INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

Student name: Ruramai C. Chipungumberi

Registration number: R188819Q
Programme: BSc Honours in Electronics and Telecommunication
Technology (HETT)
Name of company: National Railways of Zimbabwe
Industrial Supervisor: Eng K.Musora
Academic supervisor: Ms G Chibaya

Date of Submission: August 2021

Abstract
It is a requirement for the partial fulfilment of the BSc Honors in Electronics and
Telecommunication Technology by the university that students should have a stipulated period,
to be on an industrial attachment. This report gives an account of the experience of the author
during the attachment period at the National Railways of Zimbabwe. It also gives a concise
account of the immeasurable impacts in her ability in various fields such as teamwork,
responsibility, organizational and intercultural competence, program organization and
coordination. The report highlights the operations carried out at the NRZ, bridging a gap
between the theoretical knowledge acquired at the university and the practical application and
hands-on experience. All operations carried out were carried out under supervision of technicians
and were recorded in the logbook.
Problems identified and their solutions are highlighted in this report along with recommendations
on observations during the course of attachment for the company and the university.

ii
Acknowledgements
Firstly, I would like to appreciate the University of Zimbabwe, Physics Department in particular
for giving me the opportunity to get exposure to the actual working and hands-on experience. I
would also like to extend my gratitude to my lecturers who took me through both practical and
theory courses. I also want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the National Railway of
Zimbabwe and my industrial supervisor Engineer K. Musora for accepting me and giving me the
chance to work under their supervision. Much appreciation goes to my parents for the love and
support during the period at National Railway of Zimbabwe. They are a blessing that cannot be
replaced. I also thank my family members for the encouragement they gave me in hard times.
Above all, my utmost appreciation goes out to God Almighty for the gift of life and the strength.
It was not easy especially in the pandemic and lockdown era. But he made this internship a
success.

iii
Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 History and Background ............................................................................................................... 1
1.2 The Mission Statement ....................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Vision Statement .................................................................................................................................2
1.4 Goals ...................................................................................................................................................2
1.5 Roles of The Railways ........................................................................................................................2
1.6 NRZ ORGANISATIONAL CHART ................................................................................................ 3
1.7 Departments Within the NRZ Company ............................................................................................ 4
1.8 Objectives of attachment .................................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 7
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW/TECHNICAL REVIEW ............................................................................ 7
2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 About Signals Department ................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.1 Key Result Areas .......................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Goals............................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.3 Workshops in Signals Department .............................................................................................. 8
2.2.4 Objectives of attachment in signals department ........................................................................ 9
2.3.1 Optical Fiber Installation and Maintenance ................................................................................ 9
Steps of fusion splicing optical fiber .................................................................................................. 13
2.3.2 Building Power supplies ........................................................................................................... 15
2.3.3 Maintenance of Office Automation Equipment ....................................................................... 15
2.3.4 Configuration of Optiset Telephone Equipment ....................................................................... 15
2.3.5 Fault clearing of telephones ...................................................................................................... 15
2.3.6 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 15
2.3.7 Antenna installation .................................................................................................................. 16
CHAPTER 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 17
EVALUATION OF THE ATTACHMENTY ............................................................................................ 17
3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Pre-attachment perceptions .............................................................................................................. 17
3.3 The Reality ....................................................................................................................................... 18
iv
 3.4 Challenges encountered .................................................................................................................... 18
3.5 Solutions to Challenges .................................................................................................................... 19
3.6Skills developed ................................................................................................................................ 20
3.7 Recommendations for the university ................................................................................................ 21
3.8 Recommendations for NRZ .............................................................................................................. 22
References .................................................................................................................................................. 23

v
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 History and Background

The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), is a parastatal under the ministry of Transport and
communication. It is based in Bulawayo. Majority of its infrastructure and systems were
constructed during the early colonial era. The first railway line to be constructed was one from
South Africa to Bulawayo in 1897, and this is when the first train arrived in Bulawayo. This
development was followed by the construction of the railway line from Mutare to Beira
(Mozambique) in 1900. In 1902, the railway lime that links Bulawayo and Harare was
completed. All this was done as part of the Cape to Cairo vision.

