RATP Dev—a global front-runner in urban and intercity transport—this week declared its renewed commitment to South Africa by launching a new consortium dubbed “Sihamba Sonke Mobility”.
This coalition includes prominent local players such as GIBB-Crede, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Alstom, and others, signalling a strategic pivot toward enhancing the nation’s rail infrastructure.
Yet, amid this surge of optimism, the need for critical evaluation arises regarding the effectiveness and long-term impact of such collaborations in addressing the pervasive challenges within South Africa’s transport sector.
RATP Dev has been a key player in South Africa since 2010, holding a leadership role in Bombela Operating Company, the operator and maintainer of the Gautrain. The Bombela Operating Company has consistently excelled, earning accolades for its operational efficiency with an impressive 96% availability rate.
Moreover, its local leadership team is comprised of 70% women, reflecting a commitment to representation and community involvement. The company’s recent recognition as Train Operator of the Year at the inaugural Rail Industry Awards serves as a significant testament to its operational capabilities and the high standards it has set.
However, while these achievements are commendable, they point to a broader conversation about how this success translates into real benefits for the average commuter in a country where public transport remains a critical lifeline.
“As we move into the future, we want to align ourselves more actively with the country’s priorities in urban rail,” CEO of Bombela and RATP Dev’s Country Director in South Africa, Nthabiseng Kubheka, said.
This ambition hints at a vital shift in focus toward addressing the everyday complexities that South Africans face in public transportation, including issues like reliability, affordability, and accessibility.
Yet, it raises crucial questions: How will RATP Dev ensure that this alignment translates into substantial improvements in service delivery and community engagement, particularly in underserved areas?
Kubheka elaborates: “We decided to re-imagine our role as a strategic and value-adding partner to South Africa.” This commitment appears sincere, with an expressed intention to blend local insights with global expertise to meet the urgent needs of the rail sector.
Kubheka further said: “To achieve this … we have enlisted the participation of seasoned local investors as well as global partners who have been relentlessly investing in South Africa, all of them with a stellar track record of supporting socio-economic development across key sectors of the economy.”
The consortium touts more than 300 years of collective experience in delivering major investment projects across diverse sectors, positioning it favourably to tackle ongoing issues—if harnessed correctly. However, past experiences with consortia and public-private partnerships have shown that translating intentions into reality is often fraught with obstacles, from bureaucratic delays to a lack of community involvement.
Indeed, RATP Dev brings robust experience—over 125 years—alongside Alstom’s extensive 175 years in rail solutions, setting a promising foundation for transformative projects. The consortium’s vision aims to maintain the existing high standards of the Gautrain while also exploring new initiatives designed to expand the rail network and enhance service offerings.
However, mere expertise is not a panacea; it requires a deep understanding of the local context and a genuine commitment to addressing the chronic issues facing commuters today.
“South Africa today is vastly different from 14 years ago, when we began operating the country’s first rapid rail. Today, the Gautrain is a best practice case study for public-private partnerships. Our new partners bring in a broad economic, unrivalled experience and in-depth understanding of both South Africa and the global landscape.
“Together, we want to maintain the current record of excellence of the Gautrain while delivering on new projects with an intent on impacting positively the community and thus enabling more South Africans to be active contributors in growing the economy," Kubheka said.
Investment from AIIM, which will allocate significant funds from its R25.8 billion IDEAS Fund to South Africa’s commuter rail landscape, is another positive step. This fund has a well-established track record in the energy sector, having successfully mobilised pension capital to support various renewable projects.
Yet, the critical question remains: Will this funding result in tangible improvements for commuters, or will it merely plug funding gaps without addressing the needs at the grassroots level? Transparency and accountability in how these funds are utilised will be paramount to avoid repeating past mistakes that hinder progress.
Engagement with influential local entities such as AIH—comprising 51 Black women, most of whom are chartered accountants—and the women-led Motseng Investment Holdings Group represents a vital layer of depth to this consortium. Their involvement enhances the potential for inclusive growth and responsiveness to community needs.
However, the ultimate success of these initiatives will require these partners to leverage their expertise effectively while communicating openly with the communities they serve.
Moreover, the promise of a “world-class passenger rail system” speaks to a collective vision for development and modernisation. This assertion should not be taken lightly; the improvement of public transport is essential not only for economic growth but also for enhancing quality of life in South Africa.
RATP Dev has articulated their goal to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to decent work, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities, all of which are commendable aspirations.
However, achieving these goals will necessitate a concerted effort, commitment, and innovation in addressing issues like ageing infrastructure, service interruptions, and limited reach to rural and peri-urban areas.
As South Africa grapples with the multifaceted challenges of public transport, including safety, frequency, and maintenance, the stakes are undeniably high. The emphasis on building an integrative system aligns with the broader ambitions of national development.
RATP Dev’s proactive engagement and their pledge to enhance the Gautrain’s capabilities indicate a willingness to evolve and adapt. Still, the true measure of commitment will depend not only on the quality of partnerships formed but also on how effectively these partnerships translate into improved services that resonate with the daily experiences of South Africans.
As RATP Dev takes on this pivotal role in South Africa’s transportation narrative, the challenges ahead may be daunting, but the potential for transformation is significant. As they embark on this journey, the focus must remain on delivering meaningful improvements that genuinely impact the lives of those who rely on public rail transport every day.
Only by bridging the gap between commitment and execution can RATP Dev hope to fulfil its promises and create a rail system that is inclusive, efficient, and rooted in the realities faced by the South African populace.
The future of public transport in South Africa hangs in the balance, and the next steps taken will be critical in determining whether this renewed promise becomes a narrative of success or yet another chapter of unfulfilled potential.
sizwe.dlamini@inl.co.za