Transnet has assured the Western Cape government it will continue to operate the Outeniqua Choo-tjoe until a buyer is found.

Transnet wants to offload the Southern Cape steam train and focus on its core business rather than on tourism as well.

The nearly 80-year-old iconic Choo-tjoe looked to be in danger of losing its steam, but provincial tourism MEC Alan Winde says plans are afoot to keep it on track.

“The next forty days Transnet will be in a position to go out and call for expressions of interest from the private sector to get involved with the takeover of the running of the train," says Winde.

He says in the meantime, the R130 million upgrade of the train will resume in September.

“By the end of September the train will be back on track again between George and Mossel Bay because it’s been stopped for repairs and maintenance.”