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Women in Leadership - Minister Barbara Creecy
Leading The Transport Sector To A Greener Future
By Jessie Taylor
Honourable Barbara Creecy, a long-standing figure in South African politics, was appointed Minister of Transport on 3 July 2024 under the newly established Government of National Unity. Known for her dedication to public service, Minister Creecy brings a wealth of experience to the transport portfolio following her impactful tenure as the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment from 2019 to 2024. Her recent appointment marks a new chapter in her distinguished career as she takes on the monumental task of stabilising and transforming South Africa’s transport sector.
SA Robust Career in Shaping Policy
Minister Creecy’s career in public service dates back to 1994, when she became a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, immediately after the dawn of South Africa’s democracy. Over the next three decades, she played key roles in various capacities, including Deputy Chief Whip and Chairperson of the Social Development and Education Committees.
Her rise through the ranks demonstrated her political acumen and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary South Africans. Between 2004 and 2019, Minister Creecy held several influential roles within the Gauteng government. She served as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture (2004–2009), Education (2009–2014), and Finance (2014–2019). These roles contributed to the robust governance and policy-shaping experience she now brings to the Ministry of Transport.
As the new Minister of Transport, Minister Creecy’s immediate focus is on stabilising the department and improving governance across its various entities. In her maiden Budget Vote speech in Parliament on 15 July 2024, she acknowledges South Africa’s transport sector’s significant challenges She cited a disconnect between the envisioned role of transport as an economic enabler and the reality of the system’s inefficiencies, including deteriorating infrastructure and financial mismanagement.
Among the obstacles Minister Creecy hopes to address are dysfunctional port terminals, congestion at key border crossings, and the poor state of national highways. She also plans to rectify underspending by departmental entities and provincial departments, particularly concerning road maintenance and construction.
Her pragmatic approach to governance is evident in her prioritisation of reforms aimed at addressing audit issues and ensuring timely payments to suppliers. Filling critical vacancies within the department is also high on her agenda, as she seeks to optimise its ability to fulfil its policymaking and regulatory roles.
A Vision for Transport Reform
In line with her previous work in environmental policy, Minister Creecy has made it clear that green transport is a key priority for her department. She has committed to promoting alternative fuels such as biogas and green hydrogen and is determined to extend the country’s rail network to provide more sustainable public transport options. Minister Creecy’s Green Transport Strategy also includes investing in green energy infrastructure and developing green procurement guidelines to promote the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
In addition to green initiatives, Minister Creecy foresees the acceleration of digital technologies as a transformative force in the transport sector. She pointed out that artificial intelligence (AI), self-driven vehicles, and operational automation are innovations that will revolutionise traffic management, shipment tracking, and rail systems. Minister Creecy’s vision is to leverage these technologies to modernise the sector, create new economic opportunities, and open up pathways for employment and ownership.
Minister Creecy will also address the growing threat of climate change to South Africa’s transport infrastructure. Over the past few years, extreme weather events have highlighted the vulnerability of the country’s roads, railways, and ports. Minister Creecy sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity. Building climate resilience into South Africa’s transport infrastructure is, in her view, an essential step toward ensuring the sector’s longterm sustainability.
She is adamant that investing in infrastructure to withstand climaterelated risks will protect the economy, create jobs, and promote economic inclusion. Her approach to governance reflects her commitment to fostering both environmental and social sustainability.
Freight logistics is another area where Minister Creecy plans to take bold, decisive action. In collaboration with business and unions, the government has formed the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), which will spearhead efforts to improve operational performance in freight rail and ports. Minister Creecy believes that revitalising the country’s rail infrastructure is crucial to long-term economic growth and is committed to implementing policies that will make commuter rail the backbone of South Africa’s public transport system.
Minister Creecy’s leadership in the transport sector promises a future where sustainability, technology, and collaboration will be at the forefront of South Africa’s transport policy. Her tenure as Minister of Transport is poised to bring about significant reforms that address the immediate challenges and lay the foundation for a greener, more inclusive, and economically vibrant transport system.
