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Mail & Guardian
19-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Three factors that could drive a turnaround in SA's transport sector
Signs are that the transport sector is on the path to recovery. Over the past 12 months, there have been some interesting developments in the country's ailing transport sector. It could not come at a better time. Most of the sector is dominated by state-owned Transnet, which operates and controls the country's transport infrastructure and is estimated to have cost the economy R1 billion a day in 2023 — However, there are promising signs of change. Here are three reasons to be cautiously optimistic: Government is prioritising the transport sector In March 2025, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced in his The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) will spend more than R100 billion to maintain roads and reseal over 16 000km of roads. Meanwhile, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has been allocated R19.2 billion for upgrades, particularly for signalling, set to improve the lives of commuters, especially in Mamelodi, KwaMashu, Motherwell and Khayelitsha. The government has also announced it will seek private sector participation to help address issues on the ore, chrome, coal and manganese lines, as well as improving terminals at the port of Richards Bay. Investment from the private sector is vital, as most port maintenance and operational difficulties require expensive equipment and infrastructure attention. Early in 2025, the Durban Container Terminals Skills development is set to give the sector a significant boost One of the biggest challenges facing the transport sector is the lack of specialised skills in various logistical, management and IT areas. ' It is no coincidence that the theme at the annual Southern African Transport Conference, of which the minister of transport is a patron, was 'Upskilling and reskilling the transport industry for current and future challenges'. A shining beacon for the sector has been the Transport Education Training Authority, which for a number of years, and across all transport sub-sectors (including aerospace maritime, freight handling, road passenger, taxi, road and rail freight), has been highly active and innovative in deploying bursaries and learning opportunities to address the skills gap, and in so doing support economic development, transformation and job creation in the sector. The authority has recently entered into a three-year partnership with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business to design and deliver an International Leadership Development Programme for senior managers in the transport sector. The year-long course will equip rising leaders in the sector with vital skills to think innovatively, leverage technology and apply global best practice in the South African transport context. The course extends the skill sets of professionals working in various areas, which will create a network of knowledge-sharing and a platform for greater collaboration in the future. An interesting aspect of this programme is the inclusion of an international component, with the first cohort attending study immersions in Shenzhen, China, and Mexico City, Mexico, which have been designed to expose participants to developments in transportation, electrification and smart systems as well as offer insights into different models of managing public transport and serving a diverse population. Private sector is willing to step up The private sector is willing to assist in revitalising the transport sector. When Transport Minister Barbara Creecy While private sector participation in the transport industry is complex, there is not only investment capacity, but also the necessary skills to assist here. The Many local logistics companies have also found innovative ways to address the unique challenges posed to the transport landscape. Another example can be seen in the creation of the Multimodal Inland Port Association, which was launched in 2024 by role players in the logistics sector. It brings together various organisations and entities to improve the process of moving cargo from road to rail. Speaking at its launch, Dr Juanita Maree, chief executive of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders, offered this valuable insight: 'Our logistics network is at a turning point, with more alignment across the country than ever before.' She seems to speak for the transport sector as a whole when she The road ahead We need all of these initiatives to work, not only to boost our economy but to improve the lives of ordinary South Africans. According to the In addition, during 2024, a shocking With a renewed focus on improving infrastructure, attracting investment and upskilling professionals in the industry, all of South Africa stands to gain from a strengthened and revitalised transport industry. Rayner Canning is the director of Business Development at the UCT Graduate School of Business.
