Singh would work in conjunction with chief executive Brian Molefe as an executive director of Transnet, spokesman Viwe Tlaleane said in a statement.

Singh has worked as acting chief financial officer at Transnet since 2009, and joined the company as a senior financial manager at Freight Rail, its largest division, in 2003.

In his role as chief financial officer, Singh would lead all aspects of the company's financial strategy, manage all financial risks and oversee funding and capital investment programmes.

"... He will also be responsible for the procurement function which includes Transnet's supplier development initiatives and broad-based black economic empowerment," Tlaleane said.

Singh holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree and a post graduate diploma in accounting from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Transnet is planning to invest R300 billion in infrastructure over the next seven years.