Creecy hits back at claims Transport Dept is failing to act on PRASA corruption

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has dismissed media reports that her department is failing to act on corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

Her comments follow a damning forensic report into the alleged corruption of a R7.5-billion general overhaul contract linked to Edwin Sodi aimed at refurbishing and extending the lifespan of ageing trains.

Speaking to union leaders in Pretoria, Creecy added that delays in signalling rollout and funding constraints are slowing the restoration of the country’s rail system.

Creecy said that despite 300 trains being available, signalling challenges are hindering the expansion of the passenger rail network.

Her comments come as union leaders warn that transport and food costs now account for about 60 per cent of workers’ income, and trains provide a cheaper mode of transport for their members.

Creecy said work to restore the rail lines destroyed during the COVID-19 pandemic will not happen overnight.

She said 37 out of 40 priority lines have been recovered, while the Lenasia line and Vereeniging corridor are expected to return to service in the next financial year, with plans also underway to restore the Germiston corridor, although funding remains a challenge.

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“We're trying to work out how we can safely increase the number of trains that we are running per hour with the current technology."

Creecy said her department is also dealing with a forensic report into further allegations of corruption involving a R7.5-billion train refurbishment contract linked to Edwin Sodi.

"There are officials, there's one who's been dismissed and several more currently going through DC, but this idea that we shouldn't be overhauling these trains is not a correct narrative."

She said the trains are needed where lines are not electrified, adding that there are possibilities these trains could be leased to neighbouring countries.