Transnet ports hit 15-year high as recovery gains traction

Deputy Editor

South Africa’s eight seaports, managed by Transnet, handled more than 300-million tonnes in the 2025/26 financial year — their best performance in 15 years and an indication that green shoots are emerging in the freight and rail entity’s recovery efforts.

Transnet on Tuesday reported a 9% increase in vessel traffic. The automotive industry did the heavy lifting, as South Africa reports a surge in car imports from China and India while it continues to ship thousands of cars to Europe.

Cargo volume throughput at the country’s eight commercial seaports, which are indispensable to South Africa’s trade with the rest of the world, increased 4.2% — the strongest growth since the 2011/12 financial year.

Transnet group CEO Michelle Phillips said the infrastructure projects across the port system are gaining momentum to support future demand and improve operational resilience.