One frequently underestimates the importance of a reliable transport system to the security of a country.

This point was brought home to me recently in reading eminent South African historian Charles van Onselen’s latest book, Masked Raiders: Irish Banditry in Southern Africa, 1880–1899 (published by Random House Struik). For two decades, “the world’s richest supplies of diamonds and gold were transported by coach and horses to distant ports for export.

For Irish soldiers based at Fort Napier, Pietermaritzburg, the temptation of this fabulous wealth proved irresistible: they deserted by the score and, as members of the criminal ‘Irish Brigade’, embarked on a spree of bank, safe and highway robberies.” (Source: http://zebra.book.co.za)

This was before the main cities of southern Africa were linked by a railway system, of course. The advent of the iron horse saw the exit of masked raiders and coaches at once.

More than a century later, in 2010, African railways are still exerting an influence on security – in a negative sense. The impact of the deterioration of Transnet and other railways across Africa on driving up the cost of logistics is well known and, it seems, it is yet to turn the corner.

However, the importance of rail has nonetheless been recognised by the powers that be, with new rail projects announced in Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Nigeria and other countries, on a regular basis.

This promises to be a positive development in the economic integration of African economies.

Road Ahead intends keeping abreast of these and any other transport developments that influence the movement of freight in and out of Africa, and so we welcome well-known transport consultant Mike Fitzmaurice onto the editorial team as editor of Road Ahead’s Freight Into Africa e-bulletin and forthcoming African supplement.

Visit www.freightintoafrica.co.za for an idea of what is to come, or e-mail Mike at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it should you wish to subscribe to the bulletin.

Greg Penfold