Business for South Africa (B4SA), a Business Unity South Africa platform, has welcomed the revisions to the Network Statement issued by Transnet’s Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) on February 5.

The Network Statement was initially published in December last year, as part of efforts to reform the country’s rail network.

The updated Network Statement incorporates changes to capacity allocation and transformation principles, B4SA points out.

It notes that these updates provide for the full opening of all slots across the network, which is a considerable increase in volumes to over 209-million tonnes now being made available to private operators.

The organisation asserts that this ensures broader representation in the country’s supply chain, of both established and new market entrants.

Further, TRIM announced an extension to the closing date for slot applications, so potential train operating companies and other access seekers have adequate time to submit quality applications aligned to the revised framework.

“While there has been a lot of work and many hours of engagement put into the development of the long-awaited Network Statement, there were still some areas – following its publication in December 2024 – that needed clarity to ensure we have a fair, equitable and transparent process which encourages broader participation in the rail sector,” B4SA transport and logistics focal area senior executive Ian Bird asserts.

“We cannot underestimate the significance of this announcement in the transformation of the country’s rail network,” he highlights.

“Along with the announcement made by the Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips earlier this week about facilitating much-needed business investment into ageing infrastructure, this bodes well for the sustainability of our all-important rail network and will form a strong foundation for the fundamental road to rail programme,” Bird says.