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Transport and Distribution, 1910–33

In: The South African Economy, 1910–90

Author

Listed:
  • Stuart Jones

    (University of the Witwatersrand)

  • André Müller

    (University of Port Elizabeth)

Abstract

The main outlines of the transport network were already in existence in 1910, when the four self-governing colonies came together to form the Union. Both roads and railways reached inland from the coast and were supplemented by coastal shipping. The Post Office was well-established and efficient. Since the early days of the 1820 settlers in Port Elizabeth, the Eastern Cape had taken the lead in modernising the economy, first with the introduction of merino sheep and then with the organisation of wholesaling. South Africa’s first home-grown millionaire is reputed to have been one of the Mosenthals who organised an extensive distribution business from Port Elizabeth. However, with the development of Kimberley and the diamond-fields, the lines of communication shifted westwards in the 1880s; Cape Town, the terminus of the railway, first to the diamond-fields and then the goldfields, replaced Port Elizabeth as the centre of the distribution network. In the long run, though, Durban was to be the main beneficiary of the development of Johannesburg, as it was the nearest port in British territory to the goldfields, and was already benefiting from the Customs Union of 1903. Union in 1910 made this into a permanent arrangement.

Suggested Citation

  • Stuart Jones & André Müller, 1992. "Transport and Distribution, 1910–33," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The South African Economy, 1910–90, chapter 6, pages 77-93, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-349-22031-1_6
    DOI: 10.1007/978-1-349-22031-1_6
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