Summary
TRIM was established in October 2024, with Transnet appointing Durban port manager Moshe Motlohi as interim TRIM CEO while the recruitment process for a permanent appointment gets under way . Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is being vertically separated into the TRIM and the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC).
View DetailsIs it working?
Good progress made but still in implentation therefore too early to assess effectiveness.
Actions
After being established, TRIM has already developed the Network Statement, opened rail slot applocations for third parties and released tariff proposals
Are there plans?
TRIM forms part of the freight logistics roadmap
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
After the interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) was established, a permanent Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has been created to manage rail infrastructure.
Summary
TRIM is an interim structure and not yet a permanent and fully independent entity. It currently operates under Transnet Group but is tasked with facilitating open access to the rail network, including granting access to third-party train operators, which is a significant step towards rail sector reform and market liberalisation. TRIM is currently listed as one of Transnet group divisions, including TE, TFR, TPT, TNPA and TP. Note: This reform has been moved to Ov2.0 under Freight Logistics.
View DetailsIs it working?
Progress has been made but reforms are still being implemented and it is too early to assess effectiveness. Moshe Motlohi was appointed as the CEO of TRIM, with effect from 1 March 2025. Under Motlohi's leadership, TRIM has been actively involved in implementing the Freight Logistics Roadmap, the National Rail Policy and preparing for phase 2 of open access, which includes granting access to third-party train operators to use the rail network,.
Actions
Limited specific actions have been taken towards full independence: •The Economic Regulation of Transport Act was promulgated, establishing the legal framework for the TER •The Department of Transport called for nominations for TER board members with a closing date of 16 September 2024 •The Act commenced partially on 1 April 2025, with full implementation planned for 1 April 2026
Are there plans?
TRIM forms part of the freight logistics roadmap. Plans for full independence are less developed than the interim arrangements. The Economic Regulation of Transport Act provides the regulatory framework for independent oversight. The TER is to be established with board appointments expected following the Act's implementation
Is it on the agenda?
Yes, the concept of an independent infrastructure manager is part of the broader rail reform agenda, though less explicitly defined than the interim arrangements. The Economic Regulation of Transport Act establishes the Transport Economic Regulator (TER) which will provide independent economic oversight. The regulatory structure envisions independent infrastructure management with economic oversight by the TER.
Goals
To establish the interim TRIM as a permanent/independent entity to manage rail infrastructure.
Summary
TRIM is an interim structure and not yet a permanent and fully independent entity. It currently operates under Transnet Group but is tasked with facilitating open access to the rail network, including granting access to third-party train operators, which is a significant step towards rail sector reform and market liberalisation. TRIM is currently listed as one of Transnet group divisions, including TE, TFR, TPT, TNPA and TP. Note: This reform has been moved to Ov2.0 under Freight Logistics.
View DetailsIs it working?
Progress has been made but reforms are still being implemented and it is too early to assess effectiveness. Moshe Motlohi was appointed as the CEO of TRIM, with effect from 1 March 2025. Under Motlohi's leadership, TRIM has been actively involved in implementing the Freight Logistics Roadmap, the National Rail Policy and preparing for phase 2 of open access, which includes granting access to third-party train operators to use the rail network,.
Actions
Limited specific actions have been taken towards full independence: •The Economic Regulation of Transport Act was promulgated, establishing the legal framework for the TER •The Department of Transport called for nominations for TER board members with a closing date of 16 September 2024 •The Act commenced partially on 1 April 2025, with full implementation planned for 1 April 2026
Are there plans?
TRIM forms part of the freight logistics roadmap. Plans for full independence are less developed than the interim arrangements. The Economic Regulation of Transport Act provides the regulatory framework for independent oversight. The TER is to be established with board appointments expected following the Act's implementation
Is it on the agenda?
Yes, the concept of an independent infrastructure manager is part of the broader rail reform agenda, though less explicitly defined than the interim arrangements. The Economic Regulation of Transport Act establishes the Transport Economic Regulator (TER) which will provide independent economic oversight. The regulatory structure envisions independent infrastructure management with economic oversight by the TER.
