'The controversial procurement of the AFRO4000 locomotives, deemed too tall for much of South Africa’s rail network, marked a turning point.’ Picture: Itumeleng English
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) has found itself in a deep hole of mismanagement and dysfunction, a far cry from the leading commuter service provider it once was.
Corruption, poor governance, and reckless decision-making have not only damaged its operations but severely impacted the lives of low-income South Africans who rely on affordable transport. The consequences are felt most deeply in provinces like the Eastern Cape, where commuters have been forced to switch to taxis, burdening them with far higher costs.
The root of Prasa’s collapse lies in systemic corruption. Like many state-owned enterprises in South Africa, Prasa became a lucrative tool for politically-connected individuals seeking personal enrichment.
The controversial procurement of the AFRO4000 locomotives, deemed “too tall” for much of South Africa’s rail network, marked a turning point. That R3.5 billion contract, awarded under questionable circumstances, is emblematic of how mismanagement and corruption have hollowed out the agency. Despite glaring design flaws, Prasa is still fighting to utilise the defective locomotives, a move that raises serious concerns about oversight and decision-making within the organisation.
Beyond procurement blunders, Prasa’s inability to modernise its ageing fleet and address infrastructure challenges has led to a steep decline in ridership and revenue. Once operating 21 routes, it now operates just two, a devastating reduction that has seen fare revenue plummet by over 70% in the last decade.
This failure has not only crippled the agency but also eroded public trust in the ability of state-owned enterprises to fulfil their mandates.
Prasa’s survival depends on implementing drastic reforms. Better governance, professional management, and a commitment to serving the public interest are essential to reversing its decline.
It’s time to prioritise service delivery and put an end to the culture of corruption that has brought the agency to its knees. The public deserves better, and Prasa must transform itself if it is to restore the essential service it once provided.
* Quinton Mtyala, is the Western Cape Regional News Editor.
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