CAPE TOWN – President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed government’s commitment to launching high-speed rail in South Africa, saying preparations remain firmly on track.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa continues to prepare for the introduction of a high-speed bullet train. He said the first phase will prioritise strategic corridors linking Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
Ramaphosa identified key routes, including Johannesburg to Musina and eThekwini to Johannesburg. He argued that travel times between major cities remain too long for a modern economy.
“High-speed trains are happening in many parts of the world,” Ramaphosa said. “It should no longer take five to six hours to travel from eThekwini or Durban to Johannesburg.”
Currently, travel between Johannesburg and Musina takes around 4.5 hours by road. The president said South Africa needs faster, more efficient long-distance transport to compete globally.
He added that as one of Africa’s leading economies and a major player in the SADC region, South Africa cannot afford to fall behind international transport trends.
Public and Investor Interest Growing
Ramaphosa assured citizens that the high-speed rail South Africa project enjoys strong public backing. Government has also engaged stakeholders and tested market interest.
About 30 companies responded to last year’s request for information and expressed willingness to participate in developing high-speed rail corridors.
“Our people want it, and progress is now being made,” the president said. “We are preparing to issue a request for proposals that will introduce a new era of long-distance rail travel in South Africa.”
He emphasised that the project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure and improve competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.
Momentum has also increased around the Limpopo–Gauteng Speed Train Project, which aims to connect Pretoria and Polokwane.
Government first unveiled the project in 2023. It has since entered a critical development stage. Authorities are conducting feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments as of mid-2025.
These studies will determine whether the project meets safety, economic and environmental standards. Officials say they want to ensure the project remains viable and sustainable before construction begins.
The national Department of Transport leads the initiative, working with the Gauteng and Limpopo provincial governments as well as private investors. Authorities are currently securing funding and finalising technical planning.
Reports indicate that construction could begin in late 2026. If timelines remain intact, the first trains may operate by 2030.
The high-speed rail South Africa initiative forms part of a broader infrastructure drive aimed at boosting economic growth and improving connectivity between provinces.
Ramaphosa believes modern rail infrastructure will reduce travel times, stimulate regional trade and support long-term development.
As feasibility studies progress and investor engagement deepens, high-speed rail South Africa could mark one of the country’s most ambitious transport projects in decades.