Goals
To establish the interim TRIM as a permanent/independent entity to manage rail infrastructure.
Summary
A permanent IM (TRIM) is not yet established but the interim IM is in in place. Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is being vertically separated into the TRIM and the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC).
View DetailsIs it working?
Not yet established
Actions
We await announcements on making this a permanent entity.
Are there plans?
TRIM forms part of the freight logistics roadmap
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
Permanent Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) created.
Summary
A permanent IM (TRIM) is not yet established but the interim IM is in in place. Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is being vertically separated into the TRIM and the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC).
View DetailsIs it working?
Not yet established
Actions
We await announcements on making this a permanent entity.
Are there plans?
TRIM forms part of the freight logistics roadmap
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
After the interim IM, a permanent Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is to be created to manage rail infrasctructure.
Summary
A permanent IM (TRIM) was established in October 2024, with Transnet appointing Durban port manager Moshe Motlohi as interim TRIM CEO while the recruitment process for a permanent appointment gets under way . Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is being vertically separated into the TRIM and the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC).
View DetailsIs it working?
Still early to see its work in the rail industry. For instance, the Network Statement is yet to be launched
Actions
The TRIM has been established
Are there plans?
TRIM forms part of the freight logistics roadmap
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
After the interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) was established, a permanent Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is to be created to manage rail infrastructure.
Summary
A permanent IM (TRIM) was established in October 2024, with Transnet appointing Durban port manager Moshe Motlohi as interim TRIM CEO while the recruitment process for a permanent appointment gets under way . Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is being vertically separated into the TRIM and the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC).
View DetailsIs it working?
Still early to see its work in the rail industry. For instance, the Network Statement is yet to be launched
Actions
The TRIM has been established
Are there plans?
TRIM forms part of the freight logistics roadmap
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
After the interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) was established, a permanent Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is to be created to manage rail infrastructure.
Summary
Transnet Freight Rail , an operating division of Transnet, is being broken up into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM). For TRIM, an interim IM has been established. This is a big step towards open rail access. One of the commercial objectives of the interim IM is to increase rail market share by facilitating road to rail migration.
View DetailsIs it working?
The interim IM was established and its work was visible such as setting up the draft rail Network Statement.
Actions
Transnet established an interim IM in November 2023 in order to carry out all required activities to facilitate third-party access ahead of the creation of a permanent operating division (TRIM).
Are there plans?
It is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
The interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) has been established with a mandate to manage rail infrastructure to improve rail capacity and access.
Summary
Transnet Freight Rail , an operating division of Transnet, is being broken up into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM). For TRIM, an interim IM has been established. This is a big step towards open rail access. One of the commercial objectives of the interim IM is to increase rail market share by facilitating road to rail migration.
View DetailsIs it working?
The interim IM was established and its work was visible such as setting up the draft rail Network Statement.
Actions
Transnet established an interim IM in November 2023 in order to carry out all required activities to facilitate third-party access ahead of the creation of a permanent operating division (TRIM).
Are there plans?
It is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
The interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) has been established with a mandate to manage rail infrastructure to improve rail capacity and access.
Summary
Transnet Freight Rail , an operating division of Transnet, is being broken up into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM). For TRIM, an interim IM has been established. This is a big step towards open rail access. One of the commercial objectives of the interim IM is to increase rail market share by facilitating road to rail migration.
View DetailsIs it working?
The interim IM was established and its work was visible such as setting up the draft rail Network Statement.
Actions
Transnet established an interim IM in November 2023 in order to carry out all required activities to facilitate third-party access ahead of the creation of a permanent operating division (TRIM).
Are there plans?
It is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
The interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) has been established with a mandate to manage rail infrastructure to improve rail capacity and access.
Summary
Transnet Freight Rail , an operating division of Transnet, is being broken up into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM). For TRIM, an interim Infrastructure Manager has been established. This is a big step towards open rail access. One of the commercial objectives of the interim IM is to increase rail market share by facilitating road to rail migration.
