Transnet Freight Rail

Transnet Freight Rail Transnet Freight Rail is the largest division of Transnet SOC Ltd.
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It is a world class heavy haul freight rail company that specialises in the transportation of freight.

09/08/2026

This Women’s Day, we honour TFR CABL Business Unit, Head of Operations, Nelly Gaolaolwe who leads with courage, resilience, and excellence.

Nelly is responsible for overseeing the coordination of operational activities, ensuring safe and efficient performance, managing teams, driving productivity, and maintaining seamless operational ex*****on.

Watch as she shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she has overcome, and her perspective on why women belong in every space where decisions are made and operations are driven forward.

[Day 2] The Transnet Freight Rail team and the Department of Transport delegation travelled by train from the Saldanha R...
08/08/2026

[Day 2] The Transnet Freight Rail team and the Department of Transport delegation travelled by train from the Saldanha Rail Yard to Loop 2, gaining firsthand insight into the operational capability behind the Iron Ore Export Line.

The one-way trip showcased the scale of TFR’s heavy-haul operations, highlighting the integrated systems, advanced infrastructure and highly skilled workforce that drive the efficient movement of the export line.

[Day 1] Transnet Freight Rail in Saldanha hosted Deputy Director-General: Rail Transport, Mr. Ngwako Makaepea and delega...
06/08/2026

[Day 1] Transnet Freight Rail in Saldanha hosted Deputy Director-General: Rail Transport, Mr. Ngwako Makaepea and delegation from the Department of Transport. The visit provided a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end rail freight value chain that supports South Africa’s bulk export logistics system.

The Saldanha operations demonstrate integration of rail and port operations, which enable the efficient movement of export commodities from "pit to port" while supporting national logistics objectives and economic development.

Hosted by TFR Chief Executive Russell Baatjies and Iron Ore Business Unit GM Sibuthe Mdala, the visit also provided firsthand exposure to the operational environment, infrastructure, systems, and critical interfaces across the iron ore export line.

Moreover, the visit forms part of the Department of Transport’s ongoing engagements with the rail sector and its oversight role in advancing government priorities relating to rail reform, freight logistics efficiency and economic growth.

The Manganese Business Unit continues building on its outstanding performance from the last financial year. The business...
05/08/2026

The Manganese Business Unit continues building on its outstanding performance from the last financial year.

The business unit embarked on a two-day business perfomance review under the F1 Pit Stop theme - emphasising teamwork, agility, efficiency and continuous improvement.

The review session has brought together the TFR leadership and operational teams to reflect on progress made against the strategic priorities set for the financial year 2026/27.

The business unit is growing year-on-year on volume ex*****on, and is making a positive impact improving its customer service.



Safety goes beyond systems and technology; it’s about people, culture, and active leadership. TFR Chief Executive Russel...
04/08/2026

Safety goes beyond systems and technology; it’s about people, culture, and active leadership.

TFR Chief Executive Russell Baatjies joined fellow industry leaders at the Railways Safety Regulator CEO’s Safety Forum to endorse the official launch of the Baseline Assessment of Rail Industry Safety Culture Project, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

The project looks beyond engineering and focuses on daily behaviors, attitudes, and leadership practices that drive safety on the ground.

Designed to be fully inclusive and confidential, the assessment creates a safe space for employees and leaders across South Africa’s rail sector to share transparent feedback, helping build a proactive framework for a safer and more resilient industry.

WomensMonth 2026
03/08/2026

WomensMonth 2026

30/07/2026

The Coal Line 50th Anniversary celebrations are still continuing in Richards Bay today, honouring the hard work and dedication of our incredible teams from both Richards Bay and Vryheid.

Welcoming the guests and employees at the 50th Celebrations was Coal BU GM Theo Johnson. Amongst the guests was Transnet...
24/07/2026

Welcoming the guests and employees at the 50th Celebrations was Coal BU GM Theo Johnson. Amongst the guests was Transnet Freight Rail Chief Executive Russell Baatjies, who delivered a keynote address, highlighting the importance of "our people and the legacy they continue to build".

A special highlight was the recognition of the colleagues who have been part of the coaline for 38 years and above. To celebrate these legends, they were each gifted with a special TFR-branded blazer for their invaluable contribution and enduring legacy.

Here’s to celebrating the employees, honouring our history and building the future together.

24/07/2026

Transnet Freight Rail continues to celebrate the historic 50th Anniversary of the Coal Line.

​The festivities are officially underway in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, bringing together employees, EXCO members, and labour representatives to honour 50 years of the Coal Line existence.

21/07/2026

[Watch] Through meaningful conversations and career guidance, TFR continues to connect with the next generation of talent and inspire young minds to explore opportunities that can help shape the future of South Africa’s transport and logistics sector.

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21 Wellington Road, Parktown
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