Transport Forum: Strengthening Dialogue, Insight and Collaboration Across the Sector

Through its Special Interest Group (SIG) programme, the Transport Forum enables structured dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration on key transport challenges and opportunities Founder. HARRY VAN HUYSSTEEN elaborates.

The Transport Forum is a neutral, inclusive industry platform that brings together stakeholders from across South Africa’s transport ecosystem – including government, state-owned entities, private sector operators, regulators, academics, industry bodies and associations, and solution providers.

Throughout 2025, the Forum continued to build momentum as a trusted engagement platform, with growing participation, digital reach and institutional involvement reinforcing its relevance to transport operators across the value chain.

Focused Engagement Through SIG Platforms

A cornerstone of the Forum’s value offering is its SIG series, which convenes stakeholders around specific, topical themes affecting transport operations and policy.

One of the most impactful engagements in 2025 was the Sustainable Mobility SIG held in March. Discussions explored the Just Urban Transition, electric vehicle adoption, early lessons from minibus taxi electrification initiatives and the growing influence of carbon-economy frameworks. For transport operators, the key takeaway was clear: sustainability is increasingly shaping regulation, funding models and long-term fleet and infrastructure planning.

The Forum also hosted engagements focused on freight, logistics and fleet operations, including an SIG in partnership with the Southern African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF). These discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, improved coordination and shared insight across the freight value chain to support resilient and efficient logistics systems.

Other SIGs during the year addressed technology, fleet management and data-driven decision-making, reflecting the sector’s shift toward digital tools to improve efficiency and manage cost pressures.

The Role of Industry Bodies and Associations

Industry bodies and associations play a significant and increasingly visible role within the Transport Forum. By participating in and hosting SIG sessions, these organisations help surface sector-wide challenges, represent member interests and contribute practical insight into regulatory, operational and strategic discussions.

Their involvement strengthens the Forum’s collective voice, supports alignment across sub-sectors and ensures that discussions are grounded in real operational experience. For transport operators, this creates a more representative platform where shared challenges can be explored collaboratively and solutions shaped with broad industry input.

Professional associations that have formal agreements with the Transport Forum include SAAFF, South African Express Parcel Association (SAEPA), South African Bus Operators Association (SABOA), Multimodal Inland Port Association (MIPA), Road Freight Association (RFA), SaferStops Association and African Rail Industry Association (ARIA).

Transnet Port Terminals: A Two-Way Engagement Channel

A notable development in 2025 was the active involvement of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT). Through the Transport Forum, TPT has been able to update the industry on port-related developments, operational initiatives and strategic direction, while also using the platform to receive direct feedback from industry participants.

This two-way engagement reinforces the Forum’s role as a practical interface between major infrastructure authorities and transport operators, supporting transparent communication and constructive problem-solving.

Growing Reach and Digital Traction

The Transport Forum has seen steady growth in its digital footprint. The Forum’s YouTube channel continues to attract new followers, reflecting strong demand for recorded SIG discussions and on-demand access to sector insights.

Attendance at SIG events has also increased across both in-person and virtual formats, while the Transport Forum website has experienced rising traffic and engagement, positioning it as a trusted reference point for sector updates, discussions and event content.

What This Means for Transport Operators

Key themes emerging from the Transport Forum’s 2025 programme include:

• Sustainability as an operational reality influencing compliance, investment and planning.
• Stronger engagement between industry, associations and institutions, including infrastructure authorities.
• Greater reliance on digital platforms and shared insight to support efficiency and resilience.
• The importance of collaboration and informed dialogue in navigating regulatory and operational change.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to be a year of deeper collaboration and continued growth for the Transport Forum. With increasing visibility, participation and institutional engagement, the platform is well positioned to welcome newcomers, broaden cross-sector collaboration and strengthen its role as a trusted space for transport dialogue.

Importantly, all Transport Forum events are archived and freely accessible via the Forum’s digital platforms. This growing knowledge library allows industry participants to revisit discussions, access expert insights and stay informed at their own pace. It also serves as a valuable resource for students and emerging professionals seeking deeper insight into transport-related topics and real-world operational challenges.

For transport operators, continued engagement with the Transport Forum offers both insight into sector direction and an opportunity to contribute practical experience toward shaping sustainable transport solutions.

For more information, please visit www.transportsig.com or email info@transportsig.com.