South Africa’s logistics system is fighting for its life. Years of corruption, collapse, and political paralysis have left ports and railways in chaos — choking exports, driving up costs, and threatening economic recovery.

But could a real turnaround finally be underway?

In the latest episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King reports from a fact-finding tour of South Africa to uncover the good, the bad, and the ANC.

This hard-hitting explainer examines:

• How Transnet fell apart under state capture and political cronyism

• The catastrophic impact on ports, rail, and exporters

• The reforms under new Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips

• The $7 billion recovery plan — and early signs of genuine progress

• How government and industry are finally pulling in the same direction

• Why South Africa is now looking East, not West, for trade growth

Featuring unfiltered insights from South Africa’s leading logistics experts — Peter Besnard, CEO of SAASOA; Jacob van Rensburg, Head of Research and Development at SAAFF; and Shabnum Dawood, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding South Africa — this episode is essential listening for anyone moving freight in or out of Africa.

Can President Ramaphosa and Michelle Phillips really turn Transnet around — or is this just another round of political window dressing?