Creecy reveals Transnet will spend R2.7 billion this year on ports over five years

Transnet will spend R2.7 billion this year on ports, with a total of R11 billion planned over the next five years to upgrade infrastructure and improve efficiency, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has revealed.

This comes as the state-owned entity continues efforts to improve performance following years of delays, backlogs and criticism over collapsing port efficiency. Transnet has faced sustained pressure from industry and global assessments, including World Bank rankings that placed several South African ports among the worst in the world.

Answering questions at the National Council of Provinces earlier this month, the minister said that the investment forms part of a broader programme to modernise the port system, tackle inefficiencies and increase freight volumes.

"Transnet has approved a budget of R2.7 billion for capital investment in the port system for the current financial year of 2025-26 and a total of R11 billion over the next five years up to 2029," Creecy said.

"To decrease backlogs and increase port volumes, Transnet has embarked on an extensive upgrading and maintenance programme. The programme has entailed maintaining and repairing aged infrastructure, procuring new equipment and engaging Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, to source spare parts".

She added that these measures were designed to address inefficiencies across the port and rail network and support Transnet’s goal of moving 250 million tonnes of freight annually by 2030.

According to Creecy, more than 100 capital projects are currently under way, including berth construction, terminal expansion and critical refurbishment work at major ports such as Richards Bay, Ngqura, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

"These measures are intended to address inefficiencies in the port and rail system and to contribute to the entity moving 250 million tonnes of freight annually by 2030,". she added.

 "Transnet’s approved capital investment budget for ports includes102 projects are currently under implementation. These comprise of39 expansion projects and 63 sustaining projects".

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