UniteBehind is a South African activist group dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability. Their legal confrontations have exposed corrupt practices within the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), and they have successfully held individuals and organizations accountable for their involvement in the scandal. They continue to advocate for justice and better services for citizens who rely on the rail service.
PRASA, South Africa’s Passenger Rail Agency, is revolutionizing the country’s railways by launching two major development projects aimed at enhancing living conditions and providing affordable housing. The Goodwood Station Social Housing initiative aims to deliver over a thousand affordable rental units by October 2023, while the Cape Town Station development will offer 3,200 beds for students and a revamped retail precinct. PRASA’s diversified portfolio includes real estate investment and development to offset the cost of operating passenger rail services. These projects signify a collaborative commitment to improving transportation and infrastructure in South Africa.
PRASA’s plan to relocate 900 households along a section of the railway line in Cape Town has met resistance from traditional authorities. The proposed relocation site near the Stock Road train station in Philippi East conflicts with traditional circumcision rituals that take place on the land during the months of June and December. The Somagwaza Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving traditional Xhosa culture, has taken a firm stance against the plan and is actively opposing it. The future of the Metrorail Central Line remains uncertain as the conflict continues.
South Africa’s Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has ambitious plans to recover 80% of the rail corridors and lines, modernize public transportation, and revitalize the passenger rail system. This initiative comes during a challenging time as the country’s transport sector tackles the impacts of the pandemic and severe flooding in some regions. Various stakeholders, including MECs of transport, roads, infrastructure, public works, and community safety, are collaborating to build better transport infrastructure for all South Africans, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving the transport sector.
Cape Town, South Africa’s bustling city, heavily relies on efficient public transportation. However, the city’s rail system has been facing several challenges in recent years, compromising the quality of service, safety, and timely upgrades. The root cause lies in the ongoing conflict between the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), who is responsible for providing rail services, and the City of Cape Town.
The Ministry of Transport has announced the removal of Mr. Leonard Ramatlakane from his position as a board member and chairperson of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). The decision was made following an investigation into the misuse of one of PRASA’s Cape Town properties by the chairperson, who failed to follow proper procedures.
Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to clarify the National Government’s stance on the devolution of passenger rail services to capable metros. The call comes amid contradictory statements from Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who suggests that current plans don’t involve devolving rail operations to the City of Cape Town. This contradicts the Cabinet policy decision to devolve rail, which raises questions about the National Government’s commitment to the issue.
