One of the hallmarks of our relatively young democracy has been its contribution to the discourse on corporate governance, now enshrined in what is commonly referred to as the King Report. In July 1993, the Institute of Directors in South Africa asked retired judge Mervyn King to chair a committee on corporate governance, whose report (King I) led to the first corporate governance code for South Africa. Since then, three more reports have been issued - King II (2002), King III (2009) and King IV (2016). While the first three reports generally applied to listed companies, King IV extends the good practices used to benchmark corporate South Africa to the public sector. Indeed, one of the key strengths of King IV, compared with its earlier editions, is the inclusion of sector supplements that provide much clearer guidelines to public sector entities on how to apply good governance guidelines to their particular circumstances. The objectives of state-owned entities obviously differ markedly from private sector companies. Generally there is no profit motive and, in many of our business activities, we must abide by the developmental mandate given to us by our shareholder (Minister), who represents the South African government. This is reflected in our emphasis on the empowerment of small- and medium-sized enterprises, along with our commitment to allocate a growing share of work packages in the road construction and maintenance sectors to black-owned and women-owned companies.The successes we have achieved in community development, skills transfer, bursaries and internships, as well as research into road safety and transport engineering, are well-documented. SANRAL is incredibly proud of the contribution it has made to economic transformation and empowerment - without neglecting its primary mandate to manage the national road infrastructure. As a public sector company, our activities are defined by the SANRAL Act and the Public Finance Management Act.

Within this framework, SANRAL has observed most of the principles of governance contained in the King Codes and will definitely continue to do so once King IV becomes effective in April. The value of King IV lies in the manner in which it has distilled 75 previous principles for good corporate governance into 17 - each linked to very distinct outcomes. The sector supplements make the report more accessible than the 2009 version and will enable entities such as SANRAL to measure our performance better against broader standards. King IV recognises the need for state-owned entities to address the serious challenges facing South Africa, with respect to service delivery and the provision of strategic national infrastructure. But it also emphasises the importance of such entities to be viable, efficient and competitive, to ensure the country’s citizens receive value for their money.

At SANRAL we are conscious of the fact that our state company operates in the public contracting arena, where transparency and accountability are of the utmost importance. We took clear note of the public concerns expressed about historical collusion in the construction and engineering sectors and are adapting our processes and procedures to fall in line with the recommendations of the Competitions Commission. We recognise that SANRAL raises significant amounts of its capital from the bond and capital markets and that the choices we make on governance and ethical business conduct have discernible impacts on decisions taken by the investment community. King IV emphasises the role of the board in risk and opportunity oversight. SANRAL is already a step ahead, combining the functions of audit and risk management in a single board committee of non-executive members. Moreover, we welcome the emphasis King IV places on the management and protection of technology and information and the need for companies to develop a cyber-security plan.

Cyber-hacking is a growing threat globally and companies could forfeit their long-standing reputations in a single day if they are not adequately protected against malware and industrial espionage.

This is why the SANRAL Board and management have decided to elevate cyber-security within the organisation, consistently working to ensure our own IT systems constantly evolve to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated threats. In the final analysis, King IV is a welcome step forward to guide the activities of both private sector companies and state-owned entities. The latter are increasingly operating in a global environment and it is imperative that we bring our entity’s governance in line with global best practice.

Roshan Morar is the Chairperson of SANRAL’s Board

Describe a typical day in your job
A typical day would consist of ensuring that SANRAL projects comply with environmental laws, regulations and procedures and giving advice. I use my knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment, human health and wellbeing. I see to it that polluted areas are cleaned up, advise policymakers and work with contractors to reduce waste. I also review reports, investigate complaints and assess the threat to the environment. I find solutions to environmental problems and address concerns to minimise the impact on the environment.

What is the best part of what you do?
To know that I am a link in a chain that ensures that developments/growing infrastructure continue and environmental properties are not compromised in any way. Finding the balance as we develop our natural biophysical environment sustainably.

What’s the worst?
Being undermined because of my gender.

Why did you choose SANRAL?
It offered me a chance to enhance my career, skills and qualifications. I wanted to be part of an organisation that advances and grows the economy of the country and makes a difference to South Africa by upgrading infrastructure development projects.

What advice do you have for young professionals who want to work in environmental management?
If you want a career in environmental management, be passionate - reach out for information and opportunities. You must love nature and the outdoors. Study natural science, geography, geographical information systems and environmental law. A bachelor’s degree in environmental science offers a broad approach to the natural sciences. Classes in environmental policy and regulation are also beneficial. Environmental specialists often begin their careers as field analysts, research assistants or technicians in laboratories and offices. As they gain experience, they take on more responsibilities and autonomy - and may supervise the work of technicians or other scientists. Some are promoted to project leaders and programme managers. Others go on to work as researchers or end up as faculty at universities.

Any myths around environmental management you’d like to bust?
It’s not about being 100% environmental activist. It’s really just being a catalyst to promote development within the confines of conserving our natural resources. We are activists for sustainability, not just eco warriors.

So who is Nicole Abrahams when she’s at home?
Hardworking, a pillar of strength, independent, self-sustaining. My hobbies have taken a back seat. Priorities now: kids, family, photography and cooking.

Where did you study?
I obtained a Bachelor’s and Honours degree in environmental science and environmental management at the University of the Western Cape.

Why environmental management?
I suppose it started with an appreciation for nature, therefore a deep care and love for the environment.

