PRASA has hit a big milestone in making trains in Gauteng. They’ve built 200 modern Electric Multiple Units (EMUs).
Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, shared the news in Cape Town. She said, “The first train ran in February 2017. Today, we’re closer to our goal of 600 trains. These new trains help cut carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly transport.”
PRASA’s Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme is behind this. It aims to make new trains and create jobs. Over 10 years, about 1,500 direct and 8,000 indirect jobs will be made.
During the R1 billion factory build, 1,631 jobs were created. Gibela, the company, now employs over 1,198 full-time workers.
Minister Chikunga added, “We’re creating local jobs. Workers from Duduza, Vosloorus, Katlehong, Kwa-Thema, Tsakane, and Alfra-Park benefit.”
Gibela has also hired 1,205 people for making and fixing trains. 37% come from nearby areas.
“We’re big on skills. 20,000 training programs help workers grow. In 2020, a business hub opened in Kwa-Thema.”
So far, 140 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were trained, and 193 got business support.
“Gibela backs students too. They fund university and technical college fees. This builds a skilled workforce,” said Chikunga.
Over R127 million went to 1,665 students’ studies. The program also boosts the railway and job market.
“Our youth now become artisans, engineers, and more. We invested R135 million in small businesses. And R743 million in skills for the rail sector,” Chikunga added.
Gibela will train 19,500 people in 10 years. It’s all part of the project’s goals.
