Transnet sets focus on logistics hubs

Port rail connectivity and the creation of logistics hubs and terminals was a strategic economic and competitive element of future port development, TFR general manager Kwasi Mabaso told delegates at a recent Transport Forum in Durban. “Africa now has 1.3bn people; in 2050 the population will be over two billion and in 2100 we will

have 4.5 billion people in Africa – 25% of the world’s population,” Mabaso said. “We have 69 000- 70 000km of rail in Africa, and of that 22 000km of the route belongs to us so business in South Africa has a bigger role to play in making sure there is connectivity in Africa.” Mabaso said 65% of railed goods were containerised and the balance comprised

agricultural goods, bulk liquids and other commodities. He said part of the plan to grow capacity was to increase train wagons from 50 to 75 to 100, and eventually to 150. “The demand for traffic on the Natal corridor (Natcor)  is not going to go down, it’s going to increase from the current demand of about 58 million tonnes to about 167 million until 2047.”

He said Africa would be the next Asia in terms of growth and Transnet had to start partnering and collaborating with the private sector. He invited the private sector to make use of the SOE’s available train wagons. “South Africa only imports 10% from African countries and we export about 29%. It’s the only continent where we have a trade surplus, so it is

the growth area. We have to start partnering and collaborating,” he said. South Africa has a bigger role to play in making sure there is connectivity in Africa. – Kwasi Mabaso