Johannesburg — South Africa’s Road Freight Association (RFA) has thrown its weight behind the ambitious R50 billion Port of Gauteng project, describing the inland logistics hub as a critical opportunity to overhaul the country’s struggling freight network. The Association’s review of the project’s White Paper highlights the urgent need for private-sector involvement to revive the Durban-Gauteng freight corridor.
Private Sector as the Missing Link
The initiative, led by private operators, aims to tackle systemic inefficiencies that have crippled South Africa’s main trade route—particularly the collapse of the rail system. The RFA, long an advocate for an integrated multimodal network, believes private-sector participation is essential to drive the integration of road and rail.
Gavin Kelly, CEO of the RFA, explained: “The White Paper’s vision ‘to create a premier trade gateway that restores balance to our supply chain’ resonates with our principles. This project can provide the missing link that makes rail competitive again, but only if rail is efficiently operated and accessible to private players.”
Rail’s Collapse and the Road-Rail Imperative
The RFA’s analysis underscores the stark reality: rail currently carries less than 14% of freight volumes on the Durban-Gauteng corridor, far below the National Development Plan’s 50% target. Years of operational and financial challenges at the state-owned rail operator have left the system unable to meet national goals.
While the inland port aims to shift rail-friendly cargo off the roads, the RFA cautions that success depends on road freight’s role in providing vital “first- and last-mile” services. Kelly warned: “Rail cannot succeed in a vacuum. The Port of Gauteng must be built as a true gateway, not simply relocate the Durban bottleneck inland.”
Smart Trucks and E-Commerce Demands
The White Paper’s inclusion of Performance-Based Standards (PBS) vehicles—longer, safer, and more efficient truck-and-trailer combinations—was welcomed by the RFA. These “smart trucks” promise improved safety, reduced fuel consumption, and lower operating costs.
The Association also stressed that the inland port must be designed for speed to meet the demands of e-commerce. Freight has shifted from large consignments to fast-moving, high-volume consumer shipments, often down to single-item deliveries. This trend places enormous pressure on turnaround times and container handling, making efficiency at the port non-negotiable.
Conditions for Success
Ultimately, the RFA supports the R50 billion investment, but insists on transparent and cooperative competition across rail, warehousing, and road operators. Ensuring fair access and operational excellence will be key to building a resilient logistics supply chain.
The project, the Association concludes, aligns with the long-term vision of creating a balanced, competitive, and future-ready freight system for South Africa.
The Port of Gauteng project represents more than just infrastructure—it’s a chance to reset South Africa’s logistics backbone. With rail in decline and road freight under pressure, the inland hub could become the catalyst for a truly integrated system. But its success will hinge on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to fair competition.
For the RFA, the message is clear: the future of freight lies in partnerships that blend road and rail, supported by smart technologies and designed to meet the demands of a fast-changing economy.
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