GAUTENG PROVINCE KICKSTARTS PROCESS TO APPOINT NEW DELIVERY PARTNER FOR POST 2026 GAUTRAIN PROJECT
The Gauteng Executive Council has recently approved the procurement of a new delivery partner for the Gautrain system. This means the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) has been granted the approval to go to market and advertise the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new delivery partner for the Gautrain system post 2026. The current Gautrain concession agreement comes to an end in March 2026.
“The GMA, welcomes the decision by the Executive Council and has already commenced with the plan to market the Gautrain Post 2026 project and the advertisement notice for the RFP is scheduled to go live on 5 November 2023. The new delivery partner will operate, maintain, modernise, innovate, and upgrade the current Gautrain system so that the GMA can continue to provide a safe and efficient public transport service,” said GMA CEO, William Dachs.
“Gautrain is the first and only rapid rail network, and the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of its scale, in South Africa. It is a strategic asset valued at R45 billion, and once the current concession expires at the end of its 19.5-year term in March 2026, the costs of establishing this long-term asset will have been paid off, allowing the Post 2026 Gautrain Project to reap the economic benefits,” William Dachs continued.
“Although it was planned and implemented as a transport project, the Gautrain is an economic development project focusing on reaching objectives of stimulating economic growth and job creation, promoting investment and new development. The Post 2026 Gautrain Project will further unlock economic potential and opportunities. It will also present an opportunity to build on a highly functional, world-class system and to rethink the Gautrain business model, ensuring that the system not only responds to the current challenges, but further cements operational and financial sustainability in the long term,” William Dachs explained.
“The Gautrain will become an even more integral part of people's daily lives and a catalyst for economic development, growth, and economic recovery in the province. Kick-starting a procurement process for a new delivery partner will ensure a smooth and timeous transition from the existing delivery partner to the new contract, with no service disruption post March 2026,” William Dachs concluded.
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Contact:
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
Notes to Editors:
• The Gautrain was first envisaged in 1997 and subsequently developed as one of the economic development flagship projects in Gauteng.
• Gautrain was procured as a PPP and the Gauteng Provincial Government appointed Bombela Concession Company in 2006 to design, build, operate, maintain and partially finance the Gautrain project.
• Phase 1 of the Gautrain, linking Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, was completed just in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The second and final phase, the Hatfield-Park link, was completed in June 2012.
• Travelling at 160 kilometres (100 miles) per hour, Gautrain links ten stations over an 80-kilometre (50 miles) route, linking the metropolises of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as one of the busiest airports in Africa – OR Tambo International Airport.
• The rolling stock fleet consists of 24 Bombardier Electrostar’s Electric Multiple Units, collectively comprising 96 rail cars, most of which were assembled in South Africa.
• Alongside the railway operation, Gautrain has a Dedicated Feeder and Distribution Service (DFDS), consisting of both dedicated buses and midi-buses in partnership with taxi associations, provided to improve accessibility to the train stations and to limit road traffic to the stations.
The anticipated economic and social impact of the Post 2026 Gautrain includes:
• Transforming spaces through transit-oriented developments at Gautrain Station precincts;
• Unlocking retail, business, and government services opportunities within the Station precincts;
• Re-stimulating local production through the manufacturing of local train-sets and bus fleet;
• Introducing new generation train-sets fitted with the latest modern technology and passenger amenities such as WIFI, on-board information displays, charging points etc.;
• Introducing dynamic pricing;
• Contributing R288 billion to the South African economy over the term of the Post 2026 Gautrain, which will contribute to R124 billion gain for households;
• Creating approximately 22 000 direct jobs and 52 000 induced jobs;
• 26 000 fewer cars on Gauteng roads every day;
• Spending R10 billion on procurement from Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs);
• Investing in future skills such as data scientists, cyber-security, and machine learning, to keep up with technological changes.
