Roads, railways, airports, waterways, and pipelines for petroleum oil are some of the various modes of transportation in South Africa. In South Africa, informal minibus taxis are the primary mode of transportation for the majority of people. In an effort to provide services for public transportation that are more formalized and safer, BRT has been implemented in some cities in South Africa. Due to their high operating and capital costs, these systems have received widespread criticism. A "freeway" differs from the majority of nations in that certain things are prohibited, such as motor tricycles, certain motorcycles, and no hand signals. Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth are just a few of South Africa's major ports that allow ships and other boats to pass through, some carrying passengers and others carrying petroleum tankers.
The regulation of all forms of transportation in South Africa is the responsibility of the Department of Transport. This includes public transportation, rail travel, civil aviation, shipping, freight, and automobiles. "Transport [is] the heartbeat of South Africa's economic growth and social development!" is the department's vision statement.