Grindrod completes 2,991-tonne South African test train

Tuesday 3rd November 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Grindrod has completed a test-train journey carrying 2,991 tonnes on South Africa’s North-East Corridor, ahead of planned commercial freight services in 2027.

The empty train departed Komatipoort on 1 November and returned loaded on 2 November, according to a 3 November account from government news agency SAnews, citing Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager. The operation used Grindrod-owned locomotives and wagons.

Transnet’s infrastructure manager described Grindrod as the first private train operating company to run under the country’s open-access framework. Rail-access agreements have been signed with 12 operators, following safety, regulatory and operational preparations.

Grindrod plans to carry approximately 288,000 tonnes in its first commercial year, primarily coal from Mpumalanga to its Matola Terminal in Mozambique. It has two allocated slots on the corridor.

The 2027 service and volume remain company plans. The completed movement was a test operation, also reported by Mining Weekly, rather than the start of regular commercial services.

Have a verified news development or story? Send news submissions and supporting materials to news@inafrika.co.tz