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SOEs urged to provide opportunities to young engineers

Location: News

SOEs urged to provide opportunities to young engineers

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) have a critical role to play in providing economic opportunities to young people, which will enable them to gain practical work experience in the construction sector.

Addressing media on Tuesday after inspecting the Germiston to Katlehong commuter rail line, the Minister said historically, SOEs played an important role in helping small enterprises to gain experience so that they can move up the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) register. 

Contractors, who wish to work in the public sector, must register with the CIDB. The Register of Contractors (RoC) supports clients in infrastructure procurement, and categorises and grades contractors from 1-9, according to financial and works capability.

“In order to be able to do major construction, you must demonstrate that you have become accredited. This is an important role that  SOEs have played historically, and it’s a role we want to ensure that these enterprises are once again being supported [to play].

“With regard to the training that we are offering young engineers, it’s really important that we give practical experience to young professionals. One of the major reasons we have so many unemployed graduates in our country is young engineers, particularly, struggle to complete the practical training that is required to become fully fledged and independent professionals.

“We really want to play our role in that regard because we believe that we have incredible talent in our country and we want to make sure that the talent is properly used for all the important infrastructure projects that we need to happen in our country,” the Minister said.

Work to upgrade the Germiston to Katlehong commuter rail line cost about R400 million. The upgrade will ensure that commuters have access to affordable public transport, as a ticket costs R14.50 while a monthly season ticket costs R169.

The upgrade included the rebuilding of a number of stations and rebuilding a substation to ensure a reliable source of electricity. 

“In the course of this work, we have created 500 jobs for the local community. We have also been able to involve 34 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and overall, throughout the whole country, we have 33 young engineers that are assisting us on our recovery programme,” the Minister said.

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) recovery programme includes recovering passenger rail services, improving safety and security, protecting assets, providing sound leadership as well as executing its capital programme.

“Our vision is that rail must form the backbone of our transport system for both passengers and freight. [We seek] to achieve 250 million tonnes of freight per annum through our freight corridors and 600 million passenger trips per annum by 2030.

“This will not only ensure that we are creating an affordable public transport system for working people and other commuters, but it will also ensure that we have a sustainable and reliable revenue stream for PRASA, so that we can continue to do the maintenance work that this whole system requires,” Creecy said.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 20% of the working population walk to work due to being unable to afford other forms of transport that are available.

“This is a great inconvenience, time waster and decreases the productivity of those individuals who have to walk between 5kms and 10kms every day. It’s very important that we make this form of transport available for working people again.

“We still have nine priority lines that we must conclude, and we are close to having repaired 300 stations, but there are many more to be repaired. We are taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of our rail infrastructure.

“Seventy-five percent of the copper has been removed from this cabling and we have put in aluminium cabling, which is of less interest to the scrap dealers,” the Minister said.

Moreover, security guards have been deployed to ensure the safety of these lines.

“We are introducing technology, drone technology and technology that will alert us if there is consistent tampering with the line, and that will be helpful to the security guards because they will know  where to look for intruders. We hope that these measures will ensure that rail transport is safer,” she said. 

The Minister’s inspection took place as part of the department’s flagship October Transport Month campaign, which is now in its 19th instalment. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:41

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Smart solutions secures PRASA infrastructure

Location: News

Smart solutions secures PRASA infrastructure

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has employed a number of smart solutions to secure their infrastructure with a goal of returning to their pre-COVID-19 pandemic level of 600 million annual passengers.

Addressing the Smart Mobility Africa Summit in Johannesburg, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said in order to make sure that no further theft or vandalism occurs on their lines, PRASA has employed a variety of digital solutions to protect its infrastructure as well as its passengers.

“PRASA and Huawei have partnered to employ an intelligent e-guarding perimeter system which uses artificial intelligence to alert a central control centre when there are security breaches or incidents occurring within the system. 

“This includes a seismic activity tracker which monitors any digging that occurs within the perimeter of rail depots. This means that any attempts at cable theft or similar infrastructure damage is dealt with proactively rather than reactively,” the Minister said.

Thirty-one of PRASA’s 40 priority lines have re-entered into service after a period of theft and vandalism, with re-signalling of these lines an ongoing project. 

“The re-signalling of these lines is a critical undertaking as it ensures the location, the availability and reliability of train services,” Creecy said.

“The use of new technologies in our economy cannot only be limited to mass infrastructure projects and macroeconomic policy. Smart systems need to be used in terms of service delivery to improve the lives of our citizens.