For more information, follow Gautrain on:
• Twitter - @TheGautrain
• Facebook -
www.facebook.com/gautrain
• Instagram - @TheGautrain
• Website -
www.gautrain.co.za
• Call Centre – 0800 42887246
• SMS alert line – 32693
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FREE GAUTRAIN SERVICE FOR SPRINGBOKS’ ARRIVAL AT OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
30 October 2023
Gautrain will offer free of charge travel to Springbok supporters travelling to and from OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 31 October 2023, from 10:00am to 15:00pm only. The free train service is only available from Park, Sandton, Midrand, and Pretoria stations for persons wearing Springbok or South African colours without luggage.
“As the Gautrain, we couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the celebrations and play our part by transporting Bokke supporters. The Springboks deserve a rousing South African welcome, we are bursting with pride,” said Gautrain Management Agency Chief Executive Officer Designate, Tshepo Kgobe.
The following terms and conditions apply:
• The free train service is only available from Park, Sandton, Midrand, and Pretoria stations
• Only persons wearing Springbok or South African colours without luggage, can use the free train service
• When travelling to the airport, the free service is only between 10:00am and 12:00pm
• When returning from the airport, the free service is only between 12:30pm and 15:00pm
• Free travel is limited to the train service and does not include Gautrain buses and midibuses.
#StrongTogether #Amabokoboko
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Contact:
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
For more information, follow Gautrain on:
Twitter - @TheGautrain
Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
Instagram - @TheGautrain
Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
Call Centre – 0800 42887246
SMS alert line – 32693
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AS SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES OCTOBER TRANSPORT MONTH, GAUTRAIN RECOMMITS TO BEING THE MOBILITY OF CHOICE FOR GAUTENG
24 October 2023
As the Gauteng Province wraps-up its October Transport Month activities, the Gautrain recommits itself into being a mobility of choice in the province.
The success of Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) is well captured in the attainment of its 11th consecutive clean audit outcome from the Auditor-General for the 2022/2023 financial year, and for the first time in its history, GMA achieved 100% of its annual performance plan targets (an improvement from the previous year’s 96%).
The GMA Chief Executive Officer Designate, Tshepo Kgobe said “Gautrain has been in operation for 13 years and continues to demonstrate Government’s commitment to the provision of a safe, reliable and efficient public transport for the people of Gauteng. The Service has maintained high levels of operational efficiency. The train service operations achieved an average availability of 99.66% and punctuality of 98.11% over the last year.”This was backed by excellent personal and property safety and security within the System keeping incidents below a 1% level. Safety and security targets for Gautrain passengers are met through the advanced security enhancement plans.
“The GMA will continue to use its expertise and experience in supporting provincial government on the improvement of public transport in our Province,” Kgobe concluded.
The GMA is mandated to ensure that the Gautrain System operates in a sustainable manner with a clear commitment to governance and the GPG’s primary economic objectives.
The socio-economic impact of mega-projects within the transport sector, such as the Gautrain rail network, make the case for maintaining and expanding South Africa’s transport infrastructure. A 2019 study by consulting engineering and business entity, Hatch, found that the Gautrain project contributed R19.4 billion to the Gauteng GDP during construction and R20.4 billion during operations, and further created 35 000 direct construction jobs and 10 900 direct operational jobs.
The positive multiplier effects of investing in transport infrastructure also includes stimulating commercial and residential property development around transport hubs, which has fostered integration partnerships with various stakeholders. Integration is also key to ensuring a seamless journey when using public transport, and the GMA has partnered with the Alexandra Taxi Association (ATA) and the Alexandra, Randburg, Midrand and Sandton Taxi Association (ARMSTA) to operate the Midibus Feeder and Distribution Service (MFDS) at the Gautrain Marlboro station.The MFDS is an extension to the Gautrain service and offers accessibility to an efficient, safe, and reliable public transport service in areas where other modes of transport services are not suitable.
The arrival of Gautrain stations in communities has influenced local development and commercialisation decisions, with an estimated R46 billion having been added to the total GDP of the provincial economy due to property development induced by the Gautrain, further contributing to another 245 000 jobs.
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Contact:
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
For more information, follow Gautrain on:
Twitter - @TheGautrain
Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
Instagram - @TheGautrain
Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
Call Centre – 0800 42887246
SMS alert line – 44181
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GAUTRAIN MANAGEMENT AGENCY RECORDS ITS ELEVENTH CONSECUTIVE CLEAN AUDIT
28 September 2023
The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) Board Chairperson, Mogopodi Mokoena, has on behalf of the board, congratulated the public entity for achieving its 11th consecutive clean audit outcome for the 2022/2023 financial year.
