Prasa Gets Billions to Fix Trains, But Plans to Fire 600 Workers

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) got nearly R6 billion from the government to fix and modernize its trains. But now the company says it needs to fire 600 workers because some long-distance train routes have been closed for a long time.

In a letter to employees, Prasa said workers on those closed routes are not doing any work but are still getting paid. The company says it tried everything else before deciding to cut jobs. It calls the retrenchments a last resort.

One of the affected services is Shosholoza Meyl, which has not been running at full speed.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said in February that the R5.8 billion would help upgrade the train fleet and improve services for commuters.

What this means for workers: If you work for Prasa or on the railways, you may be affected. Keep an eye on news about retrenchments. If you are looking for a job in the rail industry, there may be fewer positions available for now.

This article was originally published on Sowetan.