Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has expressed disappointment that South Africa’s \u2018National Rail Master Plan\u2019 is only now expected to be completed by the end of 2025, presenting yet another delay in devolving public transport functions to local government\u2014if it happens at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In President Cyril Ramaphosa’s weekly newsletter on 28 October 2024, the president noted that upgrading the country\u2019s rail networks and infrastructure is core to economic growth and job creation in the country and is the \u201cbackbone\u201d of transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ramaphosa pointed to the immense damage done to the country\u2019s railway networks over the years\u2014by neglect, a severe lack of maintenance, criminality, and vandalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the president did point to some progress in turning things around, and added that “work is underway to develop a National Rail Masterplan that will lay out the future for rail in South Africa.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Among other things, the Masterplan will cover passenger rail in our cities, including rapid rail [which] will also cover high speed rail over long distances between centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The substantial work required to develop the Masterplan is expected to be completed by the end of next year<\/strong>,” said the President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n