China vs SA | Transnet Wins Court Over Locomotive Spares

South Africa wins a major court battle as Transnet finally secures locomotive spares withheld by China’s CRRC E-Loco.
After years of disputes and stalled freight, a court order forced CRRC to hand over the parts Transnet had already paid for.

This decision marks a turning point for South Africa’s logistics sector. For years, Transnet has struggled with shortages after a R54 billion contract for over 1,000 locomotives collapsed. With 161 locomotives stuck idle due to withheld spares, South Africa’s freight capacity fell from 226 million tons in 2017/18 to just 160 million tons in 2024/25.

Now, with the court order in hand, Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips confirmed that spares are finally being delivered from warehouses across the country. This could help revive South Africa’s freight rail performance—but it also raises bigger questions:

Can South Africa continue to rely on foreign suppliers?

What happens if China pulls back from other African rail projects?

Should SA push harder for locally built rail technology?

This showdown between China and South Africa is more than just a contract dispute—it’s about the future of African infrastructure.

👉 What do you think? Should South Africa invest in local rail solutions or stick with imported tech? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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