The force majeure -- a contractual clause invoked when factors outside a company's control render it unable to meet its commitments to customers -- took effect from July 22 at terminals in the ports of Cape Town, Durban, Ngqura and Port Elizabeth.

"Transnet believes it is now in a position to service its customers and meet all contractual obligations reliably," the company said in a statement.

(Reporting by Tanisha Heiberg; Editing by Alexander Winning)