Transport

Transport underpins economic activity, linking producers to markets and workers to opportunities. The sector’s skills levy funds training for aviation, logistics, shipping, and road transport, represented through the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). It aligns with the National Skills Development Plan 2030, focusing on safety, efficiency, and innovation.

The history of transport in South Africa is entwined with industrial growth and inequality. Transport infrastructure was designed to support mining exports while segregating workers through long commutes from townships. The focus shifted to integration, but public transport remains underdeveloped and unsafe for millions.

Currently, the sector employs over 800,000 workers, from truck drivers to aviation engineers. It is also a critical enabler of other sectors without efficient logistics, manufacturing and agriculture cannot thrive. Inefficiency at Transnet, safety issues in rail, and underinvestment in public transport have hampered progress. The trucking industry faces congestion, strikes, and rising fuel costs.

Looking ahead to 2030, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to boost logistics demand, while South Africa’s ports and railways must modernise to remain competitive. Green technologies, such as electric buses and hydrogen-powered trains, will reshape mobility. The aviation sector also seeks to recover and expand after the pandemic, opening pathways for specialised skills.

Without a modern, safe, and inclusive transport system, South Africa’s growth will remain throttled. The sector is about moving the economy forward.