This investment is expected to benefit the economy due to big infrastructure spending, with economic studies showing that for every R1 million invested, the economy could grow by about R4.3 million.
“This kind of investment would also support key industries like steel, cement, logistics, and engineering. It would create jobs and help increase people’s incomes,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Thursday in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
According to the draft National Rail Master Plan (NRMP), the goal is to build an integrated system that delivers lower transport costs, faster and safer passenger travel, reliable freight movement, and broader economic opportunities.
The plan also marks a shift toward more inclusive, consultative planning, expanding beyond traditional commercial and state-owned enterprise considerations to include a wider range of stakeholder perspectives from the start.
Therefore, the Minister launched a centralised, web-based platform to host the draft plan and submit comments on the plan.
“This platform includes GIS mapping, interactive tools, and a user manual. I urge all stakeholders here today and across the country to engage actively with the draft Masterplan.
“Use the digital platform to review the draft plan, provide input, and help us prioritise investments that deliver the most value to our people and our economy,” the Minister said.
South Africa’s economy is losing potential earnings due to its inability to meet the growing demand for the transport of export goods.
Currently, about 165 million tonnes of freight are moved annually on the rail network, while research suggests the market demand is closer to 280 million tonnes.
“The unintended consequence of this underperformance by our rail network includes loss of foreign exchange earnings, and job losses when mining and agricultural products cannot be affordably and timeously exported,” the Minister said.
In addition, congestion, road deterioration and safety concerns are driving up transport costs and undermining overall efficiency.
“In the commuter sphere, high transport costs undermine take-home pay and condemn commuters to several hours a day spent on congested highways.
“An effective commuter rail system would lower household costs, save time, reduce accidents and improve accessibility to income and services for low-income communities,” she said.
The NRMP is a long-term strategic framework aimed at guiding the revitalisation, expansion, and modernisation of South Africa’s rail system.
The Master Plan translates the National Rail Policy, approved by Cabinet in 2022, into a practical, phased investment and implementation programme for both freight and passenger rail over the coming decades.
It seeks to build an affordable and competitive rail system by integrating passenger, freight, and high-speed rail, while promoting private-sector participation.
The Minister has urged all stakeholders across the country to engage actively with the draft Masterplan.
“Use the digital platform to review the draft plan, provide input, and help us prioritise investments that deliver the most value to our people and our economy.
“We will schedule engagements across all provinces and with freight, passenger, commuter groups, and labour formations to ensure a truly inclusive process,” the Minister said.
All the dates for the masterplan consultation days and venues in various provinces will be published on the website.
Public consultation will conclude in July 2026, after which the NRMP will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval.
“Going forward, a dedicated Rail Planning Component will maintain an up-to-date databank on passenger and freight flows, network capacity, asset condition, and rolling stock fleets. This will allow the Masterplan to be updated annually and reviewed every five years.
“We need your participation if we are to create an integrated logistical system where rail delivers lower transport costs, faster and safer journeys for people, reliable freight movement, and vibrant economic opportunity across all communities,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
