High-Speed Rail and Future Expansion

PRASA is actively involved in high-speed rail projects, with the South African Cabinet approving a high-speed rail framework in December 2023. Priority routes include Gauteng to Durban, Polokwane and Nelspruit, with feasibility studies already underway. PRASA will play a key role in implementing these projects alongside the government.

Stability and Financial Management

Leadership stability has been a cornerstone of PRASA’s recovery, with performance improving from 19% to 87% in the last financial year. Despite significant budget cuts of R6 billion over the Medium-Term Framework (MTF) period, PRASA is exploring private sector participation (PSP) for funding key projects, such as depot modernisation. Hishaam emphasises the need for innovative funding mechanisms to overcome these financial challenges.

PRASA is positioned to support the African Union’s goal of making South Africa the rolling stock manufacturing hub for the continent. With its Gibela manufacturing plant, PRASA is exploring opportunities to expand beyond local operations and looking at different technologies. Hishaam also discusses the possibility of leasing PRASA’s rolling stock to other African countries, in line with similar initiatives from Transnet Engineering.

Safety at the Forefront

As a sponsor of the Railway Safety Conference, Hishaam stresses that safety remains central to PRASA’s operations.

​