Transnet SOC Ltd is a South African logistics infrastructure state-owned public entity responsible for the port, rail and pipeline network of the country.
Transnet has its headquarters in the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Represented by the Minister of Transport, the South African government is the sole shareholder and owner of Transnet SOC Ltd.
As of August 2024, Transnet has an accumulated debt of R121 billion.
As the custodian of ports, rail and pipelines, Transnet’s objective is to ensure a globally competitive freight system that enables sustained growth and diversification of the country’s economy.
Both operating and controlling the major transport infrastructures of South Africa, Transnet is also responsible for ensuring that the country’s transport industries operate according to world-class standards and that they form an integral part of the overall economy.
Transnet is not only vital to South Africa’s development, but it also combines forces with other businesses in order to expand transport operations across Africa and beyond. By doing so, Transnet assists in creating valuable business opportunities that extend far beyond the shorelines and borders of the country.
Recognised today as the major player in the Southern African transport and logistics arena, Transnet aims to be cost-efficient as well as an efficient service provider.
By working closely with their clients, Transnet is building on existing corridors and clusters and exploiting the synergy between port and rail to tailor solutions according to their customers’ needs.
Mandate
Transnet is mandated to:
- Assist in lowering the cost of doing business in South Africa.
- Enable economic growth.
- Ensure security of supply by providing appropriate infrastructure in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Vision
The vision of Transnet SOC Ltd is to meet customer demand for reliable freight transport and handling services through fully integrated and maximum use of its unique set of assets, while continuously driving cost-efficiency improvements and demonstrating a concern for sustainability.
Mission
The mission of Transnet SOC Ltd is to enable the competitiveness, growth and development of the South African economy by delivering reliable freight transport and handling services that satisfy customer demand.
History
The roots of Transnet can be traced back to humble beginnings in the late 1850s when railway transport was proposed for the harbours in the Cape and Natal.
The real catalyst for South Africa’s railway and harbour expansion, can be attributed to the discovery of diamonds in Kimberly in 1867.
South Africa’s state railway system began when the two pioneer railway systems situated in the Cape and Natal became government property in 1872 and 1877 respectively, thus completing the relatively primitive harbours in Durban and Cape Town.
Scarcely nine years after the founding of the government railways, both which were rapidly pushed to Kimberly, rumours of massive gold deposits in the Transvaal Republic were confirmed. Almost overnight, economic power had shifted from the colonial south to the republican north.
In 1910 Union was achieved, with the country’s leaders adamant that the railways and harbours should be used to unify and develop South Africa’s economy. The result – the South African Railways and Harbours administration (SAR&H) becoming a proud established arm of the government.
A mere 20 years after the establishment of Union, in 1930, South Africa had established itself as a proud and mobile nation. This achievement can be accredited to the opening of efficient mainline passenger links and an impressive network of urban and metropolitan train services.
During the 1970s it was agreed upon by the government that the SAR&H should restructure itself along defined business lines. Integral to the process was a change in the name and image of the organisation, which would appropriately reflect its new vision and mission as a successful state business enterprise.
In 1981, the country’s railway, harbour, road transport, aviation and pipeline operations became known as South African Transport Services (SATS). At the same time, the enterprise was restructured into units and divisions, with a strong emphasis on localized management.
By the end of 1989, the goal of managing SATS as a private entity was well within reach, and on 1 April 1990, after 80 years of government and parliamentary control, SATS was given company status. A new, limited liability company, representing a vast transport network, was finally born. Its name was Transnet SOC Ltd.
Since 1994, Transnet has kept pace with a fast-changing society, dealing with a multitude of challenges in an emerging democracy. Transnet, realising these challenges, has met them head-on by investing heavily in infrastructure and integrating and coordinating programmes within the country.
The South African transport system has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the 1800s. This can be attributed to Transnet playing a vital role not only in everyday life, but in the national economy and economics of several other African states that use the networks and harbours within South African to transfer their imports and exports.
Transnet Divisions
Transnet is the largest and most crucial part of the freight logistics chain that delivers goods to each and every South African.
Transnet has seven operating divisions, and through them, the company delivers an integrated bulk freight transportation system.
Transnet Engineering
Transnet Engineering is the backbone of South Africa’s railway industry.
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager
The Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) will culminate in the reform of South Africa’s rail network by, among others, opening the market to third parties.
Transnet Freight Rail
Transnet Freight Rail is the largest Operating Division of Transnet. The division’s primary business is to provide rail transport of commodities for the export, regional and domestic markets.
Transnet Port Terminals
Transnet Port Terminals supports the South African government’s export-led growth strategy.
Transnet National Ports Authority
The leading and largest Ports Authority in the Eastern and Southern hemisphere. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
Transnet Pipelines
Transnet’s business, having been established in 1965, is integral to the well-being of the South African economy.
Transnet Property
The property portfolio of transnet currently consists of commercial and residential assets.
Overseeing Department/Entity
Office Bearers/Management
Chairperson
- Mr Andile Hesperus Sangqu
Board Members
- Ms Refilwe Buthelezi
- Mr Busisa Mhlanga Jiya
- Ms Lebogang Letsoalo
- Ms Khulekelwe Glynnis Mbonambi (Non-Executive Director)
- Dr Fholisani Sydney Mufamadi
- Mr Dipak Dhiru Patel
- Ms Boitumelo Sedupane
- Mr Debel Martinus Wilhelmus
- Ms Mosadiwamaretlwa Pearl Zambane
Chief Executive Officer
- Ms Michelle Phillips
Chief Financial Officer
- Ms Nosipho Maphumulo
Senior Management
- Mr Russell Baatjies (Chief Executive: Transnet Freight Rail)
- Adv Sandra Coetzee (Chief Legal Officer)
- Mr Velile Dube (Chief Executive: Transnet Port Terminals)
- Mr Mark Gregg-Macdonald (Group Treasurer)
- Ms Yolisa Kani (Chief Business Development Officer)
- Mr Brian Kgomo (Chief Audit Executive)
- Mr Thoba Majoka (Chief Advanced Manufacturing Officer)
- Mr Ralph Mills (Chief Executive: Transnet Engineering)
- Ms Xoliswa Mpongoshe (Chief Corporate Regulatory Officer)
- Mr Pandelani Munyai (Chief Information Officer)
- Mr TP Nchocho (Chairperson: TNPA)
- Nokubonga Ndlovu (Company Secretary)
- Mr Vuledzani Nemukula (Chief Procurement Officer)
- Mr Khayalethu Ngema (Chief of People)
- Mr Kapei Phahlamohlaka (Chief Executive: Transnet Property)
- Mr Khomotso Phihlela (Acting Chief Executive: Transnet National Ports Authority)
- Adv Michelle Phillips (Chief Executive: Transnet Pipelines)
- Dr Andrew Shaw (Chief Officer: Strategy and Planning)
- Ms Sanet Voster (Acting Chief Human Resources Officer)
Communications Officers
- Mr Molatwane Likhethe (General Manager: Corporate and Public Affairs)
- Ayanda Shezi (Spokesperson)
Contact Details
The contact details of Transnet SOC Ltd are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | 138 Eloff Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Postal Address: | P.O. Box 72501, Parkview, 2122 |
| Telephone: | 011 308 3000 |
| Email: | enquiries@transnet.net |
| Website: | www.transnet.net |
