Gautrain Talks: Recent Episodes
Gautrain Talks
The GMA recognises the value of knowledge as one of its assets and the need to create, preserve and manage the asset effectively. At the core of the GMA Knowledge Management (KM) strategy is the intent to build a learning organisation that plays a role in South Africa’s knowledge economy and the public transport sector.
The Gautrain Talks station forms part of tacit knowledge capture to explicit format using a digital mode of dissemination in line with the KM strategy pillars.
In this episode we focus on reflections, growth and career journeys at Gautrain Management Agency.Through this conversation, we reflect on the graduate programme experience, the lessons learned along the way and how those experiences contribute towards professional development, organisational culture, and knowledge sharing within the GMA.Joining us is Malekutu Ramokgata a former graduate within the Gautrain Management Agency who has continued building his professional journey within the organisation.
In this episode we focus on reflections, growth and career journeys at Gautrain Management Agency.Through this conversation, we reflect on the graduate programme experience, the lessons learned along the way and how those experiences contribute towards professional development, organisational culture, and knowledge sharing within the GMA.Joining us is Lindiwe Masilela a former graduate within the Gautrain Management Agency who has continued building her professional journey within the organisation.
In this episode we focus on reflections, growth and career journeys at Gautrain Management Agency.Through this conversation, we reflect on the graduate programme experience, the lessons learned along the way and how those experiences contribute towards professional development, organisational culture, and knowledge sharing within the GMA.Joining us is Seipati Malomane a former graduate within the Gautrain Management Agency who has continued building his professional journey within the organisation.
In this episode we focus on reflections, growth and career journeys at Gautrain Management Agency.Through this conversation, we reflect on the graduate programme experience, the lessons learned along the way and how those experiences contribute towards professional development, organisational culture, and knowledge sharing within the GMA. Joining us is Maligana Mathoma a former graduate within the Gautrain Management Agency who has continued building his professional journey within the organisation.
In this e-Lounge Session we discuss Tinyiko Maluleke 's captivating collection of essays.Tinyiko Maluleke invites his readers on a journey that begins with his eventful boyhood in Soweto and his life-changing upbringing in Limpopo. His heartfelt reflections on the roles of his mother, maternal grandmother and aunts in his childhood will resonate deeply with readers. In the truest sense, this is a ‘feminist’ book – one that powerfully highlights and celebrates the vital contributions of women to national development.This memoir traces Maluleke’s journey through academia, his rise through the ranks, and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. Woven into his personal narrative is a broader reflection on the South African experience, inviting readers to reconsider the history of the country – its villages, townships and even their own identities.Maluleke delivers unflinching analysis of critical issues facing South Africa, blending rigorous scholarship with a masterful command of diverse literary genres and writing styles. More than just a memoir, this book is both a tribute and a testament to the moments, places, and people – both celebrated and unsung – that have shaped hisperspective. His incisive profiles of fellow university leaders are particularly compelling.Faces and Phases of Resilience will make you think, laugh, yell, and cry. More than just a personal memoir, it is the memoir of a country, a historical epoch, and a people – an invitation into the tragedy, beauty and hope that define South Africa.
From Daveyton to Davos, Professor Bonang Francis Mohale has defied odds, challenged the status quo and used every opportunity afforded to him to carve his own way in the world. More than that, he has chosen to take as many people as possible along with him. Having already written two books on business, leadership and ethics, he now puts pen to paper to share a more personal story – his own life journey. In Coming in From the Cold Bonang reflects on the experiences, decisions, principles and people that have shaped his journey – the good, the bad, the joyful and the painful. With thoughtful vulnerability, he opens a window into his private world, from a childhood enriched by his grandmother’s proverbs to meeting Susan, his lifelong love, in high school and marrying her at just 17. For the first time, he shares openly and publicly his philosophies on family and parenting, the intense fear of poverty that fuelled his career ambitions, and the memories he holds most dear. As he reflects on theforks in the road that led to a level of success unimaginable to a young boy from the township outskirts of Benoni, he also offers pearls of wisdom to those who wish to learn from his legacy.
