TRANSPORT
Private operators are preparing to enter South Africa’ s freight rail network, but turning access rights into real capacity will depend on infrastructure, regulation, rolling stock, and whether reform can survive the country’ s old logistics habits.
By Ebrahim Moolla
For years, rail reform in South Africa has been more promise than movement. The policy language was always there, with efficiency, competitiveness, open access, and private participation all part of the official vocabulary. But the locomotives were not. The corridors that once carried the country ' s bulk exports accumulated rust and lost time while road freight quietly filled the gap.
That may be changing, slowly. Some 11 private Train Operating Companies( TOCs) have secured slots across 41 routes, with freight services expected to begin in phases from the 2026 / 27 financial year. Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager has concluded Rail Access Agreements with private operators across strategic freight corridors, although operations remain subject to safety approvals, rolling stock certification, crew competency, and terminal access arrangements.
52 sabusinessintegrator. co. za