The 'Phelophepa', a public health care train, began operating at a time of great change in South Africa.
In 1994, the country was celebrating that the oppression of the white minority had finally ended and that Nelson Mandela had come to power promising a better future for the “rainbow nation”.
But that change has been painfully slow.
Almost three decades later, South African society remains one of the most unequal on the planet, according to the World Bank.
Crime and corruption are rife, unemployment is on the rise, and both infrastructure and basic services are in disrepair.
Against this backdrop of disappointment, the Phelophepa remains a powerful symbol of hope, bringing medical care to millions of South Africans in some of the country's most marginalized communities.
Living aboard this train was like seeing an alternative version of South Africa that still preserves the optimism of the Mandela years.
The train crew comes from all over the country (the kitchen staff alone speak seven languages).
They are united in their commitment to serve those in need and to work together to make a difference.
“We all share the same energy,” the train manager, Bheki Mendlula, told me.
“It is a privilege to be a part of this and to know that you leave your footprints all over South Africa”
They are united in their commitment to serve those in need and to work together to make a difference.
“We all share the same energy,” the train manager, Bheki Mendlula, told me.
“It is a privilege to be a part of this and to know that you leave your footprints all over South Africa”
They are united in their commitment to serve those in need and to work together to make a difference.
“We all share the same energy,” the train manager, Bheki Mendlula, told me.
“It is a privilege to be a part of this and to know that you leave your footprints all over South Africa”
The Phelophepa train, on the outskirts of Thaba Nchu, South Africa.Tommy Trenchard
Phelophepa workers install an awning on the side of the train to accommodate patients for a two-week stay at Thaba Nchu.Tommy Trenchard
Lundikazi Matinise, 27, prepares a pair of glasses for a patient on board the train.
Matinise has been working at the Phelophepa since 2016.Tommy Trenchard
Phelophepa train staff pack up their chairs as they prepare to leave Kroonstad for Thaba Nchu.Tommy Trenchard
Patients seated at the Thaba Nchu station.
Many often sleep at the stations to be sure they can be seen the next morning.Tommy Trenchard
An optometry student performs an eye exam on the train.Tommy Trenchard
The janitor Agostina Ramosito, 35, in Kroonstad.
At Phelophepa they hire dozens of locals in the towns they visit to support the medical team. Tommy Trenchard
The Phelophepa, in Kroonstad.
This region has a high rate of poverty and its health services are very deteriorated. Tommy Trenchard
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