Bold National Transport Reforms

The Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, welcomes the bold and forward‑looking reforms announced by National Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, during last week’s sector‑wide strategic planning session.

Minister Creecy’s commitment to transforming South Africa’s transport landscape is refreshing, and her focus on building an efficient, inclusive and sustainable system strongly aligns with our provincial priorities.

A key pillar of these reforms is the review of the grant funding model for the Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTN). This is a vital step toward ensuring that transport investments are better targeted, more efficient and capable of meeting the real mobility needs of South Africans.

For the Western Cape, this recalibration is essential to ensure a fair allocation of funding, particularly given the demonstrated success of our flagship bus services such as Golden Arrow, MyCiTi and Go George. A reliable, safe and adequately subsidised public transport network is fundamental to restoring dignity to commuters and supporting an integrated mobility ecosystem.

The decision to release unused strategic branch freight rail lines to producers and the private sector is another significant development. Unlocking these rail corridors will stimulate economic activity, support farmers and exporters, and strengthen the logistics network that underpins our provincial economy.

To fully realise these gains, it is essential that ports across all provinces work collaboratively to create a nationally integrated, efficient logistics network that reduces delays, improves competitiveness, and supports economic growth.

The Western Cape Department of Mobility team will be working intensively in the coming months to ensure that these opportunities are realised swiftly and effectively for the benefit of all Western Cape residents. Minister Sileku also welcomes Minister Creecy’s emphasis on increasing passenger volumes across aviation and passenger rail. As we continue to rebuild our tourism economy and improve regional connectivity, a dependable transport system, one that is efficient, accessible and user‑centred is non‑negotiable.

Commenting on the reforms, Minister Sileku said: “Although no specific announcement has yet been made on devolving passenger rail to capable provinces, these reforms are fully aligned with our ongoing call for passenger rail devolution. We look forward to engaging the Minister Creecy on a specific timeline for rail devolution.”