National Railways of Zimbabwe was known as Rhodesia Railways. Which was formed as a
statutory body in 1947 and this title changed on 1 June 1979 to Zimbabwe Rhodesia Railways
and finally named National Railways of Zimbabwe on 1 May 1980 after Zimbabwe attained her
independence.in September 1992 the diesel electric 11 class of locomotives arrived and this led
to the boosting of traffic volumes. Steam locomotives were then withdrawn from operation in
1993. Commuter train services were introduced in 2001 in Harare and Bulawayo. This was done
so as to cushion commuters from rising transport costs

However, quite a number of train accidents were recorded with 2003 being the worst year when
NRZ recorded an accident that was declared a national disaster.

1.2 The Mission Statement

Our business is to satisfy the transport needs of our customers by providing and efficient, cost
effective, convenient and reliable service with a view to becoming the most preferred mode of
transport.

1.3 Vision Statement

To be the best provider of rail transport logistics for the movement of passengers and goods in
the region.

1
1.4 Goals
1. To ensure that public rail transportation system runs in a manner that ensures; - Maximum
safety and security of passengers and customers’ goods.

- The efficient and effective utilization of resources.

- Predictability and therefore dependability by customers.

2. To ensure transparency and accountability in the use of state assets the NRZ is entrusted with.

3. To develop and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation and replacement program for the existing
equipment.

4. To build develop and maintain a good image of the organization and promulgate effective
communication with the organization’s stakeholders.

1.5 Roles of The Railways

The role of National Railways of Zimbabwe, as laid down in Section 17 of the Railway Act, is to provide,
operate and maintain in Zimbabwe:

i) An efficient system of public transport of goods and passengers by rail and ii)
In-so-far as the Railways considers it to be necessary or desirable:
an efficient system of public transport of goods and passengers by road or inland
gateways and pipelines for the conveyance of good.

2
1.6 NRZ ORGANISATIONAL CHART

3
1.7 Departments Within the NRZ Company
HUMANRESOURCES
It is responsible for the development, formulation and implementation of the NRZ’s Human
Resources policies and ensuring that the organization is adequately resourced through attracting
personnel in numbers and skills required for the successful execution of the organization’s
business sand strategic plans.

MARKETING
Its function is to act as an interface between customers and the organization. It identifies new
business, evaluates customer needs, designs service packages, monitors the actual performance
against customer requirements and causes corrective action to be taken where necessary. The
main thrust of the branch is to ensure that NRZ provides quality service and builds good
relations with its customer with the objective of achieving customer loyalty.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Public relations is responsible for planning, formulating and executing programs which are
designed to create, nurture and maintain a good corporate image between NRZ and the public.

SECURITY SERVICES
The responsibilities of this branch include ensuring the safety of NRZ infrastructure, property,
personnel, goods in transit, revenue as well as passengers.

TRAFFIC
The Traffic Branch is the department charged with the responsibility of moving passenger trains
and customers’ goods and collecting the revenue due. It is also responsible for collecting the
revenues due in respect of NRZ equipment hired out from contiguous Railways and the
settlement of the debts due to these neighboring administrations.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCH
Contributes to the economic growth of the NRZ by providing for the creation, maintenance and
improvement of Safety, Health and Environmental conditions in all its operations through
programs aimed.
LEGAL SERVICES
This branch ensures that the business of the organization is conducted in accordance with good
corporate governance principles and internationally accepted practices. It renders legal services
to the organization, giving legal advice, litigation, drafting of contracts, monitoring of the
environment for developments having impact on the organization and proposing changes to
legislation where this is deemed to be in the interest of the organization.

4
SUPPLIES AND STORES
The Branch provides the interface between NRZ and its suppliers in order to plan, obtain, store
and distribute materials, goods, and services to enable the organization to effectively and
efficiently meet its operational requirements.

