Siza Mzimela, the CEO of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), has tendered her resignation. Her decision to step down follows significant pressure from the Transnet board over the past four weeks. TFR's performance under Mzimela's leadership has been marked by a significant drop in volumes, leading to adverse consequences for the mining sector, which missed out on an export commodity boom. Two major coal producers are now considering employee retrenchments.

During her tenure, rail export volumes plummeted from a peak of 213 million tons in 2018/2019 to 149 million tons in the last financial year. While Transnet faced external challenges beyond its control, such as the pandemic, increasing crime, flood damage, and a cyber attack, there were also glaring signs of mismanagement. Outdated systems and a lack of basic controls contributed to the company achieving only 25% of its targets in the past financial year.

This resignation comes shortly after Portia Derby's departure as Transnet CEO. In a letter to staff, Mzimela expressed gratitude for their service, highlighted the progress made in the past three years, and urged them not to give up the fight to improve TFR's performance.