The Project Ukuvuselela is a strategic rail investment along the SouthCor corridor between Tshwane and the Port of Gqeberha. It is designed to ease congestion at the Port of Durban, improve the movement of fully built vehicles (FBUs) for export, and strengthen South Africa’s automotive sector. The project will transport over 214,000 vehicles annually, reduce reliance on road haulage, lower emissions, and generate foreign revenue through expanded exports. It also supports national goals to modernise rail, promote public–private partnerships, and shift freight from road to rail.

A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis conducted in line with international best practices confirms strong viability. The project yields a Financial NPV of R164 million, an Economic NPV of R1.3 billion, and an ERR of 12.78%, exceeding South Africa’s opportunity cost of capital. Socio-economic benefits include job creation, R1.46 billion in additional tax revenues, R106 million in road maintenance savings, and R15 million in environmental gains from reduced CO₂ emissions. Overall, Project Ukuvuselela offers substantial economic, social, and environmental returns, providing robust decision-making support for Transnet SOC Ltd., the IDC, and the National Treasury.