ANC proposes NEW high-speed train – with a ‘controversial’ route!

A high-speed train to where, sorry? ANC officials say they are planning for the future - but this new rail route is raising eyebrows online.

Sep 22, 2022 - 19:43
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ANC proposes NEW high-speed train – with a ‘controversial’ route!

Remember when Cyril Ramaphosa went off into his own little world during SONA 2019? Instead of talking more about the threat of load shedding and the scourge of corruption, the President decided to speak about his ‘dream’ for a new high-speed train in South Africa.

His fantasy has now taken another step towards becoming a reality – but people are a little puzzled by it all…

A new high-speed train for South Africa?

A joint meeting between the provincial governments of Limpopo and Gauteng, held earlier this week, resolved to push forward in creating a high-speed train between the two regions. That’s all well and good, until you consider that one of the destinations is Musina.

The Limpopo-based town is one of the most northerly places in the country. It’s the last significant urban location you come to before reaching the Beitbridge border post, at the southern tip of Zimbabwe. But does it really warrant its own bullet train to Johannesburg?

High-speed train
The route would link SA’s biggest city with a town nearest to the Zimbabwean border – Image: Google Maps

‘Where is Musina?’ – New high-speed train route causes uproar

Although there are plans to further develop this town, it’s modest size and population of under 40 000 has raised concerns amongst the public. The reactions on social media have largely been defined by utter bemusement, and South Africans are full of questions…

  • “Please help me understand economic activities that need to be rushed from Joburg to Musina? Why not Durban?” – @SakzinK
  • “I might have missed the memo. What’s happening in Musina?” – @Vusi_TheBoss
  • I’ve never once heard of Musina until this very tweet — Lol, what am I going to do there? – @Poemansjack

Joburg to Musina: There’s a method behind the alleged madness…

According to a statement issued by both provincial governments, the intentions to connect Musina and Johannesburg by a high-speed train are justified. They speak about a need to ‘reduce road carnage’ in the region, and to quickly move goods between two strategic key points.

However, the proposed route remains a source of controversy – despite the ANC’s best efforts to explain:

“The creation of a high-speed train between Johannesburg and Musina will assist in reducing carnage on the roads, especially on the N1. The high-speed train will also make the movement of goods and services between the two provinces and the broader SADC region easier.”

“The officials view the establishment of the high-speed train as a critical foundation for the realisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. It’ll also contribute significantly to the industrialisation of Musina, a gateway into the SADC region.” | Limpopo/Gauteng Government statement