The Public Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) yesterday announced the appointment of a panel of technical advisers to assist in turning the company's fortunes around.
This after Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s decision to dissolve Prasa’s interim board and place the entity under administration.
The rail agency said that the newly elected advisers would provide them with critical technical expertise and support the administrator’s turnaround strategy as well as advise on a number of other critical aspects.
Prasa administrator Bongisizwe Mpondo said in a statement that "Prasa’s promise to the customer has deteriorated to unacceptable levels, leaving some passengers with no transport options in certain communities, resulting in a drop in passenger train trips over the years”.
Members of the technical advisory team include Dr Mathetha Mokonyama, Krishna Govender - a qualified chartered accountant (CA), Themba Camane, who has over 25 years of experience in the fields of engineering, construction, real estate and project management, and William Mathebula who will provide expert knowledge and skills in supply chain management. Phelisa Nkomo has been appointed on a fixed-term contract to improve communication, stakeholder management, as well as performance monitoring and reporting at Prasa while Makhosini Mgitywa has been appointed on a fixed-term contract as Prasa spokesperson,” he said.
Mpondo was appointed for a period of 12 months, after which a permanent board will be appointed to run the affairs of the rail agency.