In 1929, the South African Railways placed fourteen purpose-built Class S steam shunting locomotives with a 0-8-0 wheel arrangement in service.

[1][2][3] Throughout the history of railways in South Africa, shunting was traditionally performed by downgraded mainline locomotives.

Specifications for the Class S 0-8-0 tender type steam shunting locomotive were therefore prepared by Colonel F.R.

In addition, it was desirable to have as large a proportion of the engine weight as possible carried on the coupled wheels to obtain the maximum adhesion possible.

They were delivered with Type GT tenders with a fuel capacity of 8 long tons (8.1 tonnes), a water capacity of 6,000 imperial gallons (27,300 litres) and a maximum axle load of 15 long tons 19 hundredweight 2 quarters (16,230 kilograms).