This paper explores the state of rural transport research in South Africa covering the period 1994 -2014 with a particular focus on gauging the policy shift. The sustainable development theoretical framework is employed as the over-arching analytical tool. The paper draws from an extensive desktop literature review of rural transport policy research output accessible in the public domain covering the twenty year period. The main findings confirm a discernible transport paradigm shift underpinned by contestations regarding rural transportation policy planning and implementation. The paper also discusses rural transport research blind-spots and opportunities for valorizing the research output for the benefit of rural communities across the country.Paper presented at the 34th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 6-9 July 2015 "Working Together to Deliver - Sakha Sonke", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.The Minister of Transport, South AfricaTransportation Research Board of the US
