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 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 >>Port concessioning – Durban
To address the poorly performing Durban port, particularly Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2, the Department of Transport and Transnet’s operations divisions (Transnet National Ports Authority and Transnet Port Terminals) need to partner with a private terminal operator to upgrade the terminal. The DCT Pier 2 is Transnet’s largest container terminal. The tender to finalise…
read more >>National Rail Master Plan – network rightsizing
After the release of the freight logistics roadmap, the National Rail Master Plan aims to set out a sustainable approach to strategic rail network planning and a long-term plan that informs future developments of rail in the country. The final National Rail Master Plan was expected to be delivered by October 2025.
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