Over 100 Gibela manufactured trains handed over to PRASA
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula said security is a permanent feature of the new trains.
Dunnottar – The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, announced that Gibela Rail Transport Consortium has increased its capacity.
He was speaking at the celebration of the 100 trains handed over to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) at a ceremony held in Dunnottar last Monday.
The minister explained that production was halted for five months due to the Covid-19 hard lockdown.
“In a bid to replace the old trains, we have mandated Gibela to build 600 sets of trains for PRASA with 60 delivered per annum.
“So far they have handed over 105 and 80 of those are already transporting passengers in Atteridgeville and Mabopane,” he explained.
Mbalula urged residents and users to protect the trains and ensure that it is not vandalised, especially during community protests.
“We have implemented an integrated model to ensure the safety of the trains. In these trains, security is a permanent feature not only inside but also to protect the network,” he added.
Also read: Gibela on track to build 600 trains
He added that 1 200 jobs were created for young people.
“The majority are from the surrounding townships as we have incubation and skills development programmes to empower young people.
“We envision this place as a state-of-the-art entity, manufacturing trains for the African continent,” he added.
The Premier of Gauteng David Makhura reiterated the minister’s words, adding that the celebration was not only about the 100 trains but also the jobs and skills created to empower the youth.
“Young people have been trained internationally and are now here building the state-of-the-art trains.
Seasoned train driver Maggie Mashiane explained the trains have made her fall in love with her job again.
“I now look forward to going to work. Everything about the new trains is modernised – from security to the operating systems.
“I am happy that I have been given an opportunity to be one of the first few drivers to drive these trains,” she added.
Plans to expand the factory to build a supply park are currently underway.
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