THE LIFELINE that links the mineral-rich Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha is one of several key corridors earmarked for a potential facelift – and the private sector is being called in to help.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Sunday unveiled a bold new plan to bring South Africa’s ageing rail and port infrastructure back on track through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

In a national media briefing, Creecy announced the launch of an online Request for Information (RFI) aimed at gathering input from businesses eager to invest in and revitalise the country’s critical freight corridors.

“Today, I am launching an online request for information to develop an enabling environment for Private Sector Participation (PSP) and enhance investment in rail and port infrastructure and operations,” Creecy said.

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A boost for the Northern Cape

For the Northern Cape, this move could mean significant improvements to the heavily-used rail corridor that transports iron ore and manganese to Saldanha Bay – a vital artery for the province’s mining economy. Creecy confirmed that this route is among the national priorities for intervention.

The RFI also targets corridors stretching from Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay, and a broader intermodal project to improve container and automotive transport across the country.

Creecy said the rail and port system is in dire need of attention, citing problems like theft, vandalism, poor maintenance, and chronic underinvestment – all of which have stunted economic growth.

Opening the door

With state coffers under strain, the Minister said government could no longer shoulder the burden alone.

“The limited availability of state resources to fund infrastructure development and address backlogs has intensified these challenges, severely restricting the ability of State-Owned Entities (SOEs) to fulfil their critical mandates,” she explained.

Creecy noted that private companies have been knocking on the door for some time.

She said that Transnet and the government have received many “unsolicited” offers from private companies eager to contribute investment, skills, and expertise to help revive and reform the country’s ailing rail and port systems.

This led to the decision to formally open the door – starting with a nationwide consultation process.

Not procurement – just a call for ideas

Creecy made it clear that this is not yet a procurement drive, but rather a fact-finding mission.

“These processes are not formal procurement methods, but rather a mechanism to gather and analyse information from the market.”

The aim, she said, is to understand the freight logistics environment better and craft sustainable solutions that benefit both the public and private sectors.

Ports, trucks and trains

Besides the key mineral export routes, the broader initiative includes plans to improve infrastructure at ports, back-of-port terminals, railway lines, and inland terminals. The government hopes to streamline logistics routes connecting Gauteng with Durban, East London, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Ngqura and Cape Town.

“The RFI represents a pivotal step forward in our shared commitment to building a 21st-century transport system that goes beyond mobility to strengthen industrial competitiveness, deepen regional integration, and drive inclusive economic growth,” Creecy said.

Backing emerging players

The minister also pledged that government would remain committed to job retention, state asset ownership, BBBEE, gender equality and localisation.

Support will be provided to help new and emerging players enter the rail and port sectors, with a dedicated PSP unit – hosted by the Development Bank of South Africa – leading the charge.

Consultation process

The RFI consultation process will run from March 24 to May 9, and stakeholders have been urged to share their insights through the government’s online portal at www.psp-rfi.co.za. All submissions will be treated confidentially.

“I encourage all interested and affected parties to actively engage in this RFI process, contributing to the PSP unit’s efforts in shaping the potential PSP programme of projects and designing future bid packages for procurement,” Creecy said.

A second RFI focused on passenger rail initiatives is expected to be released in May.