Gibela on PRASA Train Maintenance, Digital Tools, and Services for African Operators

In this Coffee with the Editor, filmed during Africa Rail 2025, Vuyiswa Tlomatsane, Services Executive at Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, unpacks the full scope of Gibela’s Maintenance, Technical Support, and Spare Supply Agreement with PRASA.

Under this long-term contract, Gibela not only provides technical support but also develops PRASA’s maintenance regime and supplies all required spare parts. The agreement began in 2016 with just 18 trains and a single operational base. Fast forward to the post-COVID period, and Gibela now operates across four key locations.

Today, PRASA runs 156 trains daily across 25 active corridors. Gibela ensures the maintenance teams are fully equipped with the correct tools and quality spare parts—many of which are manufactured and supplied in-house. All required maintenance training is delivered to specification, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fleet. This close collaboration with PRASA includes successful skills transfer, enabling PRASA to take over maintenance responsibilities once the contract concludes.

As part of the support agreement, Gibela also trains the drivers to operate the new fleet, which features advanced technology not present in older rolling stock. While initially overwhelming, the drivers have since become proficient in operating the system and using the built-in safety features confidently. Gibela continues to provide real-time operational support to drivers, safeguarding journey continuity.

This comprehensive approach reflects Gibela’s commitment to reliable train operations throughout the fleet’s 40-year lifespan, while also laying the foundation for regional service expansion.

Key topics covered in this interview

• Maintenance planning across four active depots
• How Gibela trains are serviced every two months using parts and tools designed and supplied in-house
• A digital service execution system with tablets and real-time notifications
• Warranty support, with full control of the fleet for the first two years
• In-sourcing of component repairs, including HVAC, brakes, batteries, electronics, traction motors, and gearboxes
• Growing African maintenance strategy targeting legacy fleets across the SADC region and beyond
• Up to 256 maintenance visits per month, ensuring 90% fleet availability for PRASA’s 156 trains on 25 corridors

Gibela’s end-to-end maintenance and support model not only secures a 40-year operational lifespan but also builds local capacity and expertise, transferring vital skills to PRASA throughout the 19-year contract.