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Transnet to bolster rail network with new private operators and leasing initiative

The Mercury

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August 25, 2025

TRANSNET has announced the formation of a leasing company to facilitate the refurbishment of its rolling stock, welcoming the entrance of 11 new private sector operators onto its rail network.

- BANELE GININDZA

This comes after Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Friday announced that she has approved the selection of new train operating companies, a major milestone in South Africa's rail reform programme.

Michelle Phillips, CEO of Transnet, confirmed these developments over the weekend, illustrating a determined response to alleviate a significant shortfall of 90 million tons in freight capacity expected by the latter half of next year.

The new train operating companies (TOCs) are poised for operation within a timeframe that varies from the second half of 2026 to as late as 2028, reflecting a broader ambition to ramp up freight rail volumes from the current 160 million tons to a targeted 250 million tons by 2030.

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