Many threads, one story!

Roads run through it, excellent national roads - the N2, N6, N9, N10, R61, R71. They take you through South Africa’s second-largest province, known for its scenic beauty, game reserves, historic sights and wonderful beaches. In fact, there is just too much to do, so it is better to decide on an area or a theme and build your travels around that. If you’re a history buff, there is enough to keep you busy in the Eastern Cape. Best then to decide on, say, five historic sights and use the opportunity to travel through the province and enjoy the scenery. Coming from the north, you’ll go through Graaff-Reinet, South Africa’s fourth-oldest town. There is much to see: Reinet House, Graaff-Reinet Museum, Old Library Museum, Old Residency, Military History Museum and more. Visit the Hester Rupert Art Museum, which is in one of Graaff-Reinet’s many old Cape Dutch buildings. It has a focused collection and is a must for any anybody interested in South African art. There are about 130 works from more than 100 artists.

The original building was to be replaced by a filling station, but famous conservationist and businessman Anton Rupert, a native of Graaff-Reinet, intervened and the art museum is now managed by the town council, who named it after Rupert’s mother. Swing north to get to East London and you can view some of the oldest sights in the world. In the local museum, you will see the last remaining dodo egg, the oldest fossilised footprint and the Coelacanth, a prehistoric fish that lived in the Indian Ocean for 400 million years and was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1938. This fish was regarded as the most significant zoological find of the century. Turn south and not far from Mthatha you’ll find Qunu. A small quiet hamlet, this is where Nelson Mandela grew up and was later buried. To be where this great man started his life - and spent the happiest years of his life, he later wrote - is a humbling experience. There’s not much to do, really, but suck up the atmosphere and wonder that such a tiny place could produce such a massive figure.

The original building was to be replaced by a filling station, but famous conservationist and businessman Anton Rupert, a native of Graaff-Reinet, intervened and the art museum is now managed by the town council, who named it after Rupert’s mother. Swing north to get to East London and you can view some of the oldest sights in the world. In the local museum, you will see the last remaining dodo egg, the oldest fossilised footprint and the Coelacanth, a prehistoric fish that lived in the Indian Ocean for 400 million years and was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1938. This fish was regarded as the most significant zoological find of the century. Turn south and not far from Mthatha you’ll find Qunu. A small quiet hamlet, this is where Nelson Mandela grew up and was later buried. To be where this great man started his life - and spent the happiest years of his life, he later wrote - is a humbling experience. There’s not much to do, really, but suck up the atmosphere and wonder that such a tiny place could produce such a massive figure.

THE BEST POCKET GUIDE EVER FOR WEALTH-BUILDING INVESTMENT
Jillian Howard

funds, endowments. If you don’t even understand these words, never mind how they can make you financially independent, this is the book for you. Perhaps start by reading the four simple steps right at the end that will turn you into an investor. Don’t hesitate: start today and get peace of mind.

THE FIVE MINUTE MBA
Wayne Brown

Do you think an MBA is the gateway to managerial success, but far too long and arduous an academic route? Not so, says Wayne Brown, dedicating his booklet to "all the bright start-ups and the removal of all bozos from power". He lays out 10 basic rules to managerial success and explains them in a few pages. For instance: always get on with the person with the money (i.e. the customer); do something immediately - start fixing mistakes now; behave as you expect your staff to behave; when put in charge, take charge; devolve responsibility and accountability. Well, maybe not an MBA as such, as Brown brags, but certainly basic things to do which your manager and possibly you have just forgotten in the daily hurly-burly of trying to make a good company a better one - and keeping your staff. Possibly a good present for your boss on her birthday?

THE MINI MANUAL OF ZODIAC SIGNS
Unknown

So you don’t believe the stars can lay out who you are and what is going on in your life? Well, many people do and follow their star signs in newspapers and magazines for a private peek into what may come for them. No author claims responsibility for this work; there is no mention of the famous Madam Rose, who is the all-time guru on what the stars can foretell. Really, no author is mentioned, but you can test the book thus: an Aquarian is completely different from other people, is the friendliest person around, is an intellectual, faithful in love, needs a fulfilling career, hates the consumerled society yet relishes occasional bouts of extravagance and understands the importance of a healthy diet. We know an Aquarian and this is a totally accurate description. Go buy the book, you’re in it!

DREAM DICTIONARY & RECORD BOOK
Pamela Ball

If you’re not into the stars, you may also be sceptical about this offering. It is described as a simple guide to interpreting your dreams. Author Pamela Ball sets out space right in the beginning so you can write down your dream and then turn the pages to find a reference to its substance. Sigmund Freud was the first modern person - way back a centuryand- half ago - to attempt to lay out what it means when you have a particular dream. This is a subject taken seriously by many and a psychologist can help you work through your dreams. This elegant book does so in simple terms. It takes a wide variety of subjects and tells you what they may mean, but insisting that for every person his/her own background is a telling factor in understanding the meaning. So, you may dream of a house, an island, a wind, a jackal, lightning, a wedding. You will find some reference to what this may mean in this booklet. At the very least, it is a fun read and may actually put your mind at ease.

Taming the beast

You know the feeling… someone changes lanes without indicating, then brakes in front of you. Your heart starts pounding and your blood boils. You can feel your face going red. You lean on your hooter and make a rude gesture... Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. But for a certain portion of the population, the anger