The South African company, Gibela-which means ride on- is a consortium that has been awarded a 10 year rolling stock programme by Prasa, a Government agency.
Worth R51bn, the first 20 trains are being assembled at Alstom (Brazil) and further 580 will be manufactured in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
Marc Granger Gibela CE, says the company is targeting 70% local content in an effort to revitalize the South African economy and develop local supply chains. This is firstly, the South African contract, “he said.
Prasa has made it clear that this project is designed to involve and benefit South Africans and we’re 100% comfortable with that.”
Nearly, 100 local suppliers have been pre-selected from potential vetting and talks are still on- going with others, says Granger.
Siyahamba Engineering CE, Douglas Chauke says that, 85% of the 165 employees are unskilled with artisans and skilled workers comprise the balance.
The Germiston based company has been awarded the contract to manufacture drivers cab doors for the first 200 trains over a period of four-years; and according to Chauke, this will increase his working capacity.
The massive project begins operations from February 2015 and projected completion is 2035.
Gibela is a joint venture led by Alstom (France based -61%) with local shareholders made up of Ubambano Rail (30%) and New Africa Rail (9).
