By Mpho Moloi
In his weekly newsletter to the nation on 28 October 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa underscored the pivotal role of rail transport in building an inclusive economy and alleviating poverty in South Africa. Ramaphosa stressed that “rail must be the backbone of public transport” in the country, aligning with the government’s commitment to foster economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all citizens. As South Africa commemorates Transport Month in October, Ramaphosa’s message reinforces the urgency of overhauling the country’s public transport system to make it efficient, safe, and affordable.
The Economic Importance of Rail Transport
Ramaphosa highlighted that an effective transport system is integral to lowering the cost of doing business and enhancing the competitiveness of South African goods on international markets. By ensuring the smooth movement of goods from mines, farms, and factories to markets across the country and beyond, an efficient rail system directly supports economic productivity and job creation.
In his newsletter, the President explained, “The efficient, safe and affordable movement of people and goods around the country is essential for economic growth and jobs.” An upgraded rail system would benefit both the public and the economy, as affordable transport helps reduce the cost of living and makes it easier for workers to access employment opportunities. Additionally, efficient rail logistics would allow South African products to reach global markets more competitively  .
Current State of South Africa’s Public Transport System
South Africa’s public transport infrastructure has suffered from years of inadequate investment, theft, and vandalism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This deterioration has left many South Africans without affordable and reliable transportation, forcing households to allocate a significant portion of their income to commuting costs. According to Ramaphosa, addressing these issues is critical to alleviating poverty and reducing the financial strain on families.
The President pointed out that repairing public transport will play a major role in reducing poverty, stating, “Fixing public transport therefore plays a big role in reducing poverty.” A revamped rail system would provide an accessible, cost-effective transport option for millions of South Africans, particularly those in urban and underserved communities. As the nation grapples with high unemployment and rising living costs, a dependable rail network could have far-reaching positive effects on socio-economic well-being .
Progress in Restoring Rail Services
Over the past few years, the government has taken steps to restore the country’s rail infrastructure. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has already reopened 31 out of 40 priority rail corridors, enabling more South Africans to use public trains. As of March 2024, nearly 40 million passengers have benefited from restored rail services, almost tripling the usage compared to the previous year.
Ramaphosa praised PRASA’s efforts in revitalizing urban passenger rail, adding, “Much progress has been made in restoring urban passenger rail to full service.” This progress is especially notable in urban areas, where reliable rail services are essential for daily commuters. Nevertheless, the restoration of these corridors is only the beginning, as the government aims to further expand and improve rail infrastructure to meet growing demand  .
Freight Rail and the National Logistics Crisis Committee
To tackle logistical bottlenecks in freight transport, the government established the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) in 2023. The NLCC collaborates with Transnet, business leaders, and labour unions to optimize freight movement on rail corridors and improve access to ports. This committee supports the implementation of the Freight Logistics Roadmap, which outlines key areas such as rail network security, operational enhancements, and capital investment needs.
Ramaphosa mentioned that a significant milestone is anticipated by year-end when Transnet will finalise its Network Statement. This document will enable third-party operators to access South Africa’s rail network, increasing the volume of goods transported by rail. The President outlined an ambitious target, stating, “By 2029, our rail lines need to be transporting at least 250 million tonnes of freight a year.” This target underscores the administration’s vision of positioning rail as the backbone of South Africa’s logistics and freight sector  .
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