ED RICHARDSON STATE LOGISTICS and transport giant Transnet is undergoing a makeover in order to help South African businesses become more globally competitive. Writing in the 2003/2004 annual report, group chief executive Maria Ramos said: “Transnet has shown an increasing inability to respond to the demands of its business environment. Our structure and size do not facilitate the ability to provide a competitive and integrated transport and intermodal service.” The response is a strategic plan which will see Transnet focusing on its rail and harbour operations and divesting itself of other interests, such as South African Airways. “As has been done with National Ports Authority and South African Port Operations, we intend to separate the operational and infrastructural elements within Spoornet. This vertical separation will sharpen our focus and allow us to introduce inter alia, public-private partnerships more readily into the Group.
