The Minister, who now oversees 16 entities including Transnet, PRASA, ACSA, and the Road Accident Fund, detailed a strategic roadmap focused on economic recovery, job creation, and climate resilience, while acknowledging the deeply rooted challenges that must be overcome.
Tackling a System Under Pressure
Minister Creecy was frank about the state of transport in South Africa. The nation’s infrastructure is plagued by inefficiencies, underperforming rail networks, cable theft, corruption, and a lack of inclusive economic participation.
But her message was equally clear: fixing transport is about more than trains and trucks, it’s about jobs, equity, and South Africa’s future.
At the heart of the Department of Transport’s priorities are:
Six National Transport Goals by 2029/30
To translate strategy into action, the Minister unveiled six measurable goals that the Department is working towards:
Freight Rail:
Move 200 million tons of goods on the Transnet rail network by 2029. Right now, vandalism, cable theft, and job losses are major obstacles. Additionally, Transnet will announce private partners for 5 strategic rail corridors by the end of 2025.
Port Productivity & Maritime Economy:
Improving port turnaround times and increasing maritime investment are key to driving trade competitiveness and global integration.
Passenger Rail:
Raise annual PRASA passenger trips to 600 million by 2030. At the moment, 37 of 40 priority corridors are currently running due to vandalism and outdated systems.
ACSA Network Expansion:
Increase airport passenger trips to 42 million, with improved infrastructure and expanded commuter services.
Air Freight:
Triple air freight volumes by 2029. OR Tambo’s new cargo terminal is already underway to support this goal.
Road Safety:
Cut road fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, aligning with the African Union’s road safety campaign.
Rail Reform & Private Sector Partnerships
Structural reform is a critical lever for Barbara Creecy’s plan. She confirmed the creation of a new Rail Infrastructure Manager, a major step towards separating rail operations from infrastructure, and a new rail economic regulator to improve transparency and competitiveness.
To fund and enable this transformation, the National Treasury has approved a R51 billion guarantee to support Transnet’s infrastructure upgrades and financial recovery.
Private-sector involvement will be key, with preferred bidders for major rail corridors to be announced by the end of 2025.
Greener, More Integrated Transport Systems
Barbara Creecy also outlined the role of green technology in shaping the future of mobility. The Department is progressing on a revised Green Transport Strategy that includes:
Crucially, she stressed the essential need for better integration between BRT (bus rapid transit), trains, minibus taxis, and e-hailing, calling on municipalities to strengthen their Integrated Transport Plans, many of which are currently falling short.
“The Second Best Time Is Now”
Quoting the proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now” Minister Creecy acknowledged the long road ahead. She emphasized that although progress may be gradual, what matters most is to start, and take action.
VUKA Mobility will continue to track the Department’s progress on this transformative agenda and report on key developments shaping the future of transport in South Africa and across the continent.
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