"The Gibela project is history in the making and our group of engineers is excited about making it happen"

Collen Malatji, mechanical engineer

"Rail is the future of transport – it is cleaner, more efficient and faster when moving people and goods"

Matodzi Mukhuba, mechanical engineer

"Of course the Gibela project will have its challenges, but challenges are there to be overcome, and we will be ready and waiting"

Philisande Somdaka, electrical engineer

"We believe in the Gibela journey, and we realise the extent of our collective responsibility to pass on the skills we acquire abroad to colleagues at home"

Kasturie Pillay, senior mechanical engineer

"This is a project of national importance that will touch the lives of millions of South African rail passengers. I can't wait to get going"

Denzel Momplé, mechanical engineer

"We are a motivated group of engineers and there is a synergy between our skills. Most importantly, the people who work here want to be here. I believe Gibela has great possibilities in the year ahead"

Bertus Els, electronic engineer

Home | Economic Development | Economic development policy

Economic development policy

Introduction

Gibela is a South African rail company that will design, manufacture and deliver 600 passenger trains over a 10 year period for the Passenger Rail Association of South Africa (PRASA).

Gibela is committed to ramping up the local content for the project reaching a level of 70% when manufacturing activities reach a stable pace, and the company will facilitate the development of local rail-related skills and the transfer of technical know-how. As Gibela's majority shareholder and major supplier, Alstom will play a significant role in the transfer of its technological expertise in suburban rail transport.

Our commitment

The Gibela Board believes that Economic Development is an integral driver of economic and social transformation in South Africa. The successful execution of this aspect of the PRASA mandate is critical. Gibela will align its strategy with the country's national development agenda, and work towards meeting the relevant objectives of the National Development Plan.

The company pledges to assume its role in working towards the country's 2030 National Development Plan. It has begun, and will continue, to commit its resources, within reasonable means, to accomplish the goals set out in the Economic Development strategy. This strategy is outlined in the Manufacturing and Supply Agreement with PRASA and is designed to meet the objectives of the government's 2030 vision.

Gibela's contribution to large scale economic development and social progress through its greenfield infrastructure development programme and advanced rail technologies will be underpinned by the company's Economic Development Policy.

Our approach

Gibela will achieve its objectives through the employment of local job seekers; the development of a robust supply chain, local production and the general enhancement of the living conditions of the people around its physical operations through community development initiatives focused on competency development and know-how transfer.

Gibela's Economic Development Policy has four main elements:

    • Localisation

      To resuscitate local manufacturing industries through the implementation of a comprehensive localisation plan.

    • Enterprise Development

      To create sustainable enterprises in the rail sector which achieve growth and create jobs.

    • Skills Development

      To develop rail-related skills and create the capacity of employees at corporate level, and throughout the supply chain, in line with South Africa's initiatives for economic advancement.

    • Job creation and capacity building

      To unlock the community's economic potential by enhancing their human capital through capacity building programmes.

Accountability

The Gibela leadership is accountable for the successful implementation of the Economic Development Policy and any associated practices. The Management Committee will report to the Board on progress made in all areas of Economic Development.