According to the 'Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System in South Africa', the RFI is a step towards garnering PSP to improve rail and port infrastructure and operations. Over the recent years, the logistics system has faced significant challenges that have decreased its efficiency and hampered job creation, exports and subsequently economic expansion with the sector as a catalyst.

It is hoped that the outcome of the RFI will inform a conducive environment for private sector participation and promote the introduction of private sector investment. This collaboration is predicted to bolster overall investment in the logistics system, increase efficiency of the system and enhance rail and infrastructure in line with global standards.

A series of requests for qualification and requests for proposals on various identified strategic projects in the rail and logistics sector are expected to follow, their content based largely on information gleaned from the RFI.

The RFI has focused on the following transport corridors and commodities:

    Northern-Cape to Saldanha Bulk Minerals Corridor (iron ore and manganese exports)
    Northern-Cape to Nelson Mandela Bay Corridor (manganese exports)
    Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay Bulk Minerals Corridor (coal, chrome and magnetite exports)
    Intermodal Supply Chain (Gauteng – KwaZulu-Natal/ Eastern Cape / Western Cape for the container and automotive intermodal supply chain)

This is an exciting and major step in the right direction, presenting the possibility of medium-term upgrades to the rail and port network. Private operators are also likely to drive efficiencies and reduce prices in the sector. Coupled with a new proposed Single Transport Economic Regulator (expected to be operational later this year), this appears to herald the beginning of a new logistics dispensation.

Submissions may be made through the online response form, which can be found here,  until 9 May 2025.

 By Andrew Pike and Alexandra Felekis, Partners, Bowmans