View DetailsIs it working?
The interim IM is still new. But its work is already visible such as setting up the draft rail Network Statement.
Actions
Transnet established an interim IM in November 2023 in order to carry out all required activities to facilitate third-party access ahead of the creation of a permanent operating division (TRIM).
Are there plans?
It is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
The interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) has been established.
Summary
Transnet Freight Rail , an operating division of Transnet, is being broken up into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM). For TRIM, an interim IM has been established. This is a big step towards open rail access. One of the commercial objectives of the interim IM is to increase rail market share by facilitating road to rail migration.
View DetailsIs it working?
The interim IM is still new. But its work is already visible such as setting up the draft rail Network Statement.
Actions
Transnet established an interim IM in November 2023 in order to carry out all required activities to facilitate third-party access ahead of the creation of a permanent operating division (TRIM).
Are there plans?
It is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
The interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) has been established with a mandate to manage rail infrastructure to improve rail capacity and access.
Summary
Transnet Freight Rail , an operating division of Transnet, is being broken up into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM). For TRIM, an interim IM has been established. This is a big step towards open rail access. One of the commercial objectives of the interim IM is to increase rail market share by facilitating road to rail migration.
View DetailsIs it working?
The interim IM was established and its work was visible such as setting up the draft rail Network Statement.
Actions
Transnet established an interim IM in November 2023 in order to carry out all required activities to facilitate third-party access ahead of the creation of a permanent operating division (TRIM).
Are there plans?
It is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
The interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) has been established with a mandate to manage rail infrastructure to improve rail capacity and access.
Summary
Transnet Freight Rail , an operating division of Transnet, is being broken up into the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company (TFROC) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM). For TRIM, an interim IM has been established. This is a big step towards open rail access. One of the commercial objectives of the interim IM is to increase rail market share by facilitating road to rail migration.
View DetailsIs it working?
The interim IM was established and its work was visible such as setting up the draft rail Network Statement.
Actions
Transnet established an interim IM in November 2023 in order to carry out all required activities to facilitate third-party access ahead of the creation of a permanent operating division (TRIM).
Are there plans?
It is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
Transnet unbundling is part of the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the 2022 White Paper on National Rail Policy.
Goals
The interim Infrastructure Manager (IM) has been established with a mandate to manage rail infrastructure to improve rail capacity and access.
Summary
The restructuring of Transnet (Transnet unbundling) was formally introduced in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the TNPA has been established as an independent subsidiary of Transnet, enabling it to bring in the private sector to rejuvenate and manage ports on a concessioning basis.
View DetailsIs it working?
The tender conditions give the new private partner operating control of the partnership entity, which is crucial, but Transnet remains the majority owner and has already insisted that the employees of the partnership entity be seconded by Transnet under the same terms and conditions of employment. It's still early to say whether the TNPA will truly operate independently. There remains a risk of undue political influence as the public enterprise minister is responsible for appointing board members of the entity. It will also be part of the drafting of Access Agreement
Actions
The TNPA became an independent entity in October 2023 on the appointment of the new board.
Are there plans?
Corporatisation of TNPA is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
This was a key reform of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
Goals
One of Transnet's operating divisions, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has been established as an independent entity and a new board has been appointed. The aim is to improve efficiencies at the country's ports.
Summary
Mandated by the National Ports Act of 2005, corporatisation has stalled for nearly 20 years. President Ramaphosa revived it in June 2021, with a target for completion by April 2025. However, in April 2025, TNPA reported further delays to the Ports Regulator, citing concerns over Transnet’s financial stability. A ministerial Task Team is now working on a plan to complete corporatisation without harming Transnet’s finances.
View DetailsIs it working?
Corporatisation is not yet in place, so its impact cannot be measured. Continued delays - now extended to at least September 2025 - have raised doubts about TNPA’s legal status, with some arguing that contracts signed since 2006 could be challenged as the authority still operates as a division, not a subsidiary as the law requires. The immediate risk is prolonged regulatory limbo that deters investment and delays broader logistics sector reforms, requiring urgent ministerial intervention to either resolve the financial blockages or redesign the corporatisation model.