“This can be done in a variety of ways, whether in terms of e-permitting and licensing for transport operators, fully digitising driver’s license testing and vehicle registration, automating and digitising truck weighbridges, and using real-time monitoring of our roads network to avoid congestion and road accidents.

“New technologies can also be used to enhance the security of our communities through CCTV surveillance of our public areas and the use of drone technology to effectively monitor our borders, ensuring the safety of travellers and stopping cross-border illicit trade,” said Creecy.

Smart technology can also be used for integrated transport and logistics planning.

“Transnet has embraced smart systems through a number of measures and aims to harness this technology to further streamline logistics processes.

“Last year, the entity relaunched its integrated Port Management System (IPMS) as part of its digital transformation strategy. The IPMS is a digital vessel management system which allows real-time access to operational information in order to help manage and track freight within the Transnet system. IPMS users are able to make online service requests and see booking slots, in order to avoid over-booking,” the Minister said.

She emphasised the importance of taking advantage of the new technologies and processes available in order to maximise opportunities for economic growth and adequately meet government’s priorities. - SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle
Wed, 10/02/2024 - 14:33

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Extended train services for MTN8 soccer fans

Location: News

Extended train services for MTN8 soccer fans

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced additional train services for spectators attending the highly anticipated MTN8 Final match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC, in Durban this weekend.

“To ease traffic congestion and ensure an enjoyable experience for fans, PRASA will operate dedicated train services connecting regional stations to Moses Mabhida Station,” the agency said on Tuesday.

Services will be available from Umlazi, Winkelspruit, KwaMashu, Cato Ridge, Pinetown and Crossmore to Durban station, where fans will then connect to Moses Mabhida Station.

The MTN8 Final is taking place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 5 October 2024.

Durban Station to Moses Mabhida

The train shuttle service from Durban Station to Moses Mabhida Station will be available every 15 minutes from 13:00 to 17:00 and resume back from Moses Mabhida Station to Durban Station from 20:15 - 22:00.

Additional special trains, above the normal Saturday train service schedule, will run as follows:

Umlazi to Durban:
•    Umlazi : T9219 (departure - Umlazi station @ 13:27 ), Direct to DUR.
•    Umlazi : T9229 (departure - Umlazi station @14:27) direct to DUR.
•    Umlazi : T3288 (depart from Moses Mabhida station @ 20:15) , direct to Umla.
•    Umlazi : T3296 (Moses Mabhida station @21:00), direct to Umlazi.

South Coast: Winkelspruit to Durban:
•    Winkelspruit: T0763 (depart from Winkelspruit station @ 14:01 ), direct to DUR.

South Coast: Moses Mabhida to Winkelspruit:
•    Winkelspruit : T3792 ( depart from Moses M @20:45), direct to Winkelspruit.

KwaMashu to Moses Mabhida:
•    KwaMashu : T9434 (depart from KwaMashu station @15:22), direct to Moses Mabhida.

Moses Mabhida to KwaMashu:
•    KwaMashu : T9495 (depart @21:15), direct to KwaMashu.

Pinetown to Durban:
•    Pinetown: T0063 (depart Pinetown station @14:13 to Rossburgh), connect train from
•    Rossburgh T9229 @15:19 to DUR.

Durban to Pinetown:
•    Pinetown: T3792 (depart @20:45 ), connect train at Rossburgh to Pinetown T3094 @21:16.

Crossmoor to Durban:
•    Crossmoor : T9667 (depart from Crossmoor Station @14:03 to Merebank station) , connect train from Merebank - T0763 @14:51 to DUR.
-SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 12:33

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KZN teams on standby ahead of predicted adverse weather

Location: News

KZN teams on standby ahead of predicted adverse weather

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has announced that highly efficient and dedicated teams are on standby with an expected drop in temperatures later this week, with a possibility of snow.

While the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has not issued an official weather warning, the weather service predicts the possibility of snow over the high lying areas of the Western Cape from 29 September 2024, which will spread into the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal by 30 September 2024.

Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) led by South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) comprising of all key role players on the national, provincial, and municipal road networks were putting together a consolidated plan.

“They are identifying areas where joint operations and coordination will be established - covering all notorious roads and areas identified from past experiences. 

“The department's Road Traffic Inspectorate is establishing a satellite centre on top of Van Reenen’s Pass to ensure quick action and road closure to mitigate against people getting trapped in the snow,” the MEC said.

This satellite centre will start operating on Saturday afternoon and operate on a 12-hour shift.

Traffic law enforcement officials are already involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with the N3 Toll Concession. 

“The focus is on the N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi River, and others. We wish to indicate that the team will also be responsible for escorting trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion on the road. 

