The world is facing a series of interlinked crises, with economic fluctuations, regional and global conflicts, resource constraints and growing environmental risks, and these disruptions are impacting on passenger journeys, freight movements and the efficiency of supply chains that support South Africa’s economy.
Moreover, the country has been hampered by years of underinvestment in logistics infrastructure, while a post-pandemic downturn in rail and port performance has led to increased competition from neighbours.
The country must, therefore, undertake reforms to ensure its transport and logistics sector acts as an enabler for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy told delegates attending the Southern Africa Transport Conference, in Pretoria, on July 6.
The Minister outlined rail and port reform as pivotal to the government’s agenda for the transport sector, with the aim to re-establish the former as the backbone of freight logistics systems.
Moreover, she emphasised the need to build a sustainable transport system that both reduces environmental impact and can withstand the impacts of climate change.