FINANCE
The Finance Branch is responsible for making decisions to do with borrowing and Investment,
Submission of Budgets for to the Minister of transport for approval and all accounting, auditing
and control of NRZ finances. It manages all cash flow into and out of the business.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The branch is responsible for, among other functions, the study, design, development,
implementation, support and management of computer based information systems, particularly
software applications and computer hardware.
• The department implements and enforces I.T policies and procedures.
• Ensures that polices over data security, access storage and integrity are complied with.
• Responsible for the Help Desk functions and the resolution of faults or user requests.

• Control over Computer and printer consumables’ stock and software licenses.
• Put in place maintenance hardware and software agreements with suppliers or third
parties.
• Loss control movement of equipment in and outside the building.
• Responsible for procurement of hardware and software relevant to the sub-divisions
scope of work.
In essence, it deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to
convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information securely.

TRACTION AND ROLLING STOCK

This branch ensures the availability of safe and reliable operating equipment such as
locomotives, coaches and wagons and maintaining all non-revenue earning vehicles and
various plant and equipment through its Central Maintenance Workshops department. It
also guarantees associated maintenance and recovery plans.

5
 INFRASTRUCTURE
The branch is responsible for the design, construction, maintenance and development of
Tracks, Signaling equipment, Electrical and Telecommunication infrastructure.

1.8 Objectives of attachment

 To experience the difference between university (learning) environment and
working/industrial environment.
 To relate and appreciate the theoretical knowledge attained at the university and put it
into practice.
 To give the student an experience of the industrial environment, thus learning how to
be productive and employable in the near future.
 To develop hands-on experience in the industrial world and its challenges and how the
challenges can be overcame.
 To understand the ethics in the industrial world as well as the demands of an employee
and their responsibilities.
 To learn and appreciate the importance of professional communication, human
relationships, team work and positive work attitude.
 To know prospect and potential careers as well as get an idea for the projects awaiting
ahead.

6
 CHAPTER 2
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW/TECHNICAL REVIEW

2.1 Introduction
This section gives a brief background of the department I was attached to (Signals Department),
during the course of my attachment at the National Railways of Zimbabwe. It also sheds more
light on the tasks executed in the learning process.

2.2 Signals Department Overview

This department is headed by Engineer K. Musora who is the Signal Engineer (Eastern area).
The student’s duties in the department were to learn, relate theoretical knowledge to the
actual/practical knowledge through hands-on, discover problems and devise solutions, develop
personal skills and to do scheduled maintenance on telecommunications and infrastructure
utilized by the department. No responsibilities were assigned to the student. This is because the
National Railways of Zimbabwe, Signals department in particular, does not assign
responsibilities to attaches because there is very sensitive electronic equipment which when not
handled properly, leads to accidents and fatalities.

7
2.2.1 Key Result Areas
 To provide communication and signaling interlocking and railway signaling.
 Maintenance of signaling infrastructure.
 To provide services on voice, data and radio communications and data networks.
 To support office automation equipment such as copiers, printers and faxes.
 To guarantee security n communication.
 To guarantee safe movement of trains through secure communication for trains working.

2.2.2 Goals
 Increase number of branch-lines under track warrant control systems.
 Improve proportion of office voice communication.
 Improve mainline backbone optical fiber coverage.
 Increase proportion of PABXes meeting set standards.

2.2.3 Workshops in Signals Department

1. Radio workshop
The main objectives and activities of this workshop are installation and maintenance of
communication radios as well as all the equipment used in radio communication. This
workshop is headed by Mr G.Kururu(Signal Technician). There were 4 students in thus
workshop.
2. Signals workshop
The activities at the signals workshop are to provide safe, reliable and effective railway
signaling systems and maintenance of signaling infrastructure, with Mr
T.Muvheyo(Signal technician) being the head in the workshop. In this workshop were 8
students.
3. Microwave Workshop
This workshop focuses on installation and maintenance of microwave links and as well
maintenance of microwave communication equipment. Mr M. Mureki (Signal Foreman)
is the head in this workshop. This workshop had 8 students.

