SOUTH Africa’s state-owned transport group Transnet has reported a R1.7bn profit in the half year to end-September as key divisions posted strong results. The group said this strong recovery enabled it to pay the government a dividend of R1.7bn, the first time it has done so in eight years. In the half year to end-September 1999, Transnet reported a loss of R742m. South African Airways unveiled a net profit of R289m for the half year from a loss of R99m. – Reuters