“However, members of the public and motorists are urged to reschedule or postpone their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality. Prevention is better than cure.

“Motor graders are currently being sharpened to respond with … urgency to remove any snow before accumulating on the road. More than 10 graders will be stationed in identified routes to ensure that our response is faster,” the MEC said.

The province has 21 graders which will be on standby as part of strengthening prevention measures.

“On Wednesday, we interacted with SAWS. They informed us that KwaZulu-Natal will be affected by snowfall from Monday into Tuesday. The areas that are expected to be affected include Ladysmith, Underberg, Drakensberg as well as Giant Castle, and other high-ground area.

“In addition, they emphasised that, in all likelihood, snowfall will stop on Tuesday but will be followed by rainfall in various parts of the province, including Durban and other coastline areas,” Duma said.

The MEC said the provincial government has started engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that everyone works together to avoid any crisis and ensure the safety of road users.

“We have continuous engagements with road freight industry stakeholders such as operators - trucking companies – companies that are managing and supplying drivers.

“The South African National Taxi Council and bus councils, bus and truck associations are key stakeholders as we strengthen our road safety measures. We do not want to leave out port operators and the entire value chain of fast-moving consumer goods,” Duma said.

The provincial government has assigned engineers in consultation with SANRAL to look at the impact of the recent heavy snowfall on the road infrastructure.

“The truck congestion on N3 last weekend compels us to intensify our plans aimed at modernisation and development of rail transport – both freight and passenger.

“Working with the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and other main roleplayers, as KwaZulu-Natal we believe that we must ensure that we deploy wagons to move cargo from road to rail, with a specific focus on certain goods, such as coal.

“In addition, we want to improve rail services in the province so that it could serve as the backbone of public transport while at the same time recognising the huge challenges currently facing commuter rail services in KwaZulu-Natal and throughout the country,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 11:11

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SIU welcomes extradition of Michael Lomas

Location: News

SIU welcomes extradition of Michael Lomas

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the extradition of entrepreneur Michael Lomas concerning Eskom's R745 million Kusile power plant allegations of fraud, unauthorised rewards, corruption and money laundering. 

Lomas was arrested in April 2021. He is one of five accused of the alleged crimes. 

READ | Former PRASA engineering head's sentence a blow against corruption

His co-accused are former Eskom Group Executive for Group Capital Division, Abram Masango; former Eskom Senior Manager for Group Capital Division, France Hlakudi; the owner of Tubular Construction Project Antonio José Trindade, and the owner of Babinatlou Business Services Hudson Kgomoeswana. 

The arrests follow an intensive investigation by the SIU at Eskom, which uncovered evidence of criminal actions involving five accused individuals. This evidence, gathered under the SIU Act, was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) for further action. 

“The investigation, initiated in 2018 under Proclamation R11, focuses on Eskom's procurement and contracting processes and related payments. 

“The SIU applauds the diligent work of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate, Hawks and international partners, whose collaboration has led to this critical milestone.

“The SIU will continue to support the prosecutorial process and ensure that all individuals implicated in corruption are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

“This extradition is part of implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which sees law enforcement agencies coming together to eradicate corruption in South Africa and ensure the continued cleaning up of State-owned Entities, like Eskom, from corruption,” said the SIU. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 09/22/2024 - 16:21

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Cabinet welcomes positive economic numbers

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes positive economic numbers

Cabinet has welcomed the positive economic indicators following the slight growth in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), slowing inflation and the drop in the repo rate.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held this Wednesday.

South Africa’s GDP increased by 0.4% during the second quarter of 2024 following a 0.0% growth in the first quarter. Additionally, inflation dropped to 4.4% in August from 4.6% in July while the repo rate also dropped for the first time since 2020 to reach 8%.

“We are seeing positive economic indicators and therefor Cabinet welcomed the positive economic indicators as per the data released by Statistics South Africa. This increase [of the GDP] was influenced by the improvement in the manufacturing sector of 1.7% growth year on year. The revival of the manufacturing sector is a critical success factor in the re-industrialisation of South Africa. 

“There has been a consistent improvement in the CPI since March 2024. We must also extend our appreciation to the cut on the interest rate by 25 basis points…that is [a] welcome[d] relief to all South Africans,” the Minister said at Friday’s briefing.

READ | Government welcomes repo rate cut

State owned companies

Ntshavheni said steady progress in revitalising and improving the performance of State owned companies (SOCs) is welcomed.

She added that this will “positively contribute to South Africa’s industrialisation drive”.
“In this regard, it is worth noting that Denel posted a profit of R390 million before interest and tax for the 2023/24 financial year with irregular expenditure declining by a whopping 98%.

