Vandalism of rail infrastructure is costing South Africa nearly R5 billion each year, according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. This has significantly reduced the amount of freight transported via the country’s rail system.
Speaking to the National Council of Provinces as part of a ministerial team addressing infrastructure challenges, Creecy emphasized the impact on the economy.
She explained that to meet economic needs, the rail system should be transporting between 220 and 250 million tons of freight annually.
However, current freight movement by Transnet is only around 149 to 150 million tons, which is insufficient for the economy and for protecting mining jobs.
Creecy also warned that South Africa risks losing market share to neighboring countries, highlighting recent agreements between Mozambique and Zimbabwe to build a rail line that would facilitate port access outside South Africa.
“We must be concerned about these developments, as they aim to divert critical transport routes away from our ports,” she cautioned.