8
 4. Exchange
This workshop is under the foremanship of Signal foreman, Mr Mudonhi as well as
signal technicians, Mrs Chabata, Mr Rwizi and Mr Karizamimba. The workshop had
10 students. There are quite a number of activities and objectives in this workshop: i.
maintenance of PABX.
ii. Set-up, fault clearing and maintenance of telephones. iii.
Provide secure voice, data and radio communications. iv.
Support office automation equipment.
v. installation and configuration of Optiset telephone instruments.

2.2.4 Objectives of attachment in signals department

 To learn
 To be able to relate theory to the practical knowledge
 To carry out maintenance activities
 To identify and solve problems

2.3 Tasks/Projects Executed

A number of tasks were assigned and most of them were executed successfully. Only a small
fraction of some tasks were not successful due to challenges to be discussed later in this report.

2.3.1 Fiber Installation and Maintenance

Fiber installation project was executed and the link was from the exchange room to the
control room. The student learnt various steps in fiber installation and had an appreciation of
the equipment and technologies used in fiber installation.

Steps to fiber installation:

1. Trenching- this step is the step whereby trenches a dug since fiber is installed
underground so it requires trenches that are 2meters deep.

9
2. Laying- this involves the laying of the fiber cable in the already dug trenches as well as
installing a warning tape around the fiber cable so that in case of anyone digging close to
the cable they do not damage the cable for they would have noticed the taping.
3. Full backfilling- this I when the trenches are filled up.
4. Termination- the termination is done using a patch panel. Fiber glands are used to hold
firm the fiber cable into the patch panels where there are splice trays. The glands make
sure that the fiber is not affected by external sources that may act upon the fiber. The
fiber is then spliced with the pigtails inside the patch panel and these pigtails are joined to
the on the exterior of the patch panel by mid-couplers. From the patch panel, the fiber is
connected to the media converter then to LANs then to the switch.

10
fig 3: trenches with fiber laid in.

11
Fig 4: a patch panel and its splice trays as well as the pigtails

Fig 5: patch codes that connect the patch panel and media converter.

12
The optical fiber linking Harare main station and Lochinvar station developed a fiber break. This
break was noticed because there was no data transmission between the two stations and the exact
location of the break was discovered by the use of the OTDR. The student and fellow attaches
embarked on a project to restore connectivity under supervision of technicians. During the
execution of this project, the student learnt different techniques concerning optical fiber cables
such as splicing, cable handling and measurement of fiber parameters, and techniques in using
the splice machine.

The student learnt various aspects when it comes to cable handling. Fiber is very fragile and
needs to be handled carefully. In laying and handling the fiber cables, the student had to avoid
kinks by all means possible so as to protect the fiber from breaking.

Apart from learning how to handle fiber, the student also learnt how to use the splice machine
and the keys to note when using a splice machine.

Steps of fusion splicing optical fiber

1. Strip the outer jacket
2. Cut the strengthening members
3. Select the fiber tube
4. Wipe off the jelly
5. Select the fiber strands
6. Strip off the cladding
7. Cleave the fiber using the ≈100% alcohol
8. Splice the 2 cores
9. Cover the joint with sleeve then heat in the oven.

13
Fig 6: OTDR being used to discover the location of the fiber break.

Fig 7: the splice machine, a bottle of alcohol and other tools necessary for splicing.

14
2.3.2 Building Power supplies
After having a lecture on the theory of power supplies, a task to build a linear power supply was
assigned and it was successful. This power supply was built using discrete electronic components
(resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, and other components).

2.3.3 Maintenance of Office Automation Equipment

The student executed a task of replacing toner at the supplies department at NRZ as well as
fixing the cartridge of a printer at the parcels office

2.3.4 Configuration of Optiset Telephone Equipment

After setting up digital telephones for the manager and signal engineer, the student under
supervision of signal technician at the exchange workshop, worked on configuring the telephone
lines using CLI.

2.3.5 Fault clearing of telephones

Different type of phones had different faults arising. The student and other team members under
supervision of NRZ technicians fixed the faults and also performed some maintenance. Below is
a list of activities carried out in fixing and clearing faults on telephones.

i. Replacement of termination equipment (RJ11 and RJ9 connectors)

ii. Cable/connection fault at different departments that encountered this problem
iii. Telephone cable replacement

2.3.6 Maintenance
Whenever and wherever there is utilization of electronic equipment and components,
maintenance is always vital. One of my duties at NRZ was to perform maintenance on
telecommunication and electronic equipment. Below is a list of maintenance activities carried
out.

