Despite having generated R159 million in profits, Transnet’s rail operations continue to be plagued with mismanagement of rail systems, vandalism of rail infrastructure and unreliability, ultimately exacerbating South Africa’s already strained economy. Exporters are struggling to rail their goods to the market and volumes continue to decline, pointing to the reality that the SEO is transporting fewer goods by rail. Meanwhile, the entity’s financial woes remain daunting and talk of privatization fails to land well on stakeholders. The question is, how can Transnet be saved? Lerato Mbele is in conversation with logistics management lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch, Professor Jan Havenga.