Actions
•The National Ports Act of 2005 was enacted, providing the legal mandate •Presidential announcement and ministerial approval were secured •Transnet Board has approved disposal plans for non-core assets as part of the process •The Ports Regulator has developed regulatory frameworks and methodologies •A ministerial Task Team has been appointed to address financial sustainability concerns •Work is underway on the Memorandum of Incorporation and registration documentation.
Are there plans?
Yes, forms part of freight logistics roadmap and OV2.0. In May 2025, after missing the April deadline, the Minister of Transport has appointed a task team to find solutions that protect Transnet's financial sustainability but no new timeline has been established. Technical preparations continue with the Memorandum of Incorporation under development and asset disposal plans approved, though Transnet has yet to finalise its non-core asset list.
Is it on the agenda?
Corporatisation remains firmly on the agenda, backed by the Sona framework, Operation Vulindlela, the Freight Logistics Roadmap and National Treasury’s conditions for Transnet guarantees. The legal framework exists, the Ports Regulator has set asset valuation rules and tariff methods and Transnet is preparing the Memorandum of Incorporation and registration. The Transnet Board has approved disposal of non-core assets to support the shift.
Goals
The corporatisation of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) aims to make it financially independent, generate its own revenue and attract investment to boost port efficiency and trade competitiveness. Separating the port owner and operator into distinct subsidiaries shou is intended to strengthen TNPA’s regulatory oversight, foster private sector competition, cut costs and lift South African export competitiveness.
Summary
Mandated by the National Ports Act of 2005, corporatisation has stalled for nearly 20 years. President Ramaphosa revived it in June 2021, with a target for completion by April 2025. However, in April 2025, TNPA reported further delays to the Ports Regulator, citing concerns over Transnet’s financial stability. A ministerial Task Team is now working on a plan to complete corporatisation without harming Transnet’s finances.
View DetailsIs it working?
Corporatisation is not yet in place, so its impact cannot be measured. Continued delays - now extended to at least September 2025 - have raised doubts about TNPA’s legal status, with some arguing that contracts signed since 2006 could be challenged as the authority still operates as a division, not a subsidiary as the law requires. The immediate risk is prolonged regulatory limbo that deters investment and delays broader logistics sector reforms, requiring urgent ministerial intervention to either resolve the financial blockages or redesign the corporatisation model.
Actions
•The National Ports Act of 2005 was enacted, providing the legal mandate •Presidential announcement and ministerial approval were secured •Transnet Board has approved disposal plans for non-core assets as part of the process •The Ports Regulator has developed regulatory frameworks and methodologies •A ministerial Task Team has been appointed to address financial sustainability concerns •Work is underway on the Memorandum of Incorporation and registration documentation.
Are there plans?
Yes, forms part of freight logistics roadmap and OV2.0. In May 2025, after missing the April deadline, the Minister of Transport has appointed a task team to find solutions that protect Transnet's financial sustainability but no new timeline has been established. Technical preparations continue with the Memorandum of Incorporation under development and asset disposal plans approved, though Transnet has yet to finalise its non-core asset list.
Is it on the agenda?
Corporatisation remains firmly on the agenda, backed by the Sona framework, Operation Vulindlela, the Freight Logistics Roadmap and National Treasury’s conditions for Transnet guarantees. The legal framework exists, the Ports Regulator has set asset valuation rules and tariff methods and Transnet is preparing the Memorandum of Incorporation and registration. The Transnet Board has approved disposal of non-core assets to support the shift.
Goals
The corporatisation of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) aims to make it financially independent, generate its own revenue and attract investment to boost port efficiency and trade competitiveness. Separating the port owner and operator into distinct subsidiaries shou is intended to strengthen TNPA’s regulatory oversight, foster private sector competition, cut costs and lift South African export competitiveness.
