Metrorail commuters in protest

#UNITEBEHIND launched their #DelayRepay campaign with a protest yesterday demanding a better rail service and compensation in cases of continued delays.

Hundreds of civil society activists and commuters gathered outside the Cape Town station concourse handing out flyers and placards with the words: “state capture kills”, and “separate safe coaches for women and children”.

#UniteBehind spokesperson Matthew Hirsch said state capture destroyed governance and operations within the company.

“Rail commuters fear for their safety and are constantly stressed about delayed and cancelled trains.

“The deterioration of the Metrorail service is a consequence of state capture,” said Hirsch.

He said Cape Town’s public transport is among the worst in the world.

“Our train system is a national disaster,” said Hirsch.

He said R24 billion of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) money has been stolen in the past 10 years.

“We are yet to see anyone prosecuted, let alone convicted for corruption at the state-owned entity.

“This is despite reams of evidence of corruption that has flowed from the public protector’s 2015 report,” said Hirsch.

One of the campaign organisers, Mandy-lynn Matt said commuters were suffering as a result of corruption.

“The service that we loyally pay for has been stolen from us.

“The system robs commuters and the public of money and human dignity.

“Every delay or cancellation is a broken journey that greatly impacts on people’s lives.

“Broken journey means Prasa breaks their lawful contract with commuters,” she said.

Prasa acknowledges the democratic right to peaceful protest about issues of concern said Metrorail regional manager Richard Walker.