The Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) knew how costly the long distance Shosholoza Meyl service were and that it needed funding when it was moved from Transnet to the railway operator in 2005. “Up to now Government has repeatedly stated that it will ensure that there is sufficient funding for Shosholoza Meyl as it is in the interest of all South Africans to keep the service running. Not all South Africans or tourists visiting the country has the luxury to afford making use of aeroplanes, busses or vehicles to travel long distances,” says Mr. Steve Harris, General Secretary of the United National Transport Union .
 
According to Mr Harris a study proved that worldwide passenger railway services such as Shosholoza Meyl are funded by the various governments or entities operating them to ensure that a safe and reliable service is supplied.
 
“When UNTU met with the now former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe and the them Minister of Transport Ben Martins in 2014 in the presence of Lucky Montana, the former GCEO of Prasa, the history of this division was confirmed and the government gave an undertaking that they would ensure that there is sufficient funding to continue with the service.”
 
Mr. Harris is concerned about the service fees that Prasa is required to pay Transnet for using their railway lines and other equipment. UNTU believes that there should be a closer working relationship between Prasa and Transnet as they are both state owned enterprises and should work together for the benefit of all South Africans.
 
According to Mr. Harris currently there are constant delays in the delivery of services by Transnet which hampers Prasa in its service delivery. Shosholoza Meyl has to share rail tracks with Transnet Freight Rail. The result is that passenger rail may get in the way of freight rail, which is making money.
 
“The Federation of Unions of South Africa is in the process of setting up a meeting between Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Public Enterprises and organised labour to see if we can debate and find solutions together for this problem in the best interest of South African commuters and tourist,” says Mr. Harris.