Summary
The restructuring of Transnet (Transnet unbundling) was formally introduced in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the TNPA has been established as an independent subsidiary of Transnet, enabling it to bring in the private sector to rejuvenate and manage ports on a concessioning basis. International Container Terminal Services, a Philippines company, has been selected to upgrade and manage the Durban container terminal.
View DetailsIs it working?
The tender conditions give the new private partner operating control of the partnership entity, which is crucial, but Transnet remains the majority owner and has already insisted that the employees of the partnership entity be seconded by Transnet under the same terms and conditions of employment. It's still early to say whether the TNPA will truly operate independently. There remains a risk of undue political influence as the public enterprise minister is responsible for appointing board members of the entity. It will also be part of the drafting of Access Agreement
Actions
The TNPA became an independent entity in October 2023 on the appointment of the new board.
Are there plans?
Corporatisation of TNPA is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
This was a key reform of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
Goals
One of Transnet's operating divisions, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has been established as an independent entity and a new board has been appointed. The aim is to improve efficiencies at the country's ports. A private partner has been selected for the Durban container terminal.
Summary
The restructuring of Transnet (Transnet unbundling) was formally introduced in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the TNPA has been established as an independent subsidiary of Transnet, enabling it to bring in the private sector to rejuvenate and manage ports on a concessioning basis. International Container Terminal Services, a Philippines company, has been selected to upgrade and manage the Durban container terminal.
View DetailsIs it working?
The tender conditions give the new private partner operating control of the partnership entity, which is crucial, but Transnet remains the majority owner and has already insisted that the employees of the partnership entity be seconded by Transnet under the same terms and conditions of employment. It's still early to say whether the TNPA will truly operate independently. There remains a risk of undue political influence as the public enterprise minister is responsible for appointing board members of the entity. It will also be part of the drafting of Access Agreement
Actions
The TNPA became an independent entity in October 2023 on the appointment of the new board.
Are there plans?
Corporatisation of TNPA is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
This was a key reform of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
Goals
One of Transnet's operating divisions, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has been established as an independent entity and a new board has been appointed. The aim is to improve efficiencies at the country's ports. A private partner has been selected for the Durban container terminal.
Summary
The restructuring of Transnet (Transnet unbundling) was formally introduced in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the TNPA has been established as an independent subsidiary of Transnet, enabling it to bring in the private sector to rejuvenate and manage ports on a concessioning basis.
View DetailsIs it working?
The tender conditions give the new private partner operating control of the partnership entity, which is crucial, but Transnet remains the majority owner and has already insisted that the employees of the partnership entity be seconded by Transnet under the same terms and conditions of employment. It's still early to say whether the TNPA will truly operate independently. There remains a risk of undue political influence as the public enterprise minister is responsible for appointing board members of the entity. It will also be part of the drafting of Access Agreement
Actions
The TNPA became an independent entity in October 2023 on the appointment of the new board.
Are there plans?
Corporatisation of TNPA is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
This was a key reform of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
Goals
One of Transnet's operating divisions, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has been established as an independent entity and a new board has been appointed. The aim is to improve efficiencies at the country's ports.
Summary
The restructuring of Transnet (Transnet unbundling) was formally introduced in the 2020 Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and the TNPA has been established as an independent subsidiary of Transnet, enabling it to bring in the private sector to rejuvenate and manage ports on a concessioning basis.
View DetailsIs it working?
The tender conditions give the new private partner operating control of the partnership entity, which is crucial, but Transnet remains the majority owner and has already insisted that the employees of the partnership entity be seconded by Transnet under the same terms and conditions of employment. It's still early to say whether the TNPA will truly operate independently. There remains a risk of undue political influence as the public enterprise minister is responsible for appointing board members of the entity. It will also be part of the drafting of Access Agreement
Actions
The TNPA became an independent entity in October 2023 on the appointment of the new board.
Are there plans?
Corporatisation of TNPA is a pillar of the freight logistics roadmap.
Is it on the agenda?
This was a key reform of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
Goals
One of Transnet's operating divisions, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), has been established as an independent entity and a new board has been appointed. The aim is to improve efficiencies at the country's ports.