Business Science (Marketing) from the University of Cape Town. Dr Masito is a transformative leader at the intersection of business, social impact, and human possibility—with 27+ years shaping global brands and driving meaningful change across technology, telecommunications, sport, and consumer goods. As the leader of Canva's Africa operations, he's democratizing design and empowering creativity across the continent.In his book Dr. Masito unpacks the interlocking crises facing Black boys and men: educational disparities, mental health struggles, pervasive violence, and fractured relationships. More crucially, the book illuminates a clear path forward.‘Every man is every boy’ is not merely an observation but a powerful call to action.Trigger Warning / Listener Discretion AdvisedThis episode contains discussions around sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including absent fatherhood, suicide, self-harm, gender-based violence (GBV), sexual abuse (including abuse of boys), trauma, intergenerational trauma, mental health, and systemic inequality in South Africa.Some personal stories shared in this conversation are raw, candid, and emotionally intense. Listener discretion is advised, particularly for those who have experienced similar forms of trauma or loss.If you find this content triggering, please consider pausing the episode and seeking support from a trusted friend, family member, or a qualified mental health professional.
What does the future of transport in Gauteng look like—and how will it change the way people live, work, and move?In this episode, we unpack the ambitious Gauteng Rapid Rail Integrated Network (GRRIN) Extensions—a major expansion of the Gautrain system designed to improve mobility, unlock economic opportunities, and reshape the province’s urban landscape.We’re joined by Bennie Forster, Director of Rail and Transit at Hatch Africa, about the preliminary route alignment study for the Gautrain Rapid Rail Integrated Network Extensions. Bennie, a mechanical engineer with 36 years of rail experience, explains the multi-criteria analysis used to evaluate route options and station locations for the proposed Soweto extension and Cosmo City junction. The discussion covers construction considerations, transport integration, and economic development opportunities. Phase two of the extensions spans approximately 71 kilometers, connecting Little Falls to Soweto, Cosmo City to Lanseria, and Cosmo City to Samrand.More information regarding the GRRIN extension can be found on GMA website at:https://gma.gautrain.co.za/projects/Pages/Extensions.html
In this episode we're exploring Gautrain's commercial ventures with Tshepo Kgobe, Chief Executive Officer at Gautrain Management Agency .
In this episode we're talking about humane leadership, a concept that’s gaining traction globally. Joining us as we look at what humane leadership looks in his organisation, is Tshepo Kgobe, Chief Executive Officer at Gautrain Management Agency
Joining us in this episode as we look at Gautrain’s 15 Years of Excellence. Reflecting on the Gautrain Journey is Tshepo Kgobe, Chief Executive Officer at Gautrain Management Agency
In this episode of Gautrain Talks - Albi Modise, Senior Executive for Communication and Marketing at the GMA, discusses the unique challenges of public branding, emphasising trust and community engagement. He highlights the agency's vision for 2026, digital transformation efforts, and the importance of maintaining high service standards. We also cover managing public perception, measuring brand impact, and future plans for modernisation and sustainability.
In this episode of Gautrain Talks - Albi Modise, Senior Executive for Communication and Marketing at the GMA, emphasises the importance and complexities of stakeholder engagement, particularly for the Gautrain project in South Africa. He highlights the diverse stakeholders involved, the challenges of meeting evolving societal expectations, and the necessity of proactive, transparent communication. Albi also offers advice on segmenting stakeholders and tailoring communication to address specific concerns effectively.
In this episode of Gautrain talks - Albi Modise, Senior Executive for Communication and Marketing at the GMA, discusses the agency's commitment to corporate social responsibility. We highlight the GMA's initiatives in education, food security, and sustainability, emphasising thee long-term vision to empower communities. Albie shares success stories, the importance of community engagement, and the broader impact of addressing climate change and inequality.
Gautrain Talks had the honour of talking to outgoing GMA CEO, William Dachs.In the second of two special episodes we discussed the the key factors for successful PPP implementation and management as it relates to the Gautrain.
Gautrain Talks had the honour of talking to outgoing GMA CEO, William Dachs. In the first of two special episodes we discussed the Gautrain's role in driving economic development.
