The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has released its 2024/25 Group Annual Report, announcing that the organisation achieved an overall performance level of 93%, up from 87% in the previous year. This is the highest in more than a decade and marks an upward trajectory in performance over three consecutive years against the Annual Performance Plan (APP).
In another significant milestone, PRASA has received an Unqualified Audit Opinion from the Auditor-General for the first time in nine years. This achievement follows years of adverse findings — four years of Disclaimer opinions (2019–2022) and two years of Qualified opinions (2023–2024).
These achievements not only improve on the preceding financial year but also continue the upward trajectory established since 2021/22, signalling that PRASA’s recovery and rebuild programme is delivering tangible results for commuters and the economy.
Key Performance Highlights
Key performance highlights contributing to the 93% achievement include:
- Operational Lines: 35 of 40 service lines or corridors have been recovered and restored since 2021/22, with six lines recovered during the period under review.
- Modernised Fleet: 268 new modern Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) have been accepted cumulatively under the fleet renewal and modernisation programme, including 60 delivered in 2024/25.
- Stations Revitalised: 46 stations were revitalised, surpassing the target of 40, bringing the total number of recovered and operational stations to 313 out of 468 commuter stations.
- Signalling Infrastructure: New signalling systems were commissioned on three priority lines in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, improving train frequencies and headways to deliver reliable and efficient services.
Signalling commissioned lines include:
- Langa–Nyanga and Nyanga–Sarepta (Western Cape)
- Durban–Merebank (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Cape Town–Simonstown (Completed in 2023/24 FY)
- Pretoria–Mabopane (Completed in 2023/24 FY)
PRASA Rail Division: Delivering on Its Mandate
PRASA’s commuter service exceeded expectations, recording 77 million passenger trips against a target of 64 million. A total of 208,000 train trips were scheduled, achieving a 91% on-time performance rate, with cancellations limited to 3%.
By the end of March 2025, PRASA had received 268 new trains, with 60 delivered during the financial year and more than 70% deployed across the regions. PRASA remains the most affordable mode of transport, offering relief to millions of South Africans during a difficult economic climate.
Commitment to Safety and Security
PRASA recorded 259 safety occurrences, far below the target of 372. This equates to 0.34 incidents per 100,000 passenger trips compared with the 0.58 threshold. Security-related incidents also declined, with 929 cases reported, well below the limit of 1,450.
The modern EMUs, known as Isitimela Sabantu, with enhanced comfort and safety features, have significantly elevated the commuter experience. Visible onboard security has further improved passenger safety.
Group Capital Programme: Driving Jobs and Economic Impact
PRASA invested R21 billion in capital projects during the year, resulting in over 84,000 jobs created or supported, contributing to broader economic stimulation.
The Rail + Property Strategy remains a cornerstone of PRASA’s plan to diversify revenue streams for long-term financial sustainability, with projected growth in property revenue to R2.5 billion.
PRASA successfully spent its full capital allocation, breaking away from a history of underspending and slow project execution. Capital spending for the period under review reached R21 billion, exceeding the annual budget allocation of R11.6 billion by R9 billion.
This investment accelerated the recovery and modernisation programme, creating 12,988 direct jobs and an additional 71,730 indirect job opportunities across the economy, bringing the total job impact to 84,718.
Commercial Revenue Growth
PRASA’s diversified revenue streams and commercialisation drive, implemented through its subsidiary Intersite Asset Investments (effective 1 April 2025), form the foundation for long-term financial sustainability through the property portfolio.
In 2024/25, commercial income reached R708 million, surpassing the budget of R675 million by 5%.
Flagship achievements include the Cape Town Station Mixed-Use Development, The Lab on Park Student Accommodation in Braamfontein, Goodwood Social Housing in Cape Town, and Dieprivier Affordable Housing.
The Transit-Oriented Development approach to property development will remain a significant driver of growth and future revenue, with 24 of 26 development leases finalised and projects in the pipeline valued at approximately R7.8 billion.
Greening the Rail Future
Intersite is advancing PRASA’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability through renewable energy integration. A flagship project, the 1 MW photovoltaic rooftop plant at Durban Station, is currently under construction.
Audit Findings
PRASA has achieved a major governance milestone with its first Unqualified Audit Opinion in nine years. This outcome reflects progress in strengthening financial management, governance, and accountability, while improving consequence management to sustain positive audit outcomes.
The organisation is now focused on closing remaining audit findings, strengthening supply chain controls, and embedding consequence management systems to ensure governance standards that stand the test of time.
These measures collectively demonstrate PRASA’s continued trajectory of reform and commitment to restoring trust and delivering on its mandate.
Leadership Reflections
The PRASA Board of Control welcomed the performance report and the Unqualified Audit Opinion.
“These milestones reflect visible year-on-year improvements over the last three financial years, stronger consequence management, and the oversight role we played diligently in line with our fiduciary duties,” said Board Chairperson Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo.
“Achieving 93% performance is not just a number, nor a small feat. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of employees across every region and division. It reflects the discipline, resilience, and teamwork that have gone into turning the tide at PRASA,” said Group CEO Hishaam Emeran.
Looking Ahead
PRASA is entering the next phase of its turnaround journey with a renewed focus on optimising services to enhance the commuter experience.
Over the coming years, the agency will prioritise expanding train services to improve access, upgrading track quality to enable faster journeys, and installing modern signalling systems to reduce waiting times on high-demand corridors from an hour to as little as ten minutes.
The reopening of remaining metro stations, the introduction of modernised ticketing solutions such as tap-and-go payments, and the continued growth of the EMU fleet — including the upcoming milestone delivery of Train 300, marking the halfway point of the 600-train target by 2035 — will further expand services, improve convenience, and strengthen PRASA’s commitment to safe, reliable, and accessible rail transport for all South Africans.
“This has been a defining year for PRASA. The organisation not only delivered on its promises but exceeded them,” concluded Emeran.
