02 September 2025
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) supports its affiliate, the United National Transport Union’s (UNTU) response to the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy’s announcement on the introduction of Private Sector Train Operating Companies (TOCs) on the Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) network. We welcome the confirmation that rail infrastructure will remain state-owned and that no jobs will be lost in the process.
However, FEDUSA remains concerned about unresolved structural challenges that exists including the dilapidating infrastructure, cable theft and vandalism amongst many other things, which continue to cripple the rail efficiency. We therefore support UNTU’s call for stronger and urgent interventions, including the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to protect the country’s rail infrastructure from crime and theft.
Furthermore, we trust that the new operators will comply with the labour laws and we reiterate that workers must not be exploited in the name of profit. We call for fair wages and decent working conditions.
FEDUSA together with UNTU will monitor developments to ensure that the interests of workers, the economy, and the public remain safeguarded at all costs.
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