Mathaba, Thembinkosi Rodney2025-03-262024Mathaba, Thembinkosi Rodney. (2024). Assessing the performance of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa on the South African Economy [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/44444A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of f Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024This study assessed the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's (PRASA) performance and its economic impact. Using a qualitative approach, the research evaluated PRASA's current state, explored turnaround strategies, and examined economic consequences. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and document analysis were employed, with data analyzed through thematic analysis. The main findings reveal that significant operational challenges, including infrastructure deterioration and service disruptions, are exacerbated by COVID-19. Financial sustainability issues, governance instabilities, and systemic problems like skills gaps and procurement delays were identified as major impediments. PRASA's decline has increased transportation costs for commuters, negatively impacting local economies and businesses. Based on these findings, the study recommends prioritizing infrastructure modernization, enhancing security, restructuring funding models, and improving governance. Policy implications involve better aligning subsidies, strengthening oversight, and fostering collaborative partnerships for local economic development. These insights aim to support PRASA's revitalization and promote inclusive economic growth in South Africa.en© 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.PRASAPassenger railEconomic impactTurnaround strategiesGovernanceService qualityLocal economiesUCTDDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSDG-8: Decent work and economic growth