The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Raymond Maseko as the Regional Manager for the Western Cape.
Known for his passion for rail, Raymond began his professional journey at PRASA after receiving a bursary to study engineering at the University of Cape Town. He achieved a first-class pass for his BSc Electrical Engineering degree and, between 2002 and 2008, worked as a Signal Engineer at Metrorail.
In the 23 years since he joined PRASA, Raymond has held key leadership positions, including those of Regional Engineer: Signals, Senior Manager: Signals, and, most recently, Acting Regional Manager for Metrorail Western Cape. Raymond has used his deep technical expertise and detailed knowledge of the operational requirements of the passenger rail network in the Western Cape to enhance its efficiency.
A true advocate for the role of rail in shaping South Africa’s transport landscape, Raymond is passionate about the history and evolution of locomotives and their contribution to economic growth and social mobility. He firmly believes in the power of rail to connect communities and drive sustainable transport solutions. Anyone who has ever listened to Raymond recounting the arrival of the first steam train in the Cape knows that railways hold a deep fascination for him.
“I grew up on the East Rand, in Benoni, and from the first day I saw a train pass by, I knew that I’d found my calling. I still marvel at how this hulk of an object, made of steel, can be both beautiful and such a powerful transporter of humans and goods,” says Raymond.
In his role as Acting Regional Manager, Raymond has been instrumental in the recovery and reopening of key corridors in the region’s passenger rail network. The Southern Line already operates with 15-minute headways, thanks to the restoration of the signals on the line. He has also played a leading role in the recovery of Cape Town’s Central Line, a Presidential Project. With the completion of the Central Line on the horizon, the number of train trips per day in the region is set to reach approximately 350— a significant milestone for PRASA and a reflection of Raymond’s astute leadership.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the Western Cape, given the odds we faced when we began restoring services that had been affected by vandalism, infrastructure theft, and the establishment of informal settlements on our rail reserves,” says Raymond.
The refurbishment of stations and improvements to rail infrastructure, including perway and overhead cables, have paved the way for restoring passenger train services to communities in the Western Cape.
As Regional Manager, Raymond will oversee PRASA’s operational strategy in the region by driving high-quality and affordable passenger train services. “My goal is to lead a team that is responsive, optimise operational efficiencies, leverage technology, and strengthen relations with our stakeholders,” adds Raymond.
“I congratulate Raymond on his well-earned appointment and look forward to his continued contributions to PRASA and the rail industry as a whole. Raymond’s dedication to restoring and protecting our rail network is a testament to his passion for public transport. Since joining PRASA, he has always been ready to go beyond the call of duty. He has given back to the industry by nurturing the next generation of talent in public transport,” says Hishaam Emeran, Group CEO of PRASA.