Mokoena and his fellow Board Members, will step down at the end of their tenure on 31 December 2023. According to Mokoena, for the first time in its history, GMA also achieved 100% of its annual performance plan targets (an improvement from the previous year’s 96%).
“The Agency’s agile management team and staff, provincial leadership’s unwavering support, uncompromising governance and oversight mechanisms, and an organisational culture of continuous improvement, has been key to achieving these outcomes. GMA has matured into a Centre of Transport Excellence for the province, and continues to contribute positively to the Gauteng economy by meeting and exceeding its socio-economic development targets,” says Mokoena.
Critical to the GMA mandate is to ensure that the Gautrain System operates in a sustainable manner with a clear commitment to governance and the Gauteng Provincial Government’s primary economic objectives.
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Contact:
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
For more information, follow Gautrain on:
Twitter - @TheGautrain
Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
Instagram - @TheGautrain
Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
Call Centre – 0800 42887246
SMS alert line – 44181
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MEC DIALE-TLABELA ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF TSHEPO KGOBE AS THE NEXT CEO OF THE GAUTRAIN MANAGEMENT AGENCY
22 September 2023
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has announced the appointment of Tshepo Kgobe as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) with effect from 1 February 2024.
The incumbent, William Dachs, will step down at the end of his tenure on 31 January 2024.
“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Executive, GMA Board, and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, we congratulate Tshepo Kgobe on his appointment. We believe his strong leadership will help steer GMA to greater heights, maintain its standards of excellence, innovation and good governance, and cement its position as a Centre of Excellence in the rail and public transport sector,” says MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
Kgobe is an engineer with diverse technical expertise in infrastructure, energy, mining and the railway environment. He has extensive experience managing complex projects and operations. At the start of the Gautrain project, he was responsible for the engineering and project management of the trackwork subsystem.
He joined the GMA in 2014 as the Senior Executive Manager responsible for the Technical Services Unit and in 2020 was appointed Chief Operating Officer.
He introduced a number of novel and visionary ideas in the agency and was part of a senior leadership team that ensured that the GMA delivered innovative and smart mobility solutions for the Province.
The MEC further thanked the outgoing CEO, William Dachs, for his relentless commitment to excellence.
“He navigated the Agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and led train ridership recovery post-lockdown, while maintaining Gautrain’s world-class service,” says Diale-Tlabela.
She also welcomed the following new Gautrain Management Agency Board Members, their appointment is effective from 1 January 2024:
Agency Board Members:
• Chairperson- Mfanelo Patrick Ntsobi
• Deputy Chairperson- Malebo Matolong
• Tebogo Nancy Seale
• Lungile Mtiya
• Mamela Luthuli
• Desmond Khalid Golding
• Kgotso Maja
• Irvin Bafana Sibisi
• Bongisizwe Mpondo
Issued by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport
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For more information, contact Head of Communication Ms Melitah Madiba or MEC's Spokesperson Mr Lesiba Mpya via email
pressoffice.gpdrt@gauteng.gov.za
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FREE GAUTRAIN BUS SERVICES FOR SPRINGBOKS VS ARGENTINA RUGBY GAME
27 July 2023
The Gautrain will offer a free bus service for ticket holders attending the Springboks Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 July 2023.
Gautrain Management Agency Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe, says the provision of the free bus service to rugby fans this weekend, follows a similar initiative during the Nedbank Cup Final when Gautrain trains and busses were released to ferry spectators to Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Hatfield) free of charge.
“Our provision of these free services is in tandem with and support of the province’s strategy of rebuilding the economy of Gauteng, with big sporting events as a great tool to boost the economy of the province. Gautrain would like to reposition itself as a mobility of choice in the province as we transport the province to work, but also places of fun and entertainment,” added Kgobe.
The free bus transfer from Gautrain Park Station to Emirates Airline Park is only for match ticket holders who travel by Gautrain. Standard train and parking fees will apply.