15
 i. Watering batteries: water acts as an electrolyte that protects the terminals of batteries in
the battery room. These batteries are a back-up source of power in case of no electricity or
electrical fault.
ii. Fireguard- fireguards were made in order to protect rooms that have electronic equipment
from catching fire in case it breaks out. iii. Dusting of equipment- electronic equipment
is very sensitive to dust so there has to be a regular check and dusting of the equipment.
iv. Maintenance of point machines- point machine is an electrically driven motor used for
points operation and their maintenance included power-box reviewing, adjusting rods and
replacement of runner cable connector.

2.3.7 Antenna installation

The student learnt different technics about the antennas, thus, types of antennas especially those
used at NRZ like Yagi, horse-shoe, and also the setting up of the antennas, with the up-side
facing the direction where the signal is transmitted from. The amount of signal being transmitted,
reversed or rejected was measured using the standing wave ratio, with the power meter placed
between the antenna and the radio. If the impedance of the radio and the antenna are equal then
the rejected signal is zero or less than 1, this is if the connections are firm, and the only loss is
due to connectors. If there are loose connections and the impedances do not match, then there
will be more of the rejected signal.

16
 CHAPTER 3
EVALUATION OF THE
ATTACHMENTY

3.1 Introduction
This chapter gives a comparison between the pre-attached perceptions the student had and the
reality that the attachment had to offer as well as the challenges encountered and how they were
solved. It also highlights the skills developed during the course of the attachment, both
professional and personal skills.

3.2 Pre-attachment perceptions

 To be given protective clothing example, safety shoes and work suits.
 To be given priority treatment whenever she needed attention.
 To be accorded time to move around the system, learning the various equipment used in
different areas.
 To have regular visits to other stations and conduct some learning from there
 To have free access to NRZ wifi
 To learn new concepts of telecommunications everyday
 To get a salary or wage for transport to and from work
 To be given a training program that would act as the guide during the attachment period.

17
  To learn through training programs and guides and do telecommunication tasks
frequently

3.3 The Reality

 There was no salary or wage or transport allowance
 No training program was provided as the university had promised.
 The student did not get access to wifi
 At the beginning of the attachment, the student was taken around all systems and
familiarized with equipment used
 Most of the time was spent doing manual duties that was meant for NRZ general hand
staff  Visits to other stations were not as frequent as expected due to lockdowns
 The student had to do a lot of maintenance and housekeeping and had to try and learn
from those who she worked with.

3.4 Challenges encountered

Technical Challenges

 NRZ being one of the oldest companies in the country and lacking resuscitation,
has a lot of worn out equipment. For example, the telephone cables are worn out
to the extent that they introduce noise to the signals being transmitted. This issue
of worn out equipment had a lot of communication disturbed.
 Most of the concepts learnt an NRZ were learnt theoretically such as microwave,
networking and others. This per say did not bridge any gap as per the main
objective of the attachment because theory remained theory in some aspects and
no handson was done in as much as it was needed for example, in the concept of
panning.
 Out of the modules and concepts learnt at the university, only a few of them were
applied and this left the student with no practical knowledge of those concepts.
One of the objectives of the attachment was for the student to help the student to
embark on research project but without other concepts being covered, it can and
will be difficult for the student in the research project.

18
  Most of the equipment used at NRZ besides being worn out, it is very sensitive.
For this cause, students were not allowed to touch or work with some of the
equipment to avoid mishandling that would lead to fatalities. This left students
without handson experience on some and most important equipment used in
telecommunications.

Social Challenges

 The greatest challenge encountered was the covid-19 pandemic which disturbed a lot
of learning. Working days were reduced to 3days per week per individual so as to
decongest the NRZ premises and reduce the spread of the disease. This left the
student with less time to really capture concepts. The lockdowns really affected a lot
of learning and working because in case of any need of students and supervisors to
work as a team, the numbers had to be kept low leaving students with less of hands-
on learning.
 The student circulated from section to section in the signals department. Some of the
section foreman were not so welcoming which left the student afraid to ask questions
and made it difficult to learn in their presence.

