South Africa is predicted to see the introduction of privately operated trains within six to nine months which will benefit the economy, according to James Holley, CEO of Traxtion, Africa’s largest private rail operator.
Key policy frameworks have already been established, including a national rail policy, a freight logistics roadmap, and a private sector participation framework for rail, as stated in a radio interview on Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk.
The country’s rail system, which has been described as ‘dysfunctional’, has negatively affected the economy, even more than rolling blackouts, James claimed.
“It’s having a bigger impact on our economy than the power blackouts had over the last number of years.
“If [we’re] looking to ignite the South African economy in the coming years, it’s extremely important that we do continue with this reform agenda,” said James.
One of the main challenges the national rail system experienced was a reduction in the maintenance expenditure on the Transnet national freight network in 2012 and 2013.
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