The first bus will leave Gautrain Park Station for Emirates Airline Park at 13:00. The last bus will leave Emirates Airline Park for Gautrain Park Station at 20:00.
Standard Gautrain rules will apply, including no eating or drinking on the train, bus or at stations.
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Contact:
Albi Modise
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
albim@gautrain.co.za
For more information, follow Gautrain on:
Twitter - @TheGautrain
Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
Instagram - @TheGautrain
Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
Call Centre – 0800 42887246
SMS alert line – 44181
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GAUTRAIN MANAGEMENT AGENCY EXECUTIVE WHO SHAPED GAUTRAIN BRAND RETIRES AFTER 23 YEARS AT THE HELM
2 May 2023
Dr Barbara Jensen Vorster, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing will have retired in her position at the of end of April 2023 after more than 23 years at the Gautrain.
Dr Barbara Jensen Vorster’s journey at Gautrain summarises Nikos Kazantzakis quote that “true teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully, encouraging them to create their own”.Dr Jensen Vorster has built many bridges for communication students and professionals. Under her leadership the GMA Communication and Marketing team has won several national and international awards for communication and marketing strategy, media management, research as well as brand management.As a Mentor and Teacher, she leaves a legacy of brand and communication excellence at GMA and has paved the way for the team to take the Gautrain brand to greater heights!
She has been part of the Gautrain project since its inception in 2000 and played an integral role in the development of the Gautrain brand as well as the roll out of the brand on trains, buses and all stations. Dr Jensen Vorster was also the official spokesperson of the Gautrain since inception.
The GMA Chief Executive Officer, William Dachs, said “our staff, management and the board extend their earnest appreciation to Barbara (as she’s fondly known), for her sterling contribution. One of the operational successes of Gautrain was involving a seasoned communication and marketing professional as the start of the project. Barbara was an integral member of the strategic team that crafted the direction the Gautrain project took. Under her guidance and leadership, Gautrain is part of iconic brands in South Africa”.
Reflecting on her journey at the GMA, Barbara said, “I will never forget a day, on a cold grey British winter’s day, when I walked into a huge “hangar” and saw the first Gautrain that came off the production lines. There, amongst everything grey, stood the most beautiful golden train you have seen on wheels.I was in tears. I even had the stoic British engineers in tears. My other highlight was the first time a Gautrain travelled a few kilometres from the Depot across the viaduct over Allandale road and back to the Depot, the realisation that we have turned a dream into a reality.Then of course, to be on board the first commercial Gautrain, on a cold winters morning from the Gautrain Sandton Station to OR Tambo International Airport Station. It has been an absolute honour to walk this journey and witness how the Gautrain brand is continuously growing and widening its customer base.”
“The Gautrain project faced tremendous criticism in the beginning phases, and significant negative media coverage. However, Barbara managed to turn that around by sharing the vision and purpose with the people of Gauteng and South Africa and enabled them to take ownership of Gautrain. They were able to talk about “our Gautrain”, and to be proud of this province and this country delivering a project of world class standards. As well as shaping public opinion by giving different stakeholders exactly the right amount and accurate information when they needed”, Dachs concluded.
Other memorable campaigns includes the Gautrain History book, which was recognised for innovation an design by the IABC; the Gautrain’s Phambili video, which received a special mention at the Paris Cine-Rail Train and Metro Awards and the Global AirRail Alliance Award for Service Excellence on the Gautrain Airport line.
Dr Jensen Vorster has been involved in communication and marketing for over thirty-six years, in a training, research and a practical capacity. Her expertise is government communication, international relations, communication research and the implementation of stakeholder mobilisation and transformation campaigns. She holds a Doctorate in Business Management. As an avid photographer, her photographs have received international acclaim with for example, recognition by National Geographic and the New York Modern Metropolitan.
