The collapse of South Africa’s freight rail network has placed a significant strain on the economy. In 2013, Transnet moved 208-million tonnes of freight, but by 2024, this had dropped to 152-million tonnes.
General freight, which includes all goods except iron ore and coal, has been hardest hit, declining by one-third over the past decade from 83-million tonnes to 52-million tonnes.
Coal transport has also suffered, with Transnet moving 30% less coal in 2024 than in 2013.
In his 2025 state of the nation address, president Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted a key reform: private rail operators are now allowed access to the freight rail network, which allows them to increase the volume of goods transported by train.
While the infrastructure remains state-owned, Ramaphosa said wider access will help ensure that South African ‘minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and generating much-needed revenue for our fiscus’.
General freight, which includes all goods except iron ore and coal, has been hardest hit, declining by one-third over the past decade from 83-million tonnes to 52-million tonnes.
Coal transport has also suffered, with Transnet moving 30% less coal in 2024 than in 2013.
In his 2025 state of the nation address, president Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted a key reform: private rail operators are now allowed access to the freight rail network, which allows them to increase the volume of goods transported by train.
While the infrastructure remains state-owned, Ramaphosa said wider access will help ensure that South African ‘minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and generating much-needed revenue for our fiscus’.
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