“Prasa [Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa] is making strong headway in getting passenger trains back on track with 31 of the 40 rail corridors now operational. 

“Eskom’s recovery plan continues to deliver positive outcomes with load shedding remaining suspended for more than 175 days as of the 18th  of  September 2024,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 11:51

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Read moreCabinet welcomes positive economic numbers

Western Cape NCOP Delegation Impressed by Delivery of Affordable Social Housing in Cape Town

Location: News

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The Western Cape's permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) expressed satisfaction and commended the efficient implementation of social housing projects to residents by the Western Cape Provincial Government's Department of Infrastructure and the City of Cape Town.

The delegation said some of the social housing projects are a great example of effective intergovernmental collaboration and public-private partnerships which provide decent and dignified accommodation.

While briefing the delegation on, the City of Cape Town reported that ten affordable social housing projects, totaling 4 849 residential units, have been completed between 2017 and 2024. According to the City, six more land parcels have been awarded as part of the land release program for affordable mixed social housing, out of which 4 268 housing opportunities are expected to be completed by 2028.

The delegation heard that more land parcels are at planning and release stage and are expected to provide approximately 20 000 housing opportunities in future.

The delegation conducted site visits to three of the recently completed social housing projects on Wednesday. It was impressed by the Conradie Better Living Model Exemplar Project in Pinelands which has 1004 affordable rental units ranging from R740 a month for a bachelor unit. It was built on the land belonging to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and has more tenants living in the vast precinct than the total population of Pinelands.

The delegation also commended the Maitland Mews development which boasts 204 social housing units developed to curb the City's dire need for centrally located social housing residences. At a total development cost of R95 953 055, monthly rental ranges from R650 for a bachelor to at least R4 900 for a two-bedroom unit.

Other features include nine business training units which are also used as meeting venues, play areas for children, and 24-hour security with biometrics fingerprint access and CCTV cameras.

The delegates also braved the rain and inclement weather on their third site visit of the day. They inspected the Goodwood Station Social Housing Project which began tenanting its 1055 units in December 2023 and August 2024 respectively. Water and bulk services are fully subsidized, and tenants also benefit from the indigent electricity subsidy.

The delegation and SALGA representatives quizzed the City on what seem like stringent and exclusionary letting procedures, and recommended a more inclusionary approach to benefit more people. The City currently has 410 000 applicants on its waiting list of indigent people needing social housing.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, said other municipalities could benchmark the City's delivery model in managing strategic intergovernmental cooperation and private-public partnerships that enable development.

Meanwhile the department cautioned that lack of funding, cross-subsidy and political support may hamper the delivery of similar projects that are currently at planning phase. The department indicated that similar projects are currently underway in Oudtshoorn, George, Knysna, Worcester, Stellenbosch and in other areas across the province.

The City recommended exploring alternative funding mechanism for affordable housing beyond government subsidies which may not be sustainable in future. The City also suggested the devolution of the Consolidated Capital Grant funding to municipalities for localized administration.

Mr. Badenhorst said the delegation will consolidate all recommendations and report back to the NCOP at the end of the oversight programme. The delegates will reconvene at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament Chamber this morning to turn their focus towards the province's disaster management systems.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Former PRASA engineering head’s sentence a blow against corruption

Location: News

Former PRASA engineering head's sentence a blow against corruption

The hefty 15-year sentence against former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Engineering Head, Daniel Mthimkhulu, for three counts of fraud is a “significant victory” against corruption.

This is according to Acting Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa, who briefed media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Mthimkhulu was convicted and sentenced in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court for, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), misrepresenting his qualifications to PRASA and submitting a fraudulent job offer letter that he claimed to have received from a German engineering firm for a position at its engineering department.

This resulted in PRASA counter-offering and suffering prejudice amounting to some R2.8 million per annum.

“Cabinet applauded the 15-year sentence of the former Head of Engineering at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Mr Daniel Mthimkhulu, by the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court. 

“This sentence marks a significant victory in the fight against corruption and government’s commitment to rooting out dishonest practices and ensuring accountability at all levels,” Ramokgopa said.

She said Cabinet also welcomed the work done by law enforcement agencies to hold the corrupt accountable for their misdeeds.

“Cabinet welcomes the preservation order of R6.5 million against those involved in looting funds at the National Lotteries Commission. These actions support the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy, which brings together law-enforcement agencies in the fight against corruption.

“Cabinet further welcomes the ruling by a London Court to allow the extradition of British national and former Eskom contractor, Mr Michael Lomas, to South Africa to face corruption charges. 

