South Africa launches Rail Master Plan to boost growth and shift from road to rail

On 2026-04-23, South Africa’s government unveiled a draft National Rail Master Plan and launched nationwide public consultation on the proposal. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the plan aims to make rail the backbone of the country’s logistics and transport system and to shift freight from roads to rail. The Cabinet had approved the draft for public consultation earlier in April, with comments set to close in July 2026.