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Urban Transport Fund publication

Urban Transport FundRef: https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SATC_Address_2026.pdf

Official source

Source domain: transport.gov.za

Collected on 7 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 21 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a speech titled “Address by the Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, at the Southern Africa Transport Conference” delivered on 6 July 2026. The Minister outlines South Africa’s transport reform agenda under the theme “Developing and Sustaining Transport Systems in an Uncertain World,” focusing on rail and port reform, sustainability, resilience, and inclusion. It announces key rail and passenger rail progress (including approval of 11 private Train Operating Companies, rail line recoveries, and passenger trip growth targets) and highlights port and energy initiatives such as the Liquid Gas Terminal at Ngqura and the Boegoebaai port and green hydrogen hub.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

rail network access for private operators

Access to the national rail network for approved private Train Operating Companies (TOCs)

The Department of Transport approved eleven private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to access the national rail network, with operations due to commence in April 2027.

Who it is for
private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) approved by the Department of Transport
How to act on it
Be one of the private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) approved by the Department of Transport to access the national rail network; operations are due to commence in April 2027.
Show the line this came from
In March this year the Department of Transport approved eleven private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to access the national rail network. Theses TOC’s will bring their expertise and capital to rail operations, whilst the network will remain state-owned and belong to the people of South Africa. Operations are due to commence in April 2027,
public consultation on a rail master plan

Public comment on the Draft National Rail Master Plan

The Draft National Rail Master Plan was approved for public comment to address the gap between current annual freight volumes and market demand.

Who it is for
the public (for public comment) on the Draft National Rail Master Plan
How to act on it
Provide public comment on the Draft National Rail Master Plan after it was approved for public comment.
Show the line this came from
Earlier this year Draft National Rail Master Plan was approved for public comment. The Master Plan aims to address the gap between current annual freight volumes of 165 million tonnes, and the market demand of 280 million.
network statement publication supporting operator capital raising

Use of the second Network Statement to raise capital for TOCs’ rolling stock and workers

TRIM published the second Network Statement to help the newly appointed TOCs raise the capital they need to equip themselves with rolling stock and workers to begin operations.

Who it is for
newly appointed TOCs seeking to raise capital for rolling stock and workers
How to act on it
Use the second Network Statement published by TRIM to raise the capital needed to equip rolling stock and workers to begin operations.
Show the line this came from
On Thursday last week TRIM published the second Network Statement that aims to ensure these newly appointed TOCs can raise the capital they need to equip themselves with rolling stock and workers to begin operations.

Facts

Places

Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela Bay, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal

Reference

https://www.transport.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SATC_Address_2026.pdf

Key Takeaways

  • Speaker: Minister of Transport Ms Barbara Creecy
  • Event: Southern Africa Transport Conference
  • Date: 6 July 2026
  • Theme: Developing and Sustaining Transport Systems in an Uncertain World
  • Rail reform: Department of Transport approved 11 private Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to access the national rail network
  • TOC operations due to commence: April 2027
  • Freight target: move 250 million tonnes of freight on the Transnet rail network by 2030
  • Network Statement: TRIM published the second Network Statement to support TOCs’ access/capital raising
  • Draft National Rail Master Plan: approved for public comment; gap from 165 million tonnes to 280 million tonnes annual freight demand
  • Rail line recovery: recovered 35 of 40 priority rail lines; Midway to Lenz route section recovered
  • Passenger rail trips: PRASA recorded 10 million trips in 2020/21; 101 million by end of 2025/26; aim 600 million by 2030/31
  • New passenger train: locally-manufactured blue Isitimela Sabantu “People’s Train” introduced on recovered lines
  • Port/energy: Liquid Gas Terminal launched at port of Ngqura (agreement signed in May 2026) for gas-to-power generation and industrial growth
  • Port/energy: Boegoebaai port development in Northern Cape progressing; includes green hydrogen hub (storage, grids, pipelines) for Just Energy Transition
  • South Africa Department of Transport
  • Ms Barbara Creecy
  • President Ramaphosa
  • Transnet
  • TRIM
  • Private Train Operating Companies (TOCs)
  • Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)
  • SANTACO
  • Department’s Public Transport Branch
  • Department’s Aviation Branch
  • International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
  • World Bank
  • Ngqura (port of Ngqura), Nelson Mandela Bay
  • Durban
  • Port Elizabeth
  • Boegoebaai (Northern Cape)

Dates

Closing Date

6 July 2026