🇿🇦South AfricaSouthern Africa
South Africa launches national rail master plan consultation to boost logistics and economy
via The Citizen2 min read
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has initiated a nationwide consultation on South Africa's draft national rail master plan, aiming to establish rail as the core of the country's logistics system. The plan, approved by the Cabinet for public consultation on April 1, 2026, seeks to address underperforming rail networks that are currently costing the economy jobs and exports. Creecy highlighted a significant shortfall in rail freight capacity, with only 165 million tons moved annually against a market demand of 280 million tons. This deficit leads to lost foreign exchange earnings and job losses, particularly when mining and agricultural products cannot be exported efficiently. The minister also noted that an over-reliance on road transport exacerbates congestion, damages roads, increases safety risks, and inflates logistics costs. Commuters, especially those in low-income households, are also negatively impacted by high transport costs and long commutes. Creecy stated that an effective commuter rail system could reduce household expenses, save time, decrease accidents, and improve access to income and services for these communities. The draft master plan envisions a long-term investment of nearly two trillion rand over 30 years, combining public and private funding, with an estimated return of R4.3 million in GDP for every one million rand invested. The plan adopts a "brownfield" approach to optimize existing infrastructure while pursuing targeted "greenfield" expansions. A di
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