TRANSNET'S LOSS-making PX parcel delivery service and Autonet, its road transport operator are to be privatised, transport minister Mac Maharaj said last week.
However, the news has surprised government and union officials who claim the issue has not yet been raised with them.
The two units are expected to be sold in their entirety.
PX has been a drain on Transnet's finances for a number of years, wiping out the good results of other divisions as the parastatal struggled to absorb its R500m deficit.
Not surprisingly, the unions have come out against the announcement, saying they had yet to be consulted on the issue.
The SA Railway & Harbours Workers Union is wary of privatisation, particularly as a similar process in Zambia and Mozambique has led to retrenchments.
The union wants a Ôholistic' solution to Transnet's restructuring and is opposed to selling off parts piece by piece.
It is only willing to treat SAA as an exception.
No asking price was mentioned, but PX in particular is unlikely to attract a spectactular bid.
Although a prospective buyer will obtain PX's customer base and infrastructure, the loss-making business will require a substantial cash injection and reorganisation. Autonet is a far more attractive proposition. It made a small profit last year.
