South Africa Opens Freight-Rail Network to Private Firms

South Africa is letting private companies use its train tracks to help move goods faster.

The government picked 11 companies to talk about running trains on some routes.

These companies could get long-term licenses if they meet certain rules.

This move is to fix problems with the current system, which has been struggling.

Private companies will bring in their own trains and equipment.

The goal is to move a lot more goods by train, which should help the economy.

The government is also giving money to the state-owned railway company, Transnet, to help it improve.