Dr Friedel Mülke, an accomplished academic, has achieved an inspiring milestone by earning a second doctorate in Industrial Engineering after 70. On 10 December 2024, after more than four decades of groundbreaking contributions to railway engineering, he was awarded a doctorate in Industrial Engineering from Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Engineering, adding to the doctorate in Civil Engineering he earned many years ago.
Friedel’s commitment to fostering systemic design solutions for Southern Africa’s railway systems has shaped railway projects across continents. His railway career began in the former South African Railways and Harbours construction department. From there, he advanced to roles such as track maintenance engineer and later joined railway management, ultimately becoming General Manager (International Joint Ventures) at Transnet. In this role, he oversaw the concession of private railway systems, an experience that inspired his eventual transition into private consulting. Along the way, Friedel earned, amongst others, a D Eng from the University of Pretoria and an MBL from the University of South Africa. His consulting career has been dedicated to guiding the development of privately owned railway systems throughout Southern Africa.
Driven by the need to equip young engineers with practical tools for railway design, Friedel’s doctoral research focused on developing an integration design model for pit-to-port rail freight systems. This model, based on his extensive experience, provides a systemic approach to addressing interrelated design elements and improving operational efficiency, thereby contributing to the development of efficient and sustainable railway systems.
Friedel’s research draws on insights from several high-profile projects, including the Moatize-Nacala line (940 km) in Mozambique-Malawi, the Trans Kalahari Railway project (1,400 km) in Botswana-Namibia, and the Hotazel-Lüderitz project (860 km) in South Africa-Namibia. He says the Moatize-Nacala project offered the opportunity to manage and design the interrelated production factors and develop the sub-systems of an integrated systemic project. “The design model was ultimately created and refined in the research study I undertook in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Stellenbosch University. The guidance and leadership of the study supervisors, Prof (Emeritus) Jan Havenga and Prof Joubert van Eeden, Chairman of the Department of Industrial Engineering, significantly contributed to completing this study,” he says.
Friedel adds: “These projects were not without their challenges, but they also brought about significant successes that made them particularly memorable.”
Over the years, he has witnessed the railway industry evolve in response to increasing freight demands and technological advances. “The design and construction of railways now require a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating civil, track, mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, and industrial engineering,” he explains, “which have evolved to address sustainability and technological innovation challenges.”
“The relevance of the types of technologies related to the increase in demand for rail services plays a crucial role in the systemic design of the production of the capacities of a new railway system.”
Outside his professional life, Friedel is an enthusiastic cattle breeder who enjoys spending time with his prized cattle. Reflecting on his journey, Friedel encourages aspiring engineers to embrace continuous learning and collaboration. “Seek opportunities to broaden your experience and publish your views,” he says.
Photo: Dr Friedel Mulke being officially capped during the graduation ceremony, on 10 December 2024.
(Photographer: Ignus Dreyer)
