Transport Minister Barbara Creecy Proposes New National Rail Bill to Codify Private Sector Participation and Market Reforms

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy introduces the National Rail Bill to lock in reforms and support 11 private operators entering South Africa’s rail network.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 10:56 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Engineering News

Legislative Anchor Sought to Secure Long Term Rail Sector Liberalization

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has announced her intention to seek Cabinet approval for a comprehensive National Rail Bill during the 2026/27 financial year. The proposed legislation is designed to transform existing rail reforms from temporary policy directives into permanent law, ensuring that the shift toward private participation remains stable regardless of future political changes. According to the Minister, this legal framework is essential for addressing industry concerns regarding the sustainability of the current reform process. By codifying the National Rail Policy into an act of parliament, the government aims to provide the necessary certainty required for multi-year private investment in the national rail infrastructure.

Initial Private Operators Prepare for Network Access Following Vertical Separation

The reform process has already achieved significant milestones, including the vertical separation of the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager from the Transnet Freight Rail Operating Company. To date, this newly established infrastructure manager has identified eleven private train operating companies that have successfully met the criteria to utilize forty-one slots across six primary corridors. According to current projections, the first of these private operators are scheduled to begin active service in April 2027. If all eleven companies achieve financial close, they are expected to contribute approximately twenty million tons of additional volume to the national rail system, significantly augmenting existing state capacity.

Updated Network Statement and Regulatory Framework Under Development

In tandem with the new Bill, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager is finalizing an update to the Network Statement, which serves as the technical and commercial blueprint for third-party access. This document outlines the current condition of the rail network, available capacity, and the specific tariffs required for access. Minister Creecy indicated that the 2026/27 statement is intended to remain in effect for two years to facilitate a predictable entry environment for additional operators. While a permanent Transport Economic Regulator is still being finalized, interim regulatory capacity has been established to review and approve the associated access tariffs.