Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has announced an extension to the deadline for rail freight operating slot applications from 27 February 2025. The extension is intended to encourage private sector participation as part of a strategy to enhance South Africa's rail sector.

In South Africa, Transnet has decided to extend the deadline for applications for rail freight operating slots to 27 February 2025. Requested by bidders, the move is intended to encourage broader participation by private companies. The move is part of a broader strategy to open up the rail sector, a strategy relaunched by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The South African government plans to leverage the private sector to revive the sector by attracting the capital needed to modernize the network. This initiative is in addition to other projects supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the BRICS Bank. The objective is to raise annual transport capacity to 250 million tonnes in the next five years, compared to 151,1 million tonnes in the previous financial year.

The aim of this liberalisation of rail freight is to create a more competitive environment that can boost the sector's dynamics and meet the country's economic needs. The government hopes to improve the efficiency and reliability of the network by allowing private companies to exploit railway slots.