PRASA Achieves Milestone With Production Of 200 Electric Trains

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) reached a milestone with 200 modern high-tech Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) manufactured in Gauteng.

Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga celebrated the same in Cape Town on Tuesday, recalling that the first train that hit the railway tracks was in February 2017.

"Today, we celebrate this progress made towards the overarching goal of 600 trains. With these new trains, we are contributing towards the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of sustainable transportation alternatives," he said, SA News reported.

The minister shared that these efforts are part of PRASA's Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Program, which is responsible for manufacturing new trains. He also noted that the program is expected to create around 1,500 direct and 8,000 indirect jobs over the decade.

According to the minister, the first phase of the program created 1,631 direct jobs during "the construction phase of the R1 billion factory, and Gibela has now employed over 1,198 full-time employees."

Formed in 2013, the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium comprises of French rail company Alstom and South Africa's Ubumbano Rail. Gibela was granted R51-billion contract to make 600 trains for PRASA.

Chikunga noted that the government is responsible for the creation of jobs for the local communities, adding that this project has benefitted various local communities such as Duduza, Vosloorus, Katlehong, Kwa-Thema, Tsakane and Alfra-Park.

Apart from the construction roles, Gibela hired 1,205 individuals for both manufacturing and maintenance jobs. Furthermore, 37% of these employees are from nearby communities, emphasizing the company's commitment to local employment.

"Skills development and knowledge transfer is key for this government. About 20 000 training programmes have been established to enable the transfer of skills and development of employees from top management to unskilled employees," the minister said.

He added, "In 2019 Gibela Rail in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development Agency and the City of Ekurhuleni established a multi-sector business incubator, the doors opened in 2020 in the Kwa-Thema Township."

Chikunga noted that to date there are 140 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that were trained, mentored and coached while a total of 193 SMMEs also accessed Business Development Support.

Earlier this week, the cabinet praised the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) for its efforts in rejuvenating the nation's rail network, especially the restoration of five vital Metrorail services spanning across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.