Her expertise are not lost to Gautrain, she will still be involved as advisor to the GMA CEO on special projects, on a part time basis
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Contact:
Tlago Ramalepa
Executive Manager: Reputation
tlagora@gautrain.co.za
Follow Gautrain on:
Twitter - @TheGautrain
Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
Instagram - @TheGautrain
Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
Call Centre – 0800 42887246
SMS alert line – 32693
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DIEPSLOOT LEARNERS TO RECEIVE SCHOOL STATIONERY
11 April 2023
When schools re-open on Wednesday, 12 April 2023, the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) will deliver much-needed school stationery to learners in Diepsloot. The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Pinky Kekana, will attend the stationery handover event.
Stationery is an essential requirement for learning, however not all parents have the financial means to equip their children for school and this creates a barrier to successful learning. The GMA heeded the call by non-profit organisation, Afrika Tikkun, to donate stationery to the Wings of Life Centre in Diepsloot. The stationery donation includes 900 scientific calculators, 900 maths sets, 1800 exercise books and the Gautrain children’s book on climate change, Yolisa’s Mighty Mission.
Afrika Tikkun supports underprivileged children and youth through cradle-to-career developmental programmes. It is a leading non-profit organisation in education, skills development, and socio-economic upliftment. The GMA first partnered with Afrika Tikkun in 2017 in support of the NGO’s child and youth development programme which offers after school educational assistance to help young people in schools to have better academic outcomes. In October 2022, GMA started supporting the stationery donation drive when GMA staff donated stationery as part of the Employee Social Investment Programme.
According to Afrika Tikkun, for some children, even the most basic school supplies are a luxury. Afrika Tikkun’s Back-to-School Drive offers learners access to quality learning material so that they have the best chance to excel in school.
“The right to education is a fundamental human right hence it is important to remove any barriers that may prevent learners from performing at their best. We could not pass up an opportunity to provide basic supplies required to perform the schoolwork that awaits learners when classes begin,” GMA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tshepo Kgobe concludes.
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For media enquiries contact:
Dr Barbara Jensen Vorster
Gautrain Management Agency, Senior Executive Manager: Communication and Marketing
barbaraj@gautrain.co.za
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RENOWNED STORYTELLER, GCINA MHLOPHE, TO GIVE READING AT LAUNCH OF GAUTRAIN CHILDREN’S BOOK ON CLIMATE CHANGE
15 February 2023
The Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) will launch its fifth children’s book, Yolisa’s
Mighty Mission, on 17 February 2023 at Soweto Theatre with a reading by renowned
South African storyteller, Dr Gcina Mhlophe.
The book follows young Yolisa on her mission to reduce carbon emissions and save
Mother Earth. The colourfully illustrated book is for children of all ages and comes in
three languages: English, Isizulu and Sesotho.
“We have launched a number of children’s book throughout the years as a way of
introducing the importance of public transport use and Gautrain to learners, we also
recognise the value of reading in nurturing young minds, fostering a love of learning
and opening a door to endless possibilities. Yolisa’s Mighty Mission makes learning
fun and engaging because we understand that introducing concepts such as climate
change can seem daunting for parents,” said Dr Barbara Jensen Vorster, GMA Senior
Executive Manager, Communication and Marketing.
Armed with her Gautrain map and her Gogo’s chocolate biscuits, Yolisa is out to prove
that anyone can change the world, all it takes is a bit of imagination. The story themes
covered in the book include the effects of climate change and how having fewer cars
on the roads and using public transport can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
The multilingual book will be launched just in time to celebrate International Mother Language Day
on 21 February 2023.International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of
the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999.
It is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote linguistic and cultural diversity
and multilingualism.
Dr Mhlophe, who has significantly contributed to the revival of the African storytelling
tradition, will kick-off the launch by engaging Primary school learners from Soweto in
a reading experience. The book is distributed at various schools and community
libraries in Gauteng. also enables increased mobility and societal development in the future.
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Contact:
Tlago Ramalepa
Executive Manager: Reputation: Gautrain Management Agency
tlagora@gautrain.co.za
Follow Gautrain on:
Twitter - @TheGautrain
studentproduct@gautrain.co.za
Facebook –
www.facebook.com/gautrain
Instagram - @TheGautrain
YouTube - @GautrainSocialMedia
Website –
www.gautrain.co.za
SMS alert line – 32693
Call Centre – 0800 42887246
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