South Africa’s transport ministry has issued requests for information to attract private sector investment in modernising the country’s rail infrastructure

In a bid to achieve South Africa’s ambitious goal of 600 million annual rail passenger trips by 2030, the government has issued a series of Requests for Information (RFI) inviting private sector ideas and investments to modernise and expand the country’s rail system

“Participation in the RFI process will assist the organisation to gather information, innovative ideas, and solutions which will guide future Requests for Proposals for private sector investment in the passenger rail sector,” minister of transport Barbara Creecy said in Pretoria.

The RFI covers several key areas, including fare collection systems, depot management, utilisation and commercialisation of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) fibre network to improve digital connectivity. It also seeks proposals on operational resilience across the rail sector, as well as innovative insights for developing long-distance regional rapid transit.

By May 2025, PRASA had commissioned 35 of 40 passenger corridors, achieving 77 million audited passenger journeys annually.

“To continue on the recovery path, PRASA requires additional investment that cannot be carried by the fiscus alone. These RFIs are not tenders, they are an invitation for the market to help us design the future of rail. Together, we can rebuild confidence in public transport, open up investment opportunities, and connect South Africans to the growth we all deserve,” Creecy added during a media briefing.

As part of its modernisation drive, South Africa plans to introduce a unified tap and go ticketing system usable across trains, buses, and taxis.

“No more queues or paper tickets, just one account-based system that makes travel easier and helps us manage revenue transparently and efficiently. The private sector has an important role to play to make this a reality.

“We’re partnering with the private sector to modernise our major maintenance depots at Braamfontein and Wolmerton. This will mean faster train repairs, better reliability, and new investment in nearby areas, creating jobs and boosting local development. It is for this reason that the private sector participation is of paramount given the magnitude of this project,” Creecy said.

PRASA is deploying thousands of km of fibre optic cables as part of a new signalling system along railway lines.

“We’re opening this door for private partners to help us turn that network into a source of income, by offering broadband and digital services, while strengthening safety and real-time communication across the rail system.

“We’re planning a new generation of regional trains, faster, safer, and more frequent, connecting cities like Pretoria, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Musina, Mbombela and Durban using our existing network up to 120 kmper hour, building new 160 to 200 km per hour regional lines, and testing the water for a new 300 km per hour high-speed railway between Johannesburg and Durban,” she said.

These new routes aim to cut travel times, reduce costs, ease road congestion, and drive economic growth along connected towns.

“These regional projects are not possible without private sector partnership. Through this RFI, we’re inviting skilled private operators to lease and manage our new and old fleet under clear performance standards, keeping them safe, reliable, and on time.

“PRASA’s new blue trains, built at the Gibela factory in Nigel, are world class. We also have older yellow trains that can be repurposed for new uses,” the Minister said.

Simultaneously, the government is collaborating with manufacturers to establish South Africa as Africa’s premier train production hub, boosting jobs, local manufacturing, and exports in alignment with the African Union’s 2015 resolution.

“The rail and port freight RFI process is part of our broader Freight Logistics Roadmap, which seeks to restore efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness in the movement of goods across our economy.

“It also reflects the government’s commitment to implementing the National Rail Policy (2022), the National Ports Policy, and the Private Sector Participation Framework (2023), all of which recognise the critical role of partnerships with the private sector in revitalising our transport infrastructure,” Creecy said.

Both policies maintain public ownership of rail and port networks while encouraging private investment to boost efficiency and effectiveness.

“The RFI process is a critical step in this private sector participation journey and reflects the government’s acknowledgement of the importance of considering the rail passenger and freight logistics landscape from the perspectives of all interested and affected parties to develop effective and sustainable solutions,” the Minister said.

Four STS cranes strengthen Durban Terminal

Transnet SOC Ltd has officially unveiled four new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, valued at R967 million (approx. US$56mn), at Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2

The investment aims to boost the terminal’s operational efficiency, cargo-handling capacity, and overall competitiveness, replacing an aging fleet that has reached the end of its lifecycle.

Two cranes are currently being commissioned, with endurance testing and operational handover expected to begin in the final week of October 2025. The remaining two cranes are under assembly and will undergo commissioning and handover by the end of November 2025.

This fleet upgrade forms part of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) capital expenditure programme to strengthen cargo-handling infrastructure across its container terminals. Earlier in March 2025, TPT introduced 20 new straddle carriers and nine rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) for DCT Pier 2 and Pier 1, respectively. The impact of these investments is already visible — DCT Pier 2 recorded a 28.8% year-on-year increase during the recently concluded citrus season. For the 2025/26 financial year, TPT has allocated R4 billion for equipment acquisition across its operations.

Liebherr Africa, the original equipment manufacturer, supplied the cranes with advanced technology that minimises environmental impact through reduced energy consumption. Positioned strategically at the terminal’s edge, the cranes feature enhanced cargo-handling capabilities, including increased lifting capacity, allowing for more efficient loading and unloading of containers on vessels.

