A robust port and rail transportation infrastructure is of utmost importance for the South African economy. These systems play a crucial role in facilitating trade, improving competitiveness, fostering regional integration, facilitating resource transportation, generating employment opportunities, and driving the development of infrastructure. Therefore, making substantial investments in these sectors is crucial.

By Themba Khumalo

In the larger framework of South Africa’s economic development and resilience, the efficient operation of its port and rail transportation systems can play a significant role in encouraging a positive story of prosperity and progress.

These game-changing lifelines of trade and connectivity have a critical role to play in catapulting the country towards an unparalleled economic boom. Ports and railways have a remarkable capacity to intertwine the strands of commerce and establish connections between far-flung regions, thereby bringing to bear a profound influence on the structure of our economy.

Transnet, the organisation responsible for managing and operating ports and rail, is currently facing significant challenges that could potentially lead to a situation eerily similar to that of Eskom. The consequences of failure are substantial, and there are numerous reasons an emergency plan is needed to address these issues.

Here are a few compelling reasons why it is crucial to urgently save Transnet:

Enabling Trade: A Crucial Aspect of Economic Growth and Development

South Africa’s economy is heavily dependent on international trade, with a substantial contribution to its GDP originating from both exports and imports.

Efficient port and rail transportation systems play a vital role in facilitating the seamless movement of goods to and from the country. By minimising trade barriers and promoting economic growth, these systems are essential for the smooth functioning of trade operations.

Improving Competitiveness

Enhancing a country’s competitiveness in the global market is greatly facilitated by the presence of a robust and efficient port and rail infrastructure. The implementation of efficient transportation systems facilitates expedited and economically viable movement of goods, thereby enhancing the appeal of South African products to global customers. Consequently, this can result in increased export volumes, the generation of employment opportunities, and the attraction of foreign capital inflows.

Integration at the Regional Level

South Africa plays a crucial role in both the Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area. A well-developed port and rail infrastructure facilitates efficient connections with neighbouring states, promoting regional trade and integration. Such an infrastructure can further solidify South Africa’s position as a key regional trade centre and promote economic collaboration across the continent.

The Efficient and Effective Movement of Resources

South Africa has abundant natural resources, including minerals and agricultural products. The establishment of efficient port and rail systems is crucial for facilitating the transportation of these resources from their production areas to processing plants or export terminals. This infrastructure is vital in ensuring the prompt delivery of raw materials, fostering the growth of local industries, and generating substantial revenue for the national economy.

Creating Employment Opportunities

The port and rail sectors in South Africa play a crucial role in generating employment opportunities for a substantial portion of the population. The efficient functioning of the transportation network necessitates a diverse workforce comprising engineers, technicians, logistics personnel, and port workers. The creation of jobs within these sectors not only aids in alleviating poverty but also contributes to the overall socio-economic advancement of the country.

Development of Infrastructure

Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth through the attraction of private sector investments and the facilitation of industrial development. Investments in port and rail infrastructure have a significant impact on the overall development of a country’s economy. This is achieved through the creation of a multiplier effect, whereby the enhancement of transportation networks leads to the establishment of related industries, including logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing. Consequently, the development of infrastructure contributes to the overall progress of the country’s economy and its infrastructure system.

A Cursory Glance At Transnet Freight Rail

The railway industry presents notable benefits for both the energy sector and the environment. Through the diversification of energy sources and the promotion of more efficient mobility, rail transportation has the potential to reduce energy consumption and mitigate the emissions of carbon dioxide and local pollutants.

Rebuilding and upgrading our infrastructure is of utmost importance, and forming partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders is crucial in this endeavour. Rail has always played a vital role in the logistics and transport value chain of South Africa, and it will play an even more significant role in revitalising the country’s economic prospects. Not only is rail transport more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient compared to road transport, but it also provides a safe and hygienic means of transporting goods.

Transnet Freight Rail previously achieved remarkable results due to the presence of a highly capable, committed, loyal, and experienced team that had been assembled over the years. This team possessed a comprehensive understanding of the scheduled railways and made significant contributions to the economic growth of South Africa.

As a concerned citizen, I, like many others in our nation, am perplexed as to why the new board of Transnet is unable to locate and reintegrate some of the skilled and experienced individuals mentioned below:

Lloyd Tobias, formerly the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Manager at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), along with Nozipho Sithole, the former CEO of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), Nozipho Mdawe, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Mlamuli Buthelezi, the former Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Transnet, Thamsanqa Jiyane, the former Chief Officer of Transnet Engineering, Themba Gwala, the former COO of TPT and General Manager of TFR, Nomsa Mbenekazi, the former General Manager of Operations Development and Performance at TFR, Ravi Nair, the former Chief Executive of Transnet Freight Rail, and Pragasen Pillay, the former General Manager of Logistics Integrator, have all held key positions within Transnet.

Additionally, there is a talented and dedicated group of young professionals within TFR who have the potential to contribute significantly to the organisation’s success. However, their efforts require support and recognition.

These individuals include Rudzani Ligege, the Managing Executive of the Container Corridor; Russell Baatjies, the Acting CEO of TFR; Mashudu Makatu, the Managing Executive of the Central Corridor; Bonginkosi Mabaso, the Chief Commercial Officer of TFR; Thulasizwe Dlamini, the Managing Executive of TPT Richards Bay; Andiswa Dlanga, the Managing Executive at Transnet Port Terminals for Iron Ore, Manganese, and Containers; and Thozama Mokoena, the Managing Executive of the North East Corridor at TFR.

I understand that pride can be difficult for some people to swallow, as it can harm their ego and desire for personal gain. However, the board of Transnet needs to put aside their pride and seriously reconsider bringing back the aforementioned battle-tested warriors to work. They will contribute to accomplishing the actual tasks at hand.