The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has come under fire after it emerged that the agency has spent R2.5 billion repairing old trains that are not being put into service.
According to investigators, the refurbished trains are being left to deteriorate in depots across the country, raising serious concerns over wasteful expenditure and mismanagement within the state-owned rail operator.
The multi-billion-rand overhaul forms part of a five-year contract worth R7.5 billion, under which PRASA is refurbishing ageing rolling stock—despite knowing the trains will never be used again. The revelations have sparked public outrage, with critics questioning the agency’s planning and accountability.
Despite this, PRASA has set an ambitious target to transport 186 million commuters by 2027, though doubts are mounting over whether it can achieve this goal amid ongoing operational and financial setbacks.
Calls for stronger oversight and a review of PRASA’s procurement and asset management strategies are expected to intensify as pressure mounts on the agency to justify its spending and deliver reliable public transport.