By Akani Nkuna
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has called on South Africa’s transport sector to accelerate reforms aimed at cutting emissions, shifting freight and passengers from road to rail, and modernising transport systems to support economic growth.
Speaking at the 44th Southern African Transport Conference in Pretoria on Monday, Creecy said the sector had to adapt to climate and economic pressures by investing in sustainable mobility, climate-resilient infrastructure, safer transport systems, and more energy-efficient operations.
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“One of the most immediate ways in which we as a sector can address the challenge of climate change is through lowering the emissions produced by our various operations. As I have already mentioned, the shift of passengers and freight from road to rail at scale will produce less emissions, and the embrace of alternative, greener fuel sources is a must for the sector as a whole,” she said.
The conference brought together transport industry leaders from across Southern Africa to discuss ways to develop and sustain transport systems that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
Creecy said the department was focusing on reform, digitalisation and innovation to improve the efficiency and reliability of the country’s transport network.
She said SANTACO’s recently launched cashless route in Gauteng was a first step in regularising and de-risking the minibus taxi industry, adding it could serve as a model for broader reform in public transport.
She said the Department of Transport’s Aviation Branch had begun automating the issuing of Air Services Licences and Foreign Operators Permits to improve transparency, traceability and efficiency.
The department and its 20 entities would also work towards developing a single digital transport platform offering all online permitting services through one citizen interface, Creecy said.
“I reiterate our collective vision: a transport system that is integrated, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive; that strengthens our economy, safeguards our environment, and serves all South Africans with dignity and efficiency.”
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She said government remained committed to re-establishing rail as the backbone of the country’s freight logistics system, a shift she said was critical to improving road safety, reducing congestion, and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.
She said the approval of 11 private Train Operating Companies to access South Africa’s state-owned rail network was a major step in the country’s rail reform programme.
The operators are expected to begin using the network from April next year, with the reform intended to add freight capacity and support government’s target of moving 250 million tonnes of rail freight by 2030.
“We are able to observe the impact of the reforms that we are undertaking, ensuring that our transport and logistics sector acts as an enabler and catalyst for sustained and inclusive economic growth, and not as a constraint,” said Creecy.