In this episode we look at the Stakeholder Consultation During Review, Development And Up-dating Of The Provincial Land Transport Framework is Lucky Zondi Executive Manager of Project Management and Project Cost Control specialist, Prudence Gwaza.
In this episode we unpack the Gautrain Management Agency’s Integrated Management System. For a deep dive into this subject, we’re joined by Mokgadi Manamela, the GMA’s Executive Manager for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality.
In this episode we are joined by Thoriso Molefi, the GMA’s Senior Manager of Management Information System. We will be talking about ridership and looking specifically at the number of passengers using the Gautrain as a form of public transport and unpacking the subject of Gautrain ridership forecasting.
Route Determination Stakeholder Engagement, as it re-lates to the Gautrain project is a statutory requirement as per the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act of 2001. With us to explain more is Tlago Ramalepa, the Executive Manager for Reputation at the Gautrain Management Agency.
In this episode of Gautrain Talks we’re looking at the issue of Stakeholder Engagement in a Public Private Partnership context and with us to unpack that subject, Tlago Ramalepa, the Executive Manager for Reputation at the Gautrain Management Agency. Tlago is an experienced communications practitioner, with over 15 years’ experience in the private and public sectors, with a focus on brand and reputation management, stakeholder management, media management, research and strategy development, and implementation.
e-Lounge Session - Mastering the Art of Self Motivation: Tapping the Inner You! by Musa Zulu 02 November 2021
Musa Zulu is a published author, an award-winning entrepreneur, international artist, poet, motivational speaker and prominent South African disability activist.
e-Lounge Session - Cultureneering Culture: Diversity and Customer Service by Ian Fuhr 10 November 2021
Ian Fuhr is a serial entrepreneur and founder of the Sorbet Group and the Hatch Institute.
Cultureneering is a philosophy and framework that Ian has spent four decades developing, and which he perfected while building the Sorbet Group, Africa’s largest beauty salon chain. This book takes the reader on a journey of personal development and unpacks the unbreakable link between culture and service. It reveals the tools required to build a company culture that is good for its people, its customers and, ultimately, for sustainable growth.
e-Lounge Session - Sexual Health and Pleasure by Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng 01 September 2021
The indomitable Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng - affectionately known as Dr. T - is passionate about making sexual health and well-being services available to all, regardless of their sexual and gender identities and their economic status. Her bestselling book, Dr T: A Guide to Sexual Health and Pleasure, is filled with the specifics of sexual anatomy and health as well as advice and facts about pleasure and sexual rights.
e-Lounge Session - Africa Bounce Back by Victor Kgomoeswana 15 September 2021
Join us as we speak to renowned author and Afro-optimist, Victor Kgomoeswana, about his new book: Africa Bounces Back.
e-Lounge Session - Betting on a Darkie by Mteto Nyati 04 August 2021
Join us for a discussion with author Mteto Nyati, as he unpacks his book, ‘Betting on a Darkie’.
e-Lounge Session - The Economy on your doorstep by Ayabonga Cawe 29 August 2022
Ayabonga Cawe is a development economist, columnist, broadcaster, activist and author. His book, The Economy on Your Doorstep, probes the reasons for the tragic paradox of South African life. Ayabonga tries to go through and beyond what is wrong with our economy, and explains how economic ‘actions’ frame the lives of South Africans in a transitional society faced with the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
The book outlines some key areas that can and should define a policy agenda towards a ‘people’s economy’ in South Africa. Ayabonga’s experience as a seasoned broadcaster on radio platforms such as Power FM and Metro FM, and as a regular columnist for Business Day makes for an interesting engagement for this e-Lounge.
e-Lounge Session - I am A Man by Dr. Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha 07 June 2022
Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha is an award-winning actor, director, author and coach.
e-Lounge Session - Your Next move and # Stagnation Must Fall by Siphiwe Moyo 15 September 2022
This e-lounge chat features Siphiwe Moyo - a seasoned Human Resources, Organisational Behaviour Practitioner and author as we discuss his two books, Your Next Move and #Stagnation Must Fall.
