The performance of Transnet, South Africa's logistics company, is closely tied to the country's fortunes. The movement of goods through its ports, rail network, and pipelines connects producers to markets, businesses to customers, and South Africa to the world. When logistics works, it supports economic activity and confidence. Transnet's 2025/26 annual financial results show encouraging evidence of progress, with the company recording its first profit in four years and volumes increasing.
Transnet chair Andile Sangqu joined fellow board members and executive leadership for a two-day visit to Transnet's operations across Cape Town to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. The visit aimed to engage with teams, listen to stakeholders, and see firsthand where the company is succeeding and where obstacles remain. Sangqu emphasized that financial results provide a snapshot of the company's performance, but it is essential to understand what is happening on the ground.
At the Port of Cape Town, Transnet engaged with teams on plans to improve the customer experience and build on recent operational gains. Discussions focused on preparations for the 2026/27 deciduous fruit season, including lessons learned from previous seasons. The company is investing in infrastructure and capacity needed for the future, with new equipment expected to be delivered in November. A broader port master plan, including modernization priorities, will soon be presented to the board.
Transnet's Reinvent for Growth (R4G) strategy guides the company's progress through three phases: fix and optimize, transform, and grow. To build a logistics system capable of supporting South Africa's growth, Transnet must make progress across all three phases. The company is pursuing opportunities to bring private-sector expertise and investment into areas where it can unlock additional capacity, including the Richards Bay dry bulk terminal RFQ and the Ngqura manganese export corridor.
Collaboration within Transnet and with customers is crucial to the company's success. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy convened a fresh-produce stakeholder engagement at the Port of Cape Town, bringing industry concerns and operational preparations into sharper focus. Sangqu emphasized that a successful Transnet is not built by Transnet alone; it requires listening to customers, understanding their needs, and working with them to develop solutions across the value chain.
The momentum Transnet has built must be sustained through discipline, accountability, and a willingness to confront remaining challenges. The company must improve reliability, invest in infrastructure and equipment, strengthen collaboration, and hold itself accountable for delivery. Ultimately, Transnet's recovery will be measured by the experience of businesses and people who depend on it to move goods efficiently and reliably.
Sangqu attributed Transnet's greatest strength to the commitment of its people, emphasizing the need to match that commitment with investment, leadership, systems, and accountability. As South Africa counts on Transnet to deliver, the company must continue to work towards building a resilient, agile, and customer-centric organization. With its recovery, Transnet can contribute to South Africa's growth and thriving economy.
Key points
- Transnet's recent profit and operational improvements are a milestone, not a destination.
- The company must sustain momentum and deliver reliable logistics to support South Africa's growth.
- Collaboration within Transnet and with customers is crucial to the company's success.