The Herald
10-05-2025
- The Herald
Soldiers catch car thieves: SANDF says zero tolerance for crime near its bases
The takedown of five alleged car thieves near a Tshwane military base has been confirmed by the SANDF. Videos of the soldiers, some armed with rifles and one still wearing pyjamas, confronting the suspects and telling them to lie down on the ground went viral on social media this week. The SANDF said the suspects 'are believed to be involved in a criminal syndicate targeting civilian vehicles in and outside military establishments'. 'The suspects were caught using the vicinity of Tek Base as a sanctuary for their illegal operations.' The soldiers had on Sunday acted on intelligence information and reports from military police personnel, the SANDF said. 'A white Toyota Fortuner suspected to be stolen was discovered near the Engineering Formation. The prompt intervention by the members of Tek Base along with the co-ordination between SAPS and the military police led to the arrest of five males. These suspects were also found in possession of a second vehicle, a white Kia with falsified licence discs, raising further suspicions of an organised illegal vehicle syndicate. 'The suspects, identified as residents of Mamelodi, were placed under arrest by SAPS Lyttelton and detained. The vehicles have been impounded for further forensic investigation.' The SANDF said military bases are secure and protected zones. 'Any civilian found within or near military facilities engaging in criminal conduct will face the full might of the law. There is a zero tolerance for unlawful activity within our military bases. The SANDF remains committed to upholding law, order and the protection of both state and civilian property. Our bases are sanctuaries of national security, not safe harbours for criminals.' TimesLIVE
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
After ‘hard journey', there's light for George Matlou at Kaizer Chiefs ahead of Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates
George Matlou George Matlou (left) will hope to repay the faith to Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix THE importance of Kaizer Chiefs getting a positive result in Saturday's Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates cannot be overestimated. Granted, the big one is next weekend's Nedbank Cup final clash between the two clubs in Durban, which will be much more tangible for the Amakhosi, given they will have a trophy to show for their efforts should they dethrone the champions. But the value of securing three points in their home match at the FNB Stadium (3pm kick-off) would be massive for Chiefs as they look to avoid missing out on a top-eight finish two seasons in succession. Chiefs finished 10th last season, and are currently out of the top eight spots, with less than a handful of matches to go. It's almost win or bust for the Amakhosi, and George Matlou says as a team, they are aware of what is at stake and will be going all out to secure the three points. Speaking to the media at the pre-match conference in Johannesburg on Thursday, the midfielder refuted suggestions they only lift their game in the big matches. 'It's not like that. Every game is important. It does not matter if it's a big game or a small game... we can't say there's a small team in the PSL,' the Chiefs midfielder said. 'I am not going to undermine any team that's playing in the PSL. (If they are here), it shows that they have quality.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ He does admit, though, that some matches are bigger by nature. 'Of course, there are big matches like the Soweto Derby, and also playing against a team like (Mamelodi) Sundowns – it motivates you. 'I don't think there's a player who does not want to play in a big game.' He played when Chiefs beat Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup recently, and actually provided an assist for one of the goals, having struggled with injuries in the past. Do Chiefs get any kind of inspiration from that victory going into the clash with Pirates? Matlou says confidence is ever-present at Chiefs, although many would argue against that, given just how inconsistent the Amakhosi have been this and in previous seasons – the club being trophyless for close on 10 years now. 'We've been confident enough that any team that can come, we will get the maximum points. 'It does not matter which team we are playing against. We know a big game is a big game.' This one is the biggest of them all in the country, and with Chiefs having it as bad as they have been – although the same can now be said of Pirates, who lost their last two matches – how are Chiefs coping with the pressure of having to beat an old adversary who put one over them in the first round? 'Pressure is there. We know we have to win the game on Saturday. But pressure has been there from the first game of the season. Playing for Chiefs, there's always pressure.' He has pressure of his own too, Matlou looking to thank the club for keeping faith in him despite injuries keeping him out for a long period. The club renewed his contract when he was on the sidelines recovering, and the emotions of that decision boiled over in one of his earlier matches back when he produced a Player-of-the-Match performance. 'It was a hard journey for me. Spending almost all of last year without doing what I love, going to training and seeing teammates going to the field and I am going the other way to the gym... So, you can imagine how I was feeling,' Matlou said. 'Imagine going to training everyday, but you are not taking part (in matches), so it was a bit of a hard journey for me. Soweto Derby Park & Ride Clearwater Mall, Montecasino and Sandton City. Park your car and take a shuttle directly to the FNB Stadium. Enjoy a secure and convenient parking experience before heading to the match. Your ticket covers parking and the return shuttle. Express… — Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) May 1, 2025 'I learnt through the journey, and I've grown strong and I am happy to be back.' The fact that his injury happened when his contract was up for renewal understandably gave him some sleepless nights. 'Of course, you're going to be a bit worried because you don't know where your future is,' he said. 'I had to wait for the club to make the decision, and I am grateful that they gave me another opportunity to stay.' So, when you see Matlou going all out against Pirates at the weekend, you know it is because the man is keen to not only showcase his talent and help the Amakhosi regain some glory and move up the table into the top eight, but he will also be showing his gratitude to a club that stood by him when many would probably not have.
