[Durban, 07 August 2021]

Transnet SOC Ltd yesterday hosted a trolley trip for the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government leadership to observe operations that constitute the Durban-Gauteng Corridor.

The Durban-Gauteng Corridor is considered the main artery linking the Durban port precinct to the country’s main economic hub in Gauteng, and is receiving priority attention in Transnet’s improvement plans, and as part of the Group’s road-to-rail initiative.

Hosted by the Group Chief Executive, Ms Portia Derby and Chief Executive of Freight Rail, Ms Siza Mzimela, were the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Sihle Zikalala, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Mr Ravi Pillay, Deputy Mayor Elect of eThekwini Metropolitan, Ms Dianna Hoorzuk and Director-General from the Department of Public Enterprises, Mr Kgathatso Tlhakudi.

One of the key observations made by the stakeholders was the increasing number of communities encroaching the rail servitudes, particularly around Durban, Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding areas. This, together with continuing vandalism of Transnet infrastructure, remains a significant constraint in the ability of this corridor to perform at design capacity.

Ms Portia Derby said: “It’s critical that we work jointly with our partners from the provincial government, the municipalities and the surrounding communities to protect the integrity of the infrastructure, and provide security, to enable rail to reclaim its position as a significant freight mover.”

“The Durban-Gauteng corridor is strategically placed to benefit from high volumes, particularly from container traffic. These operational constraints remain a bottleneck towards our ability to achieve growth along this corridor, which would have a beneficial impact on communities along this line and on the provincial and national economy,” Ms Siza Mzimela added.

Speaking after the NatCor trolley trip, Premier Zikalala said: “In collaboration with other organs of state, the KwaZulu-Natal Government is committed to finding a lasting solution to ensure that the strategic Durban-Gauteng corridor is not further compromised. The encroachment of illegal informal settlements on the tracks and rail reserve, which has been exacerbated by the wanton destruction, theft and vandalism of infrastructure, must be urgently addressed. We have adopted an all-hands-on-deck approach so that the Corridor can perform at its optimum capacity and move commodities such as coal, motor vehicles, gold ore crude, and containers and fuel much more efficiently.”

Transnet will collaborate with the provincial and local government to find solutions to protect the railway infrastructure, and ensure that this vital corridor is able to move freight safely and reliably, for the growth and competitiveness of the South African economy.