Steel & Cement BU

Driving regional industrial growth through pit-to-plant and cross-border flows

The SAC Business Unit drives economic growth by facilitating trade between Zimbabwe and Botswana—transporting fuel, containers and commodities. It moves raw materials like iron, coal and lime, as well as slag and clinker to steel and cement plants, and transports finished goods like pig iron and bulk or bagged cement.

The unit also handles cross-border transport to and from Botswana, including salt, soda ash, cement and clinker, supporting regional integration and industrial activities. Through these efforts, the SAC Business Unit plays a vital role in supporting regional economic development.

Coal BU

Powering exports, industry and national growth

The Coal Business Unit is a powerhouse of South Africa’s energy exports, playing a critical role in fueling economic development and industrial growth for the country and beyond. With its extensive rail network and efficient logistics, the Coal BU connects mines to markets—driving the nation’s economic engine and powering progress.

Mineral Mining and Chrome (MMC) BU

Connecting mineral resources to regional and global markets

The MMC Business Unit operates through two clusters serving Limpopo and Mpumalanga, transporting key commodities including magnetite, rock phosphate, chrome and coal. With efficient pit-to-port flows to destinations like Maputo and Richards Bay, the unit leverages an extensive rail network and strong operational integration to drive growth, efficiency and reliability in the mining and logistics sector—bridging South Africa’s freight business with the SADC region.

Iron Ore BU

A strategic export commodity and backbone to steel production

Iron ore is crucial for steel production, serving as a main input for construction, infrastructure, transportation and renewable energy industries. As global demand—especially from Asia and Europe—continues to rise, iron ore remains one of South Africa’s most valuable export commodities.

Transnet’s Iron Ore Export Channel is a vital route for transporting iron ore from the Northern Cape to Saldanha Bay Port, making it an integral part of the country’s export business.

Container, Agriculture & Bulk Liquids

Multi-sector logistics enabling imports and exports at scale

The Container, Agriculture and Bulk Liquids Business Unit plays a key role in South Africa’s import and export freight transportation, contributing significantly to economic growth.

Automotive: TFR moves automotive units, including Complete Knock Down (CKD) components and finished vehicles, for major automotives.

Container Cargo: Our container trains carry a wide variety of goods securely and efficiently. With intermodal solutions, we ensure seamless movement between rail, road and ports.

Agricultural Products: We support South Africa’s farmers by transporting essential commodities—from grains, timber and citrus to fertilizers and animal feed.

Bulk Liquids: Our specialized tankers move critical bulk liquids like fuel, chemicals and edible oils safely and reliably.

Manganese BU

Primary export channel advancing the mining value chain

This Business Unit plays a vital role in South Africa’s mining industry, providing a primary export channel for manganese. The rail corridor efficiently connects mines to central routes, enabling transportation of manganese to domestic markets and ports. With a focus on operational excellence, the unit is improving efficiency and growing manganese volumes—unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.