Industry update on Rail Sector Private Sector Participation: RFIs for PSP Projects in terms of Transnet's Network Statement are now available

On 23 March 2025, the Department of Transport (through its Private Sector Participation Unit) launched an online request for information (RFI) process, available here. 

This RFI process will be used to facilitate participation and is not a formal procurement process. It is stated to be part of "a research and consultation process" and is effectively a means to gather information from the public regarding potential investment, as well as challenges to participation in respect of identified rail and freight private sector participation (PSP) projects.

The information submitted in terms of the RFI process will assist with the development of the PSP programme and bid packages for the request for proposal (RFP) phase.

The first set of RFIs detail the following corridors identified as PSP projects:

• Northern Cape to Saldanha Bulk Minerals Corridor, primarily for iron ore and manganese exports and the Northern Cape to Nelson Mandela Bay Corridor, primarily for manganese exports.
• Limpopo and Mpumalanga to Richards Bay Bulk Minerals Corridor PSP project for coal and chrome exports, including provision for magnetite exports in port.
• Intermodal Supply Chain PSP Project focused on the container and automotive sectors, including the potential designation of the South African container port system as a regional hub for major shipping lines.

The RFIs also include requests for information relating to:

• a SWOT analysis for each corridor;
• funding arrangements (including Transnet's participation);
• environmental, social and governance;
• legal concerns in relation to private sector participation;
• the procurement process; and
• financing of backlog maintenance.

Industry participants should be aware that the RFIs are open until 9 May 2025, and will be followed by the second set of RFIs (intended to focus on passenger rail initiatives) in May, and thereafter the RFP process, with the RFPs expected to be issued by the end of August 2025.