Train manufacturer, Gibela has handed over a new set of trains Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) in Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni.
The handover event ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng premier David Makhura, Prasa board chairperson Leonard Ramatlakane and other transport dignitaries.
This comes after the company was awarded a contract to supply Prasa with 600 trains for Metrorail service. The company is also tasked to deliver post-delivery train maintenance and technical support to Prasa and to manufacture and supply spare parts.
The new train is almost similar to Gautrain, it comes with Wifi and it promises to travel at 120km/h.
Gibela board chairperson Irene Charnley said: “We’re proud to be supporting the revitalisation of the rail industry and driving inclusive economic growth. We have an ongoing obligation that we take very seriously. Manufacturing these state-of-the-art passenger trains is a good-news story that every South African should be proud of.”
“A key takeaway for everyone working on the manufacturing process is that the work you do matters. You’re making a difference in people’s lives who have to get up at 4 am to go to work. They will now have comfortable trains with Wi-Fi that travel at 120km/h to take them where they need to go – this is no small feat.”
Ramatlakane congratulated Gibela on delivering on its mandate.
“The trains we’re building here are for the people of South Africa. They are aptly named iSitimela saBantu, which means they’re the people’s train. The older Metrorail commuter trains will be gradually retired with the migration to the people’s train.”
Speaking at the event, Premier Makhura is excited that young South Africans were involved in manufacturing and building these trains.
“Gibela is empowering young people, women, and small, medium and micro-enterprises. Young South Africans have built these trains for South Africa using local suppliers – this is a first in the country. The greatest dream I have is to see us use this factory to build trains for the continent. This will help us employ and train more people,” he said.
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