In a significant milestone in South Africa's rail commuter journey, government is celebrating the delivery of the 300 locally manufactured train sets that will transport passengers using the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa PRASA trains.
Affectionately known as Isitimela Sabantu, meaning "The People's Train," the 300 trains were built locally by Gibela in Ekurhuleni.
"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," Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.
She made these remarks at an event that highlighted strides being made by PRASA in rebuilding passenger rail as a reliable, efficient, and an inclusive mode of transportation that supports the economy, creates jobs, and uplifts communities.
The initiatives include the launch of the Solar Renewable Energy Project, the unveiling of the 300 trains 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.
"The modernisation of our fleet also signals a decisive shift toward local content and technology transfer. It affirms the government's industrial policy vision that infrastructure investment must create value here at home, not only through the services it delivers but through the manufacturing ecosystems it sustains," Creecy said.