On 22 August 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, announced the outcome of Transnet’s slot application process. Conducted through its operating division, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM), the adjudication has selected new Train Operating Companies (TOCs) as part of the country’s rail reform programme.
According to the minister, this marks a significant step in making open access to freight rail a reality. The process is intended to create a more efficient, reliable and sustainable rail system that promotes inclusive growth while supporting job retention and creation.
The initiative builds on the National Rail Policy, approved by Cabinet in March 2022. This policy establishes the framework for third-party participation in the Transnet network, while retaining state ownership of the infrastructure. It also aims to enable private sector investment, optimise use of the network, and ensure equitable access under effective economic regulation.
The benefits of third-party access are expected to include improved network utilisation, reduced unit costs, increased revenue for maintenance and modernisation, and lower external costs of freight logistics.
The Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System, approved in December 2023, gave the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity the mandate to manage consultations on Transnet’s draft Network Statement. Published alongside a tariff determination in December 2024, the statement set out the conditions under which operators can access the network. The application process opened on 20 December 2024 and closed on 27 February 2025.
Following a rigorous and transparent evaluation, eleven of the 25 TOCs that applied have been approved to proceed to negotiations and contracting. Allocations cover 41 routes across six corridors:
- North Corridor: six new entrants on 15 routes for coal and chrome.
- Iron Ore Corridor: one new entrant on a single route for iron ore.
- Cape Corridor: two new entrants on two routes for manganese.
- Northeast Corridor: six new entrants on 16 routes for coal, chrome, magnetite, fuel and containers.
- Central Corridor: one new entrant on two routes for coal and containers (manganese).
- Container Corridor: four new entrants on five routes for containers, coal and sugar.
TRIM estimates that these new entrants will transport an additional 20 million tonnes of freight annually from the 2026/27 financial year. This will supplement Transnet Freight Rail’s forecasted volumes and contribute to the government’s target of moving 250 million tonnes per year by 2029.
The Rail Policy encourages investment in rolling stock by operating companies, including the establishment of leasing companies by both state and private entities. This intervention could revitalise rolling stock and unlock up to R100 billion in new investments.
Awarded operators will receive conditional letters requiring them to complete Railway Safety Regulator permit applications, ensure rolling stock readiness, secure port offloading capacity, and finalise other operational processes. Allocation durations range from one to ten years, with operations commencing once conditions are met.
Next week, TRIM will open ad-hoc applications for new or additional route allocations for the 2025/26 timetable. Publication dates for Volume 4 of the Network Statement and applications for the 2026/27 timetable will be announced by the Department of Transport in due course.
The minister concluded that the announcement is not just about rail slot allocations but represents a step toward a future where the railways drive economic growth, job creation and sustainability.
