KwaDukuza commuters could face several more years without passenger trains, despite repeated promises to restore the Durban-Stanger railway service.

Passenger trains have not reached KwaDukuza since 2018, leaving commuters largely dependent on taxis.

According to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (Prasa) 2026/27 Corporate Plan, restoration work is scheduled to begin only in the 2028/29 financial year, subject to an agreement with Transnet. There is still no confirmed reopening date.

A return trip between KwaDukuza town and Durban central currently costs about R140 by minibus taxi and about R1 500 by e-hailing service or private taxi. By comparison, the train fare was R36 return in 2018. Comparable passenger rail routes elsewhere in South Africa now charge between R30 and R50 return, although fares vary according to distance and service.

From Ballito commuters pay about R100 return by taxi to Durban and R800 for an e-hailing trip.

Umhlali resident Cwebezela Mbuthu, who previously travelled daily by train to Tongaat, said the service was desperately needed.

“If the government can bring back trains in KwaDukuza, that would be great. We really need it, it was cheaper and it gave us an alternative,” said Mbuthu.

Shaka’s Head resident Tholakele Gumede previously used Compensation station when travelling to Durban.

“I am always on budget as the cost of living is super expensive. So a cheaper mode of transport would be helpful,” she said.

Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra) chairperson Deon Viljoen said restoring passenger trains was essential for the growing municipality.

“KwaDukuza is one of the most rapidly developing municipalities in the country and needs comprehensive transport infrastructure.

High fuel prices have placed enormous pressure on those reliant on public transport, so now more than ever, every effort must be made to give residents all affordable options to travel, including the restoration of passenger rail services,” said Viljoen.

The railway line between Duffs Road in Durban and KwaDukuza belongs to Transnet, while Prasa operates passenger services.

Negotiations between the two have dragged on for years.

In September 2024, Prasa estimated restoration would take about 18 months once an agreement was reached. However, the agreement remains unresolved.

Flooding, cable theft and vandalism have caused extensive damage to the line, including electrical and signalling infrastructure.

The Courier approached Prasa and Transnet for updates on negotiations, funding, repairs and the expected reopening date. Both were also asked to clarify what the proposed 2028/29 implementation date means for commuters.

Neither had responded at time of publication.

Commuters weigh in

We asked our Facebook audience how the lack of service has affected them and whether they would want to see trains return.

Mpho Paradox Zwide: In this economy, we need trains. I live in Groutville and work at the airport. I spend over R100 per day on transport, and my salary isn’t even taxed. (Do the maths.) Taxi fares increase every year. Trains will help scholars travel more
easily and lift the load on so many of us.

Phumlani Masinga: In 2013, I used to buy a monthly train ticket from Umlazi to Stanger for only R204 because my family is in Stanger, but I worked in Durban. A single ticket only cost me R9.50 from Shakaskraal to Durban station.

Gcina Thabethe: We desperately need trains back from KwaDukuza to Durban. We are paying a fortune to travel to and from work, taking the last cent from our very low incomes. It will make a huge difference when you bring back trains.

Sibongakonke Dlamini: Taxi bosses won’t let those trains run. Even now, they are scrutinising the Uber drivers.

Zwelibanzi Okuhle Zwelethu Dube: I fail to understand how the taxi business is involved with trains because I remember
the trains stopped because they were in a bad condition, copper was stolen and the rain destroyed the railway system. If the
trains could come back, it won’t affect us. The people who relocated to places like Durban and Waterloo will come back. On
weekends, they have to buy groceries, and I don’t remember people using trains to buy groceries, so I don’t see a problem.

Angeline Nomvula Da-silva: It will help all schoolchildren and the community.

Nomvuyo Priscilla: Prasa is the only one who knows better. They know that we suffer a lot with transport because people travel from here to Durban for work. Taxis have no problem with us having trains. If it’s them, how so?

Bonginkosi Elliot: If possible, but it seems like you won’t be able to win that war. KwaDukuza’s transportation system is
captured. Saps officers, traffic officers and politicians are taxi owners. They rule and govern the North Coast.

Steven Mafuya: Bring back the trains because transport costs are increasing every year, but our salaries are not. As if life is hard only for taxi owners and not for everyone. We don’t have buses here. We only depend on taxis, that’s why.

Krishna Pillay: It’s these atrocities against the poor that irk me. The poor have become the gold mines of the unscrupulous thugs
who have stolen their right to enjoy the cheapest mode of transportation. The only country in the world that I know of which no longer has a functional railroad system. Bring back the trains, Mr President.