By Katherine Child.
Sihamba Sonke Mobility (SSM) has been announced as the new private operator of the Gautrain for the next 15 years.
SSM is a consortium comprising the AIIM-Motseng JV, Alstom (French train and rail manufacturer), RATP Dev (global public transport operator and a subsidiary of the RATP group, which is owned by the French state), Gibb Crede (specialist energy and infrastructure investment development joint venture), AIH Connect (a black-women owned investment company) and SSM InvestCo.
SSM InvestCo, one of the consortium members, has been established as a black broad-based ownership vehicle designed to enable Gauteng residents to participate directly in the ownership of the concession company, extending the economic participation associated with one of the province’s most significant public assets, read the press release.
Listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Attacq’s chairperson Ipeleng Mkhari is the founder of the AIIM-Motseng Joint Venture, which combines AIIM, an infrastructure investment manager owned by Old Mutual with Motseng, a 95% women-owned and women-led diversified investment group with 28 years of experience in public-private partnerships.
The 15-year concession, running from 2026 to 2041, covers the operations, maintenance and refurbishment of the Gautrain and its integrated feeder-bus network – required to support its long-term performance, reliability and quality throughout the concession period.
The concession was procured under South Africa’s public-private partnership framework and is contracted with the Gautrain Management Agency on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Vuyo Ntoi, co-MD AIIM at Sihamba Sonke Mobility, said the concession represented both an important responsibility and an opportunity to build on the foundation established by the Gautrain over the past two decades.
“The Gautrain has become an important part of Gauteng’s economic and transport infrastructure. As Sihamba Sonke Mobility, we recognise the responsibility that comes with taking stewardship of an asset of this significance.”
“Our focus is on ensuring continuity, maintaining the standards commuters have come to expect and investing in the system so that it can continue to serve the people and economy of Gauteng for many years to come.”
The concession agreement between the Gauteng Provincial Government and private partner Bombela Concession Company ended on 27 March 2026.
The Gautrain Management Agency and provincial government previously described its relationship with Bombela as “one of South Africa’s largest and most successful private public partnership projects”.
As a state-owned asset, the Gautrain is valued at approximately R45 billion. It links Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport.