Draft Network Statement Version 4 is a key document in South Africa’s rail reform process because it sets out the commercial, operational and regulatory framework for parties seeking access to the national rail network. For existing and prospective operators, the document provides the structure through which infrastructure access, participation requirements and operating conditions are defined.
The consultation process allows rail industry stakeholders to test the draft against operational realities before the framework is finalised. This is important for open access rail, private sector participation, infrastructure utilisation and the broader effort to improve South Africa’s freight logistics performance.
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has published Draft Network Statement Version 4 (NS V4) for public consultation, opening the next stage of South Africa’s rail access framework to input from rail industry participants and other interested stakeholders. The latest Network Statement can be found here: https://www.transnet.net/TRIM-...
Written comments are due by Friday, 24 July 2026.
Rather than serving only as a policy document, the Network Statement establishes the framework that parties seeking access to South Africa’s national rail infrastructure must navigate. NS V4 outlines the commercial, operational, and regulatory requirements and processes governing participation on the network.
For prospective network users, the document is intended to provide greater transparency and certainty around the conditions that apply within South Africa’s developing open access rail environment.
Framework for Rail Network Access
The latest draft has been developed in support of the Government’s rail reform agenda and aligns with the National Rail Policy, 2022 and the Economic Regulation of Transport Act, 2024.
South Africa’s rail reforms are intended to strengthen competition, encourage private sector participation and improve the utilisation of existing infrastructure, while supporting the development of a more efficient and sustainable freight logistics system.
Within this process, the Network Statement serves as the primary document governing access to the national rail network. Its provisions are intended to give industry participants the information required to understand the commercial, regulatory and operational conditions attached to infrastructure access.
As South Africa’s open access framework develops, the details contained in the Network Statement will play an important role in shaping how parties engage with the infrastructure manager and participate in the national rail system.
Industry Input Sought on Draft Framework
TRIM has positioned stakeholder participation as a central part of developing a practical and effective final Network Statement.
The consultation gives rail industry participants and interested stakeholders an opportunity to assess NS V4 against operational realities, regulatory requirements and the practical needs of parties seeking access to the network.
Input received during the consultation process is intended to help ensure that the final framework reflects regulatory best practice and supports the shared objective of a modern and efficient national rail network.
TRIM said the process is aimed at strengthening transparency, regulatory certainty and investment confidence, while supporting a safe, efficient and commercially sustainable network that contributes to South Africa’s economic growth and logistics competitiveness.
Submit comments via: Transport for the attention of Ms Mala Somaru or Mr Noko Mashala:
Department of Transport Private Bag X 193 PRETORIA 0001
E-mail: IRERCSEC@dot.gov.za
Tel: (012) 309 3925 / (012) 309 3522
