Transnet rail network security
The South African Railway Police force, established in 1934, was dissolved and integrated into the South African Police Service in October 1986. Theft and sabotage of railway lines, copper and other equipment have plagued Transnet and contributed significantly to the dysfunctionality of both cargo and passenger rail routes. The freight logistics roadmap calls for the…
read more >>Transnet Freight Rail scheduling system
TFR historically relied on tonnage-based dispatching, running trains only when sufficient traffic accumulated, which disrupted efficient utilisation of crews, locomotives and equipment while yielding inconsistent transit times. The concept of fixed scheduling was introduced on certain corridors in 2011, but comprehensive system-wide implementation remains part of ongoing efforts to modernise. After an extensive RFP process,…
read more >>TNPA corporatisation
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, but 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…
read more >>Establish interim infrastructure manager
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…
read more >>Finalise the Network Statement
The final Network Statement setting out technical, operational and commercial rules for rail access was published on 20 December 2024 following extensive consultation and the promulgation of the Economic Regulation of Transport Act (ERT Act). Revisions in February 2025 clarified capacity allocation and transformation principles, opening all slots with over 209Mt of capacity available to…
read more >>Establish the private sector participation (PSP) unit
The PSP Unit was mandated by the Rail Private Sector Participation Framework, adopted by Cabinet in December 2023. An interim unit has been established and is currently hosted by the DBSA, with a permanent arrangement being finalised. The unit has issued RFIs for opportunities in five priority rail and port corridors in March 2025. These…
read more >>Complete the rolling stock modernisation programme
The rolling stock modernisation programme represents a critical component of passenger rail recovery, centred on a R51bn contract for manufacturing 3,600 coaches (600 trains) to replace outdated trains and technnology. Reliable trains are vital for a safe and efficient passenger rail system. The plan is to improve reliability, cut delays and offer a safer, more…
read more >>Develop a roadmap for passenger rail including a strategy to manage devolution to capable local and regional authorities
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 >>Review and adjust regulations to remove barriers to low-cost housing development
South Africa’s housing development regulations span national, provincial and municipal levels, with legislation like the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) of 2013, National Building Regulations and various municipal by-laws. This creates a complex and lengthy planning and approval process, with building plans often taking up to a year before being approved and…
read more >>Integrated Energy Plan (IEP)
As a result of legal action brought by The Green Connection and SAFCEI against the President and the DMRE minister, government announced in the Gazette of April 2023 its decision to bring Section 6 of National Energy Act (NEA) into operation with effect from 1 April 2024. Section 6 requires the minister to publish an…
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