Remove quasi regulatory function from Transnet entities (eg, TNPA)
As there is currently no regulatory body overseeing the transport sector, Transnet self-regulates, developing and self-enforcing rules agreed on for the mutual benefit of members. This type of quasi-regulation may also be used as a vehicle to set prices, permit access or restrict certain practices, butit usually lacks governmental backing. Government has not proposed any…
read more >>National passenger rail policy
Limited information HALTED: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025. We do not believe there will be a specific policy for passenger rail. The White Paper on the National Rail Policy (2022) also focuses on passenger rail.
read more >>Devolution of Commuter Rail Strategy
Prasa’s centralised model has underperformed, prompting the 2022 National Rail Policy to support municipal devolution. Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, the strategy has been delayed continuously and no draft version exists.
read more >>Establish Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC)
The IRERC has been established through a memorandum of understanding between the ministers of transport and public enterprises. It has demonstrated significant momentum, successfully managing the consultation process on Transnet’s Draft Network Statement published in March 2024. The final Network Statement was approved and published in December 2024, with differentiated rail access tariffs for the…
read more >>Establish Transport Economic Regulator
The Economic Regulation of Transport Act 6 of 2024 was signed into law by President Ramaphosa on 11 June 2024, providing the legal foundation for the Transport Economic Regulator. The act establishes the TER as a public entity with comprehensive powers to regulate pricing, monitor tariffs and ensure transparency across the transport sector. However, the…
read more >>Develop National Rail Bill
The Department of Transport aims to draft a National Rail Bill. This will be an important piece of legislation to oversee all aspects of rail reform. HALTED: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 and merged it with a similar reform, “Finalise the National Rail Bill to establish a legal framework for a…
read more >>Establish independent infrastructure manager
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…
read more >>Rail Network Statement
Transnet (TRIM) published the final Network Statement on 19 December 2024. HALTED: We stopped tracking this reform at end-June 2025 and have merged into a related reform, “Enable open access to the freight rail network”.
read more >>DoT private sector participation unit
The PSP framework is still being developed. The department is in the final stages of concluding a memorandum of agreement with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and National Treasury, appointing DBSA as the hosting institution for the unit. HALTED: We stopped tracking this specific reform at end-June 2025 and merged it into a…
read more >>Third party rail access/3PRA (round 2)
TRIM opened rail slot applications for potential train operating companies and companies seeking access to the rail network between December 2024 and February 2025. TRF’s first attempt at allowing third-party access to its rail freight assets failed in 2023 after contract negotiations proved too complex.
read more >>