In this Coffee with the Editor interview, recorded during the SARA Rail event, Transnet Freight Rail CEO Russell Baatjies discusses the company’s operational focus and regional integration efforts.
Baatjies shares progress on pilot tests with Eswatini Railways to increase train length from 80 to 160 wagons, with full implementation expected soon. He highlights the potential to double capacity per slot, contingent on value chain readiness and offloading capability.
The discussion explores Transnet Freight Rail’s engagement with Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique to strengthen cross-border traffic, boost chrome, magnetite and coal volumes, and reduce road dependency. Baatjies also provides insights into the Eswatini Rail Link and Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway Line projects, the impact of open access on network capacity, and Transnet Freight Rail’s restructured business model, now operating through commodity-focused business units to better align with customer growth plans.
Other key topics include long-term manganese and coal agreements, efforts to combat theft on critical corridors, locomotive recovery and new fleet deployment, capacity expansion projects, and the adoption of new technologies such as artificial intelligence for inspections. Baatjies emphasises that Transnet’s focus is shifting from recovery to growth and modernisation, with a goal of contributing significantly to South Africa’s target of 250 to 300 million tons of freight moved by rail.