to study the Spoornet regulations and rules and abide by them. Spoornet currently only has electric locomotives.  

Personality types

Clifford insists that “you must love steam and preservation,” to be a steam locomotive driver.

An average day

The average day depends on whether it is a slow or a hectic day. “Your days are never the same, that’s what makes it so interesting.” Clifford described an average day before a trip for SA Career Focus Magazine. “In the morning you prepare the locomotive for the trip, this includes oiling and greasing. Then you check all the different points.” An average day for Clifford lasts 10 hours, from 07:00 until 17:00.

The best thing and worst thing about the job

Clifford states that “I’m a steam enthusiast, so you can’t ask me a thing like that, because I can’t answer you. Steam is best.” Clifford likes everything about his job.

Gabrielle Venter