Transnet reported improved financial and operational performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, with revenue rising by 7.1% to R88.6 billion and the company recording a profit of R4.6 billion, compared with a R1.9 billion loss in the previous year.
The company said higher rail and pipeline volumes, tariff adjustments and improved operational efficiency supported the stronger results. Rail freight volumes increased by 4.9% to 167.9 million tonnes as Transnet worked to improve network reliability, maintenance and asset availability.
The improvements also extended to South Africa’s ports, with industry stakeholders recognising better port operations that supported export performance, including in the citrus sector. Transnet said the gains came despite challenges involving rail and port infrastructure, security incidents, power disruptions, adverse weather and community unrest.
A development during the year was the Durban Gateway Terminal transaction. Transnet sold a 49.999% stake in the terminal to International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) for R10.5 billion, effective from 1 January 2026, while retaining a 50.001% shareholding.
The transaction gives ICTSI management control of the terminal and forms part of Transnet’s efforts to bring private sector investment into South Africa’s port system and improve the performance and competitiveness of its port infrastructure.
source: Transnet
