South Africa has reached a major milestone in its public transport renewal drive with the delivery of 300 locally manufactured train sets that will serve passengers through the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
Affectionately known as Isitimela Sabantu — meaning “The People’s Train” — these modern X’trapolis Mega trains were built by Gibela in Ekurhuleni, marking a key achievement in South Africa’s commitment to developing local manufacturing and skills within the rail sector.
“These modern, blue-and-grey X’trapolis Mega trains are redefining the experience of passenger rail travel in South Africa. Each train that leaves the Gibela plant in Nigel, carries not only passengers but also the skills, livelihoods, and aspirations of South Africans who built it,” said Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy during a ceremony held in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.
The event celebrated PRASA’s progress in rebuilding passenger rail as a reliable, affordable, and inclusive transport mode that supports the economy and uplifts communities. The day also saw the launch of PRASA’s Solar Renewable Energy Project and the official opening of Isipingo Mall.
“For the people of eThekwini, this investment means restored rail services, improved safety, and shorter travel times between communities and workplaces. Reliable, affordable rail access unlocks economic participation for thousands of commuters who depend on public transport every day,” Creecy said.
The Minister added that the modernisation of the rail fleet also demonstrates the government’s industrial policy in action — ensuring that infrastructure investment stimulates local manufacturing, job creation, and skills development.
This milestone comes as part of October Transport Month, held under the theme: “Implementing an integrated, sustainable and safe transport system that promotes inclusive economic growth, job retention and creation, and social development.”
“With every kilometre of track restored and every train returned to service, we are not only reconnecting cities; we are rebuilding confidence, creating opportunity, and delivering on our promise to make public transport the backbone of inclusive growth,” said Creecy.
As part of PRASA’s secondary mandate strategy, the newly opened Isipingo Mall showcases how transport-linked property development can drive urban renewal and community upliftment. Covering over 7 200 square meters, the mall features 45 shops, banks, ATMs, a food court, public facilities, and more than 300 parking bays, serving both commuters and the surrounding community.
During construction, the project created about 271 temporary jobs, and now that it is operational, it is expected to generate more than 150 permanent jobs in retail, facilities management, and services.
“These opportunities are already helping local families secure stable incomes and contribute to the economic vitality of eThekwini. Importantly, this development embodies PRASA’s secondary commercial mandate — to generate revenue through its property assets in a way that benefits communities and supports the financial sustainability of the rail network,” Creecy said.
She also acknowledged the strong partnerships that made these achievements possible, including collaboration between the Department of Transport, PRASA, Intersite, local municipalities, and private sector partners.
“As a government, we recognise that sustainable transport infrastructure is not built in isolation. It requires collaboration across all spheres - national, provincial, and local - as well as engagement with business and labour. The eThekwini community has shown what can be achieved when public investment meets community participation,” said Creecy.
PRASA’s Solar Renewable Energy Project, led by its subsidiary Intersite, is also helping to reduce the carbon footprint of rail operations. “These systems will reduce the agency’s dependence on the national grid, improve operational reliability during power disruptions, and significantly lower the carbon footprint of rail operations,” she said.
“Each of these projects, from the solar installations to the new trains and the Isipingo Mall, are a direct reflection of the true ethos of South Africa, the spirit of Ubuntu: working together to uplift one another. Through these partnerships, we are laying the tracks for a transport system that does more than move people; it transforms lives,” Creecy concluded.
PRASA will continue expanding its modern fleet, investing in renewable energy projects, and unlocking the value of its property portfolio to build a sustainable and community-centred future for South Africa’s rail network.
