Following Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s approval of the publishing of the Transnet network statement, which facilities open access to South Africa’s rail network by third-party operators, the Road Freight Association (RFA) has raised concerns about potential challenges that could arise for prospective participants.
RFA CEO Gavin Kelly points to the possibility of disputes, drawing parallels to issues experienced at the Port of Durban during a trial period when of Transnet Freight Rail sold sections of the network between 2022 and 2024. The trial period aimed to gain insights from private operators and develop cost-reduction strategies.