Siphiwe Moyo is a sought-after and highly rated International Keynote Speaker, Facilitator and CEO of Paradigm People Solutions. He is an Adjunct Faculty member at GIBS, Wits Business School, Henley Business School, and the Johannesburg Business School.
In his book Your Next Move, Siphiwe provides readers with career strategies to survive and thrive during Covid-19 and beyond... while his other book, #Stagnation Must Fall, takes us through 100 practical lessons that will activate the reader’s progression to move beyond stagnation.
Join us for this exciting session to catapult your career to the next level!
e-Lounge Session - Poli Poli by Barbara Masikela 06 December 2022
In this e-Lounge book review session, we have the honour of hosting Barbara Masekela for a discussion on her book, Poli Poli – a memoir.
Poli Poli is a remarkable history that speaks to African identity, close family bonds, belonging, struggle and sacrifice, women’s rights, and femininity.
Barbara is a South African poet, educator, politician and activist. Masekela served as ambassador to the United States and France, and has held various executive and non-executive directorships, including director of the Standard Bank of South Africa, the South African Broadcasting Corporation and De Beers.
In the book, Barbara Masekela powerfully conveys the realities of life under apartheid and illustrates the features and characteristics of life in a coal mining location like KwaGuqa in the forties, Alexandra township in the fifties, and one of the oldest girls-only schools in KwaZulu-Natal, Inanda Seminary.
The memoir follows her grandmother, a beer brewer and seller who lived through the immediate aftermath of the South African War; her professional parents’ hard work and determination at a time when the state worked to shut doors to black people, and their efforts to secure opportunities and safety for their children; Barbara’s short university stint in Lesotho, and her going into exile to Ghana in 1963.
Poli Poli tells the story of an extraordinary South African and the lesser-known social history of people, families, communities, and places.
Fun fact: Barbara Masekela’s older brother is the late Hugh Masekela, an accomplished jazz musician.
The Gautrain Management Agency recently hosted the fifth instalment of the annual Public Transport Knowledge Seminar, in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Observatory.This year’s theme, “Action Learning for Innovation in Public Transport”. It brought to an end the first five years of the Public Transport Knowledge Seminar and provided the opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved.In this episode Viwe Mgedezi, Executive Manager for Knowledge Management at the GMA talks to us about those first five years of the Public Transport Knowledge Seminar.
The Gautrain Management Agency in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Observatory hosted the 5th installment of the annual Public Transport Knowledge Seminar in October 2022.This year’s theme was “Action Learning for innovation in Public Transport” and in the final part Mr Siyabonga Mabaso, Senior Executive Responsible for Technical Services, returns to wrap up the broadening of knowledge in the public transport sector over the years.
The Gautrain Management Agency in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Observatory hosted the 5th installment of the annual Public Transport Knowledge Seminar in October 2022.This year’s theme was “Action Learning for innovation in Public Transport” and in Part 5 Chief Commercial Officer of the GMA, Ravi Pillay, and Nyiko Nkuna, Executive Manager for Digital Products, Mobility as a service, walk us through the Commercialisation of the GMA and the learnings from the Driving License Testing Centres.
The Gautrain Management Agency in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Observatory hosted the 5th installment of the annual Public Transport Knowledge Seminar in October 2022.This year’s theme was “Action Learning for innovation in Public Transport” and in Part 4 Jack VD Merwe, Gauteng Transport Authority CEO, discusses the challenges and solutions to the public transport needs of Gauteng citizens.
The Gautrain Management Agency in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Observatory hosted the 5th installment of the annual Public Transport Knowledge Seminar in October 2022.This year’s theme was “Action Learning for innovation in Public Transport” and in Part 3 we hear from Olivia Maponya, Founder and Executive Director of Kopano Bus Company and Lindiwe Mathebula - Specialist in Transport Planning with the GMA about Innovation partnerships in the public transport sector.
The Gautrain Management Agency in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Observatory hosted the 5th installment of the annual Public Transport Knowledge Seminar in October 2022.This year’s theme was “Action Learning for innovation in Public Transport” and in Part 2 we’re listening to Ricky Stoch, a researcher from Studio Fundi about Innovative Transport Problem Solving and the Wayfinding Report.
