Our challenges

Our most significant challenge is the need to reduce our costs to the economy of South Africa, whilst improving our competitiveness within the transport industry. Rail must be positioned where it belongs - at the heart of it all.

This calls on us to address the anomalies of past decades of neglect, which call for major investment in rolling stock, infrastructure and our people.

Another major challenge is the development of capacity to improve business performance levels in tandem with the economic sectors we seek to serve. This is also essential if we are to assume our responsibilities within the South African economy.

Moreover, Africa's population is expected to more than double during the first half of this century, with consequent increase in demand for the services we must be best placed to provide. This involves adequate skills training and retention of our human resources.

HIV and AIDS will alter the demographic future of high prevalence countries, including South Africa and the challenge is to lessen its impact on our business with informed management and corporate commitment.

Mining is a key issue on the NEPAD agenda and our challenge is to develop corridors that serve the continent.

As natural gas overtakes coal as a source of energy globally we must be geared to adapt to the changes that will follow.

There is also a critical need to adapt to technologies that conserve energies and reduce the cost of energy.