Speaking at the official launch, Transnet group CEO Michelle Phillips stated, “The arrival and commissioning of these STS cranes represents more than just steel and technology. It is a reinforcement of Transnet’s commitment to improving service offering through investment in new equipment. These cranes will enable us to turn vessels faster, to operate at higher winds and match the world-class efficiency that global trade demands.”

She further added, “This investment is a symbol of our commitment to ensure that cargo moves through our port terminals with the required speed and reliability. Faster processing of cargo at our terminals directly supports South Africa’s export-led growth strategy, boosting global trade competitiveness and economic prosperity. These new STS cranes replace an old fleet that had reached its end-of-lifecycle. The investment is set up to increase the terminal’s volume throughput and significantly boost productivity and efficiency levels.”

Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 remains the largest and busiest container facility in Southern Africa, handling 60% of South Africa’s container volumes. It is also the only terminal on the continent equipped with tandem lift cranes capable of carrying up to 80 tons at once.

New joint venture strengthens Angola’s air services. (Image source: Menzies Aviation)

Menzies Aviation, a leading global service partner to airports and airlines, has entered a strategic partnership with TAAG Angola Airlines and Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos (SGA) to form Menzies Aviation Angola, Lda

This collaboration aims to enhance ground handling, cargo, and airport services across Angola, driving operational excellence and innovation within the nation’s aviation ecosystem. It also underscores Menzies’ expanding footprint in Africa and supports the operational development of the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) in Luanda.

With operations at over 350 airports in 65 countries, Menzies Aviation brings global expertise in safety, service quality, and efficiency. The inclusion of TAAG Angola Airlines as a shareholder reinforces the national carrier’s dedication to sustainable aviation growth, while SGA, as the operator of Angola’s national airport network, contributes vital infrastructure knowledge and local experience.

Operating as Menzies Aviation Angola, Lda, the joint venture will strengthen Angola’s position as a regional aviation hub, offering dependable and efficient services to airlines, passengers, and cargo operators while boosting the national economy.

Charles Wyley, executive vice-president – MEAA, Menzies Aviation, stated, “By uniting Menzies’ global expertise with TAAG’s national significance and SGA’s local leadership, Menzies Aviation Angola is well positioned to deliver world-class safety, service and innovation while supporting the economic ambitions of Angola. We are proud to deepen our partnership in Angola and contribute to a new era of aviation services across the country.”

Clóvis Rosa, chairman of TAAG Angola Airlines, added, “TAAG’s entry as a shareholder in Menzies Aviation Angola reflects our strategic vision for the future of aviation in Angola. By combining Menzies’ global operational excellence with TAAG’s deep understanding of the domestic and regional market, we are investing in growth and strengthening Angola’s role as a key aviation gateway in Africa.”

Building upon the 2023 joint venture with SGA, this new agreement further advances Menzies’ growth strategy in Angola by enhancing its operational capacity and supporting the country’s expanding aviation market. It also reinforces the partners’ shared commitment to collaborate with the Government of Angola and industry stakeholders in developing a competitive and sustainable aviation sector.

Kuehne + Nagel streamlines operations

In response to an increasingly strained market environment defined by overcapacity and margin pressure, the Kühne + Nagel Group has announced a comprehensive cost-reduction programme designed to secure its competitiveness and profitability going forward

In the first nine months of 2025, the Group achieved a net turnover of CHF 18.5 billion (approx. US$23.3bn) and an EBIT of CHF 1.0 billion (approx. US$1.3bn). Earnings amounted to CHF 761 million (approx. US$960mn). Currency effects in Q3 alone weighed on EBIT by CHF 14 million (approx. US$18mn).

Despite the difficult environment, Kühne + Nagel made notable gains in market share, especially in Air Logistics, driven by targeted investments in services for cloud-infrastructure and perishables. In Sea Logistics, the company strengthened its position in the SME segment while focusing on strategically important routes. Free cash flow reached CHF 521 million (approx. US$ 657mn), up CHF 209 million from the prior year.

However, management acknowledges that cost actions are now essential. The Group-wide cost-reduction initiative aims to deliver annual savings of at least CHF 200 million (approx. US$252mn) through structural and sustainable measures. Key elements include process optimisation in central functions and geographic markets, increased automation and the introduction of shared service centres.

Stefan Paul, CEO of Kühne + Nagel International AG, commented, “Despite very challenging market conditions, Kühne + Nagel was able to gain market share through targeted investments in key areas. With the launch of group-wide cost reduction measures, we are now taking action to safeguard our cost base. Challenging external factors are forcing us to sustainably and permanently improve our efficiency and performance culture. Keeping high quality levels of customer service remains a top priority.”

Additional corporate news: On 19 August 2025, Partners Group exercised its put option to sell its 24.9 % ownership stake in APEX International Corporation. The transaction, expected to settle in cash during Q4 2025, is recognised against a redemption liability of CHF 886 million (approx. US$1.12bn). The deal will be funded through available funds and credit lines.

Looking ahead, the Group anticipates full-year 2025 EBIT of more than CHF 1.3 billion (approx. US$1.63bn), amid continuing external uncertainties and the impact of the trade war.