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PRASA passenger trains seen at a station
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will today lodge a formal complaint against the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) at the Public Protector’s office in Johannesburg.
This follows DA oversight visits uncovering alleged abuse and misspending of R3.5 billion to refurbish the old grey-and-yellow trains set to be used across the country.
DA Deputy Transport spokesperson Thami Mabhena says, “On the 17th of June 2025, in the Portfolio Committee on Transport, they said they have so far spent R2.5 billion and that they don’t intend to spend a cent more, but between 17 June 2025 and 17 September 2025, they had spent an additional R1 billion, bringing the total to R3.5 billion.”
Mabhena says, “Now, here is the question. What is the value for money for South Africans for you spending 3.5 billion rands on trains that you’re not going to be used, one train that you’ve parked?”
PODCAST| Interview with Mabhena on SA FM’s First Take Programme:
– Reporting by Kholo Tefo.
