WeeklySA_AdminNEW ERA: Gibela Rail’s acting CEO Reggie Boqo says new rail network will ensure that South Africans have reliable access to safe and affordable transportation…
By Reggie Boqo
AS Johannesburg evolves and traffic pulses through the city’s bustling streets, a new mode of transport is quietly shaping the city’s future.
Gibela Rail, the local manufacturer of South Africa’s cutting-edge trains, is transforming – not only how people move, but also the socio-economic fabric of the country.
At the heart of this transformation is Gibela Rail’s contract with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), which has seen the production of modern electric trains that connect communities and unlock opportunities across Johannesburg.
But, beyond its role in mobility, Gibela Rail is essentially driving economic development, job creation and environmental sustainability.
Rail transport is a game-changer for urban economies. Efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly, this critical mode of transport offers cities like Johannesburg a way to reduce traffic congestion and pollution while improving access to work and services.
Gibela Rail’s sleek blue trains are designed for both speed and reliability, making them an essential part of the city’s future transport solutions. Employing 1 000 people, Gibela Rail’s manufacturing facility in Dunnottar, Nigel, stands as a beacon of South Africa’s industrial resurgence and a hub of engineering excellence.
With the emphasis on empowering women, over half of the workforce comprises women who are trained in advanced rail technology to produce trains that meet global standards.
However, Gibela Rail’s impact stretches far beyond the manufacturing of trains. The company is committed to fostering inclusive growth by investing in local procurement, creating opportunities for previously marginalised communities.
Over R17 billion has been channelled into Black-owned businesses and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), ensuring that South Africans at all levels of society can participate in the rail industry’s growth. In fact, R135 million has been invested into developing local SMMEs as suppliers for the rail sector. This investment is not only about creating jobs, but also building sustainable, resilient businesses that can grow alongside the country’s rail infrastructure.
Gibela Rail’s dedication to skills development is another pillar of its contribution to South Africa. More than 20 000 training interventions have been implemented, spanning from technical rail skills to management and leadership training. These initiatives ensure that South Africans are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in the ever-evolving rail industry.
The company’s on-site training centre, a R138-million investment, is dedicated to upskilling artisans and technicians, while R37 million has been earmarked for research and development specific to rail technologies.
This focus on local talent development is central to Gibela Rail’s mission of creating a sustainable workforce for the future – -in addition to committing to environmental sustainability. The company’s new trains consume 31 percent less energy than their predecessors and are built from 90 percent recyclable materials.
These innovations help reduce South Africa’s carbon footprint and align it with global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Gibela Rail has also made strides in improving environmental management at its Dunnottar plant, with efforts focused on indigenous flora conservation, wetlands restoration as well as waste and water management.
This holistic approach ensures that rail transport benefits, not only the economy, but also protects the environment. As Dr Buyiswa Mncono-Liwani, Gibela Rail’s Corporate Service and Traction Motors Operations Executive, emphasises, rail transport is essential for smart urban growth.
Cities like Johannesburg are rapidly expanding and the need for efficient, affordable and sustainable transport is becoming more critical. Gibela Rail’s vision of rail as the transport mode of choice aligns with the global shift towards smart cities, where technology and infrastructure are integrated to improve quality of life.
With 600 new electric multiple-unit trains planned by 2030, Gibela Rail is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of public transport in South Africa. The company’s trains, which are manufactured and maintained locally, will not only enhance mobility but also stimulate economic growth and job creation across the country.
As Gibela Rail moves forward with its ambitious goals, it continues to expand its operations. By 2026, Gibela Rail plans to begin train overhaul, repairs and maintenance in Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
These efforts will not only extend the life of the rail network but also ensure that South Africans have reliable access to safe and affordable transportation. As Dr Mncono-Liwani puts it: “Investing in reliable rail transport is not just a necessity for our cities—it is an opportunity for sustainable development in the rapidly changing urban environments we live in.”
Gibela Rail, not only connects people to places, but also is building the future of South Africa – one train at a time.
• Boqo is Gibela Rail CFO and acting CEO
