Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Transnet has experienced interruptions to operations on the Richards Bay coal railway line due to violent community protests in certain areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the state-owned entity said on Thursday.
The protests relate to community demands for jobs and business opportunities.
The disruption has resulted in the suspension of coal line operations, service to customers and potential losses to the South African economy.
South Africa's coal exports count as 6% of global exports, which ranks South Africa as sixth in the list of coal-exporting nations.
The Richard’s Bay coal line is the country’s dedicated railway line which handles South Africa’s coal exports by connecting the mines in Mpumalanga with the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) at the port of Richards Bay. The line also moves domestic commodities such as chrome, coke, chemicals and timber.
Transnet is working closely with customers to ensure minimal disruption. We have deployed security in the affected areas and are working with relevant authorities to safeguard our employees, infrastructure and the assets of our customers.
Transnet appealed to communities to desist from destroying infrastructure as such activities "pose a huge risk to the sustainability of the South African economy, including loss of lives due to train derailments and job losses".
“As a state-owned company, Transnet remains committed to the socio-economic development of the communities in which it operates. The company is open to engaging with relevant parties with a view to finding a common solution to the challenges,” it said.
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE UPDATE: Get Fin24's top morning business news and opinions in your inbox.
Read Fin24's top stories trending on Twitter: Fin24’s top stories
