Cabinet said in a statement on Thursday it is concerned about the destruction of transport infrastructure and asked the public to assist government in combating it.
“This undermines government’s commitment to take services to historically disadvantaged communities. No amount of unhappiness should result in the destruction of public property. Such destruction serves to rob the poor of much-needed services,” said Cabinet.
Two Metrorail trains were set alight on separate platforms at the Germiston station earlier this month. The damage caused by the suspected arson is estimated at more than R6 million.
Last month three trains in Cape Town were simultaneously set alight.
Cabinet called members of the public to be vigilant and work with law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to account.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster will deal with the matter accordingly.
Meanwhile, Cabinet joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in expressing sadness at the tragic passing away of more than 27 people in a multiple vehicle accident on the N1 North in Limpopo at the weekend.
“Road users are urged to exercise caution on our roads and must ensure that they obey the rules of the road at all times,” it said.
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially launch a new, multibillion rand train manufacturing factory at Dunnottar Park in Nigel, Gauteng.
The launch of the train factory will create much-needed jobs and job opportunities, while attracting investment and boosting the economy of the country.
The 72-hectare site at Dunnottar Park, which cost R1 billion, consists of a Supplier Park and Rail Training School, which will manufacture, assemble, test, commission and deliver 580 new commuter trains.
This massive investment will include the local manufacturing of parts, maintenance, training facilities, the creation of jobs, skills development, the achievement of a 65% local content, and it will promote black economic empowerment and support communities.
Construction of the factory began in January 2016, with manufacturing activities starting in 2017. The overall employment equity constitutes 49% female and 51% male, with 635 full-time employees, 90% of whom are black.
The plant is scheduled to deliver two new trains by December 2018, a further nine trains by March 2019 and an estimated 56 trains over the next two years.
