South Africa's national rail operator, Spoornet, is to transfer a significant chunk of the freight network to private sector operators as a means of retaining it in working order...
Only 5800 km of track will be retained directly by Spoornet - either profitable lines or those with dedicated services.
This leaves a possible 11,800 km of low density and loss-making lines available for lease to interested companies. Spoornet, with its large overheads, can no longer keep them in viable economic working order......
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Approx 175 words from WorldCargo News, June 2000,
page 10.