"Lomas will be extradited to face 41 serious corruption charges related to the construction of the Kusile Power Station. This ruling is also a vote of confidence in our criminal justice system and affirms our commitment to comply with international human rights obligations,” Ramokgopa said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit to conduct an investigation into allegations of corruption and maladministration at Eskom.

“The signing… strengthens efforts to hold those involved in corruption activities at the State entity accountable. The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 March 2006 and 30 August 2024, and nine contracts will be investigated.

“The President also amended a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate further areas of allegations of corruption at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.govza

NeoB
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:14

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Former Prasa employee sentenced to 15 years in prison

Location: News

Former Prasa employee sentenced to 15 years in prison

A former Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (Prasa) employee, who was convicted in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge on Monday, has been sentenced by the same court today.

Daniel Mthimkhulu was charged with nine counts including fraud, uttering and forgery by allegedly misrepresenting his qualifications to Prasa upon his arrest in July 2015.

He claimed, among other things, to have acquired a Masters’ degree from the University of Witwatersrand, as well as a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the Technische Universitat Munchen (Munich Technical University) in Germany.

“As a result of the misrepresentation and fabricated CV, Prasa suffered prejudice in that his annual salary was unduly hiked from R1.6 million, as executive manager to heading the engineering services for a salary to the tune of R2.8 million,” said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks, on Tuesday.

The Hawks’ Serious Economic Offences Unit of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation was instrumental in ensuring that Mtimkulu was ultimately convicted. 

The Johannesburg High Court had on Friday, 15 March 2024, attached both immovable and movable properties belonging to the convict in terms of the confiscation order of section 18 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. 

The court further ordered that Mthimkhulu pay an amount of R5.8 million to Prasa to recoup the proceeds of crime.

The court on Tuesday sentenced Mtimkulu to 15 years imprisonment on count 1 and on count 4 and 8, the court sentences him to six years imprisonment served concurrently with 15 years’ imprisonment. 

“This is one of the State Capture cases that has been finalised and the public can be assured that other State Capture cases on the DPCI table will be dealt with amicably,” said the unit.

The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya welcomed the sentence and applauded the hard work and efforts of the investigation and prosecution teams. 

"This should serve as a lesson to would be fraudsters that crime doesn’t pay," reiterated Lt Gen Lebeya. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 14:05

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Read moreFormer Prasa employee sentenced to 15 years in prison

Gautrain, PRASA collaborate to transport rugby fans

Location: News

Gautrain, PRASA collaborate to transport rugby fans

In an effort to showcase Gauteng’s integrated urban transport, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the Gautrain Management Agency (Gautrain) have teamed up to transport fans to this weekend’s Springboks and All Blacks test match.

“We are showcasing the fact that here in Gauteng, commuters can walk or take a bus or taxi to a PRASA or Gautrain Station, and board a train to get to the Emirates Park Stadium, via Ellis Park Train Station,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Sunday.

Rugby fans will be able to board the Gautrain and ride to Park Station, cross over to the revamped PRASA Park Station Mall, grab something to eat at any one of the food outlets, and then board the train to the game on Saturday, 31 August 2024. 

“The train ride from Park Station in the Johannesburg CBD [central business district] to Ellis Park Station is three minutes. What we are doing for the game is to illustrate how different elements of public transport can and should work together,” Creecy said.

PRASA and the Gautrain Management Agency, working together with the City of Johannesburg and the Rugby Union at Emirates Park Stadium, decided to throw their weight behind this international event to ensure a hassle-free, safe transport solution for the fans who want to use the train. 

The event is also supported by the Gauteng Provincial Government, as the host province.

Rugby fans will be able to board the Gautrain at any of the seven stations between Hatfield and Park Stations (Hatfield, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro, Sandton and Rosebank) or any of the five stations between OR Tambo International Airport and Park Stations (OR Tambo, Rhodesfield, Marlboro, Sandton, Rosebank) – of course changing trains at Sandton Station.

Emphasising the critical role that rail plays in the daily lives of South Africans, the Minister said the Department of Transport will forge closer links between provinces and municipalities to ensure that people can go to work or school, or a rugby or football match, using public transport.

“Our government, across the national, provincial and local spheres, must work together to design and build sustainable cities with integrated transport systems which will assist in growing our country’s economy and which is ultimately for the benefit of our citizens. 

“The proposed expansion of the Gautrain network, further north and south, is a clear example of our intention to further integrate our public transport system to achieve sustainable cities that work for our people,” the Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 09:36

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