Fight over R7 billion Prasa train overhaul tender heads to court

The fight over the contract for the general overhaul of the trains of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) is back in court after a losing bidder raised an objection.

In August 2022, Prasa invited companies nationally to tender for the maintenance of at least 4 500 Metrorail coaches and 1 400 coaches of its Shosholoza Meyl fleet, which were in a dire state. The tender was awarded to two companies, but the processes leading to the appointment of the service providers has been marred with controversy over the lack of transparency and tender-rigging.

In the latest turn of events, another unsuccessful bidder for the R7.5 billion contract has approached the Johannesburg High Court, demanding that the contract be set aside.