3.5 Solutions to Challenges

 Since the student had less of hands-on experience with some equipment, the student had
an opportunity to observe well as skilled technicians executed tasks on equipment.
 The student maximized the use of the little time that was available to work. If there were
no lockdowns the students maximized the time to cover some areas not covered.

19
3.6Skills developed

Effective time management

Unlike at the university where students could just miss lecturers or get to classes late, during the
course of the attachment, the student’s attendance was monitored on a regular basis. This helped
the student to learn to manage time better by maintaining a balance between work and personal
life without disadvantaging any of them.

Teamwork
The student had an opportunity to be part of a team and managed to observe the significance of
effective communication as well as motivation in achieving desired goals as a team. When goals.
Unlike at the university where one student could do the work and grades would be shared among
the rest, in the actual industry it was more professional and each one in a team needed to work
together to finish a task. This taught the student to be a good team member and develop patience
in situations when there was a disagreement amongst team members.

Work Ethics
At the university, the student did not practice work ethics learnt but upon getting into the
working environment, there was now an opportunity to put the ethics into practice.

Responsibility
The student gained this integral skill which is required in the job arena. This attachment taught
the student to be responsible and accountable for what decisions to make and how to execute
tasks allocated.

Communication skills
Through working with the company’s officials and other students, the student learnt to apply the
communication skills taught at the college. There was also an application of scientific
communication which the student learnt well.

3.7 Recommendations for the university

20
Technological awareness

The university should be fully aware of the technological changes in the world to improve its
services, competitiveness as well as fully equipping graduates to go and perform at work places.
There is need to increase research by the university on technological issues. The university also
should conduct seminars with telecommunication companies in the country so that students can
be fully equipped on the advancements in the telecommunication industry and can get a feel of
what is really in the industry before they get into the industry. This will keep students abreast
with the trends in the telecommunication industry and also helps to improve in their performance
when they get into the industry. The university should also improve on its quality of practical
lessons. The practical lessons should be more realistic and should suit what students will meet in
the industry.

Provide guidance

Before going for attachment students need full information of what they are going to enter into
that is the real world and applying the theory learnt in college. This then makes the student
prepare for the course using all full potential to be outstanding on whichever organization that
they will be operating in. Students also should be provided with career guidance so that one can
choose whichever path they want to take in life.

Communicate well with students and companies

The university should show some concern for students on attachment by improving the
communication between the departmental authorities and the students as well the company
authorities. This helps the students with proper guidance in cases of confusion or unawareness of
the next step.

3.8 Recommendations for NRZ

21
  The student recommends the NRZ to get its own general hand staff and more technicians
because most of the student’s time is spent in trying to assist the company in areas that
are not related to any of the objectives of the attachment and that do not have anything to
do with learning. This leaves students with a little time to focus on their attachment.
 The company should also improve its workshops with trending telecommunication and
electronic equipment and eliminate worn out equipment to help students keep abreast
with telecommunication trends and for its benefit also.
 In this era of covid-19 pandemic, the student urges the NRZ to limit their enrolments for
the safety of both attaches and their staff.
 The company should try to improve in practicality in areas like networking and
microwave communication. Most of the aspect learnt in these areas were theoretical and
this does not fulfill the objective of relating theory to practical.
 The NRZ should also be a little generous and offer students at least transport allowance
to help students especially in such an economic situation and also looking at their
demands from students they should at least offer transport allowance and food.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, this attachment has been a good experience despite the challenges encountered. I
can conclude that there have been a lot I have learnt from my work at NRZ. Needless to say, the
technical aspects of the work I have done are not flawless and could be improved provided
enough time and resources.

22
References
• Richard, A.B. (2002), Work Related Learning. New York: Np.

• NRZ website (www.nrz.co.zw)

• HETT380 Internship guideline for students

23