Cape Town Calls for Swift Rail Devolution Amid Disappointment Over National Masterplan Delay

Cape Town's leadership expressed dismay following President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement indicating a further delay in the finalization of the National Rail Masterplan — now pushed to the end of 2025. The city's profound need for efficient rail services has pushed local officials to advocate for a rapid devolution of rail management to the metro's hands.

The president's acknowledgment of rail's significance as the country's transport backbone highlights recent strides to reinvigorate urban passenger rail services. Despite this, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis points to habitual unmet deadlines, emphasizing the critical influence a well-functioning passenger rail network could have on the local economy and its lower-income residents.

Cape Town’s proposal for a joint working group with the president's office to accelerate rail devolution remains unanswered — a stark contrast to the president’s earlier assurance of collaboration. Fears emerge over potential intergovernmental disputes if a collaborative approach falters.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy's upcoming meeting with Hill-Lewis aims to address these urgent matters. The city underscores the profound impact efficient rail services would have: An operational rail network could save low-income Cape Town families an estimated R932 million annually and secure 51,000 jobs.

Hill-Lewis decries the shifting timelines for the Masterplan, coupled with the National Rail Policy White Paper's initial promise of a 2023 Devolution Strategy — another assurance that morphed, with later declarations promising 2024 but now seeming to veer towards 2025. The evolving deadlines signal a perceived lack of urgency at the national level, despite vast potential benefits.

City official Rob Quintas further stresses the immediate need for the national government to delegate rail services to the city, which could stimulate economic growth and elevate public transport access. This cry for action follows reports of stalling from the national transport department, with very few tangible advances in the proposed devolution process.

In defense, Vincent Magwenya, speaking on behalf of President Ramaphosa, outlines the Masterplan as a detailed project, needing thorough consultation and a durable financial approach, taking into account stakeholders across urban and non-urban sectors alike.

Compounding the issue, #UnitedBehind’s Mandla Majola underscores confusion about the delays and demands transparency on how the Masterplan will integrate with the anticipated National Devolution Strategy. To date, no draft or public participation sequence has been announced, leaving participants like UnitedBehind in limbo.