WATCH | Discussion | Transnet blockage at port

JOHANNESBURG - Transnet has been in trouble for some time. The current crisis, its port division not able to offload containers efficiently, may see supermarket shelves empty of specific goods this festive season.

However, for some years now the most lucrative operating arm of Transnet, freight rail, has been dragging on the economy. The Minerals Council of South Africa estimates it lost up to R50 billion in potential exports because Transnet couldn’t get its freight trains working quickly enough to capitalise on the recent commodities boon.

Theft, ageing infrastructure, a skills exodus, a dodgy deal on engine parts and maintenance and years of state capture have taken their toll.

Bonginkosi Mabaso, Chief Commercial Officer of the Transnet Freight Rail division speaks to #eNCA