The Gautrain Management Agency in partnership with the Gauteng City Region Observatory hosted the 5th installment of the annual Public Transport Knowledge Seminar in October 2022.This year’s theme was “Action Learning for innovation in Public Transport” and in Part 1 you’ll hear from Mr Siyabonga Mabaso, Senior Executive Responsible for Technical Services and Mr Geoff Bickford, researcher for the Gauteng City Region Observatory. As they reflect on the Public Transport Knowledge Seminars over the years.
The Feasibility Study for Possible Extension of the Gauteng Rapid Rail Network with Victor Shange. by Gautrain Talks
The Gautrain Smart Driver Licence Testing Centre Implementation Project with Nyiko Nkuna. by Gautrain Talks
The fourth annual Public Transport Seminar was jointly hosted by the Gautrain Management Agency and the Gauteng City Region Observatory, and GMA Chief Executive William Dachs opened the two-day event by providing some thoughts on the state of public transport in the province of Gauteng.
The fourth annual Public Transport Seminar was jointly hosted by the Gautrain Management Agency and the Gauteng City Region Observatory, and one of the standout discussions featured five interesting panellists from quite diverse backgrounds. That was Behavioural Designer and Consultant Ricky Stoch, Public Interest Technology Fellow at New America, Sascha Haselmayer, Creative Director and Founder of Inga Atelier, Inga Gubeka, Sculptor, Poet and Academic, Professor Pitika Ntuli, and jazz musician Nduduzo Makhathini.
The Gautrain Management Agency has enjoyed a fruitful 10-year partnership with the local taxi industry, and here, the current GMA Chief Executive and former Chief Operating Officer, William Dachs, provides unique insight into the background behind this relationship, and why it has worked so well.
The Gautrain first started running in 2010 and here, current Chief Executive and former Chief Operating Officer William Dachs looks back on 11 years of successful operations for the Gautrain Management Agency, including some key highlights and lessons learned in that period.
Come on, my little angels and join Thembi and Themba on a thrilling ride aboard the Gautrain - Africa’s fastest train! It is so much fun, and exciting, too.
Yolisa and her brother Zeb are off for a day of excitement and adventure. Frustrated that she's wheelchair bound, Yolisa starts a conversation on board the Gautrain. But things don't go as planned...
One day at school, Miss Ball announces that she is planning a class-trip to the zoo. But that wasn’t the only exciting thing – they were going there on the Gautrain! Miss Ball explained the rules about travelling on the Gautrain, particularly the importance of manners, as well as all the amazing high-tech features – Sibo couldn’t wait! Then, after raising funds for the trip with a bake sale, the class embarks on their epic adventure on the super-cool Gautrain.
Lindiwe Mathebula, Transport Integration and Planning Specialist at the Gautrain Management Agency, and Lizzy Vundla, Director at the Alexandra Taxi Association, explore the issue of female empowerment in the public transport sector, and what role the GMA’s partnership with the taxi industry has played in it.
Integrated public transport systems have numerous benefits, including improved mobility, sustainability, spatial planning and economic growth, and this is something recognised by the Gautrain Management Agency. Here, Jacob Rambuda, the GMA’s Senior Manager of Public Transport Integration, and Siyabonga Mabaso, the GMA’s Executive for Transport Integration and Planning, talk through how and why the GMA decided to embark on a partnership with the local taxi industry and what its potential benefits are.
The Gautrain Management Agency’s Senior Manager of Public Transport Integration, Jacob Rambuda, and Alexandra Transport Solutions Representative, Mxolisi Ximba, unpack labour and staffing matters, specifically as it relates to Gautrain’s 10-year partnership with the taxi industry in Gauteng.
Hosting the third annual public transport seminar, put on by the Gautrain Management Agency – in partnership with the Gauteng City-Region Observatory – Jesse Harber, senior researcher at the GCRO, sets the scene for a general discussion on public transport governance, by delving into the most recent history of the sector in South Africa.
Speaking at the third annual public transport seminar, Jack van der Merwe, the former Gautrain Management Agency chief executive and current head of the Gauteng Transport Authority, sets out what he believes are the key issues facing South Africa’s public transport sector, from a governance point of view.
One of the biggest take-outs from the third annual public transport seminar – hosted by the Gautrain Management Agency, in partnership with the Gauteng City-Region Observatory – was the role the taxi industry is - and should be - playing in the public transport sector. Here, Ubunye Group chief executive, Vuyisile Majola, has some strong words. In particular, for government.
At the third annual public transport seminar, an interesting point raised by Gautrain Management Agency Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe, was the role that public transport can play in stimulating economic activity and creating jobs – something, perhaps, that is not always fully understood or appreciated.
Speaking at the third annual public transport seminar, Mduduzi Mbada, head of policy in the Gauteng Office of the Premier, addresses some of the key lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, as it relates to the public transport sector.
The Gautrain Management Agency was thrown into turmoil in 2014 when it discovered that it was a victim of a cyber-attack. Fortunately, the GMA’s controls ensured damage was minimal, but there were plenty of learnings from the incident. Here, Henry Denner, the Gautrain Management Agency’s Information Security Officer, talks through cyber security in general, the 2014 attack, its impact on the GMA, and some of the major learnings from it.
Integrated public transport systems have the ability to impact society in a number of areas, including sustainability, spatial planning and economic growth, and this is something recognised by the Gautrain Management Agency. Here, Jacob Rambuda, the Gautrain Management Agency’s Senior Manager for Public Transport Integration, talks through how and why the GMA decided to embark on a partnership with the local taxi industry and what its potential benefits are.
Corporate governance and corruption have been hot topics in South Africa for some time now, making areas such as internal auditing increasingly important and key to the success of big projects and corporate entities. The Gautrain project is no different and here, Livhu Phume, Chief Audit Executive of the Gautrain Management Agency, talks through the GMA’s internal auditing process and how it has managed to achieve a clean audit for seven consecutive years.
Socio-economic development is a key element in the empowerment of South Africa’s previously-disadvantaged communities and projects on the scale of the Gautrain project have the ability to make a significant contribution to this empowerment. Here, Siyamthanda Ndlakuse, the Gautrain Management Agency’s specialist in the fields of Commercial Management and Socio-Economic Development, talks through what SED measures have been put in place on the Gautrain project.
A project on the scale of the Gautrain project doesn’t get over 10 years ‘down the track’ without the implementation of efficient procedures and processes, particularly as it relates to the management of public funds, never mind the complexities of a public-private partnership. Here, Preston Mabena, Chief Financial Officer of the Gautrain Management Agency, talks through the evolution of the GMA’s finances and some of the structures put in place.
The Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act has been an important guide throughout the Gautrain project and continues to impact many of the decisions made on it. Here, Whiscky Mavoni, the Senior Manager for Spatial Development and Planning at the Gautrain Management Agency talks through some of the key elements in the act and where its impact has been mostly felt.
The Gautrain Management Agency had a challenge on its hands, as it sought to get all role-players to buy into the vision of the Gautrain project. That’s why stakeholder management was so important, and here, Dr Ingrid Jensen, the GMA’s Executive Manager: Reputation, unpacks this issue and how the GMA went about its stakeholder management.
The precast construction yard was an important part of making the Gautrain project as successful as it was. Here’s what senior Gautrain engineer Marius van der Westhuyzen has to say about it.
How did the Gautrain become SA's first ever high-speed commuter rail system? Marius van der Westhuyzen explores the project’s Provincial Construction Assurance Management process.
On a project the size and scale of the Gautrain project, it’s no surprise that dispute resolution was a key element in its success. Here, independent advisor David Marx talks through how this dispute resolution process was handled.
The Gautrain project’s development phase involved many moving parts. Here, former project co-ordinator Olaus van Zyl pulls it all together, along with some of the lessons learnt from this phase of the project.
Former Gautrain project co-ordinator Olaus van Zyl details the extensive procurement process involved in the Gautrain project, and some of the learnings he took from it.
Former Gautrain project co-ordinator Olaus van Zyl talks through how senior management handled leadership of the Gautrain project, including challenges such as the institutional knowledge walk-out that transpired.