In February 2018, in a remarkable display of logistical expertise, Transvaal Heavy Transport (Pty) Ltd completed one of the most memorable transportation feats in South Africa’s history.
The company was tasked with moving a Boeing 737-200 from Jet Park to its new home at Fourways Mall, where the aircraft would become a key feature of KidZania Johannesburg, an interactive children’s edutainment centre.
The Boeing, which was later named Lady Naledi on the 27th of May 2025, was decommissioned and repurposed into an aviation-themed attraction where children could explore the wonders of flight up close.
This monumental project required an immense amount of planning, precision, and coordination – qualities that are the hallmark of Transvaal Heavy Transport. The Boeing 737 had to be carefully dismantled to transport its massive pieces – wings, fuselage, and tail – on lowbed trucks. Each part was delicately loaded, taking special care to prevent any damage to the aircraft, as these heavy components made their way through Johannesburg’s busy streets.
The 40-kilometre journey, which took over 12 hours, was a logistical challenge on its own. Navigating through narrow streets, tight corners, and low bridges, Transvaal Heavy Transport’s team worked tirelessly to ensure that every part of the Boeing 737 was transported safely and efficiently.
The route took them through areas like Jet Park, Isando, Chloorkop, Midrand, Dainfern, and finally, Fourways, where Lady Naledi is now shining in her new home.
Watch: Boeing 737-400 Makes Road Trip To Final Destination In Benoni
While the task was challenging, it was also captivating for the public. As news crews gathered and spectators lined the streets, the sight of an aircraft being transported by truck was an extraordinary spectacle. The operation was a unique moment in Johannesburg’s history, one that brought attention to the hidden world of logistics and trucking.
In the world of trucking, the contributions of professionals like Transvaal Heavy Transport often go unnoticed. Every day, truckers move goods, machinery, and materials that shape our society, yet their work seldom gets the recognition it deserves.
But the transportation of Lady Naledi serves as a powerful reminder of the immense role truckers play in moving the world around us. It was their expertise that made this extraordinary project a reality, turning a monumental task into a celebrated achievement.
Now, seven years later, Lady Naledi stands proudly at KidZania Johannesburg, inspiring the next generation of aviators. Children can now climb inside and explore the aircraft, sparking their imagination and igniting dreams of the skies. It’s no longer just an aircraft – it’s a symbol of the hard work, precision, and logistical expertise that went into getting it to its final resting place.
The pictures from that unforgettable journey – showing the Boeing before it was dismantled, during the loading process, the transport on lowbeds, and its final destination – offer a glimpse into the immense effort and careful planning behind such a feat. These images are more than just photographs; they’re a testament to the dedication of the trucking community, and Transvaal Heavy Transport in particular.
As Lady Naledi continues to inspire young minds, let us not forget the silent heroes who made it all possible. The trucking industry often works in the background, moving things that we take for granted, but every now and then, like this one, they carry the weight of a remarkable story that deserves to be told.
Transvaal Heavy Transport’s Legacy
The journey of Lady Naledi to Fourways Mall represents just one of the many extraordinary feats accomplished by Transvaal Heavy Transport. Operating since 1967, Transvaal Heavy Transport has continuously strived to be one of the best transport companies in South Africa, with a clear motto: “Not the biggest but the best.” Solely owned by the second-generation Swanepoel family, the company has built a reputation for excellence, handling complex transportation challenges and delivering exceptional results.
Let this journey remind us of the vital role truckers play in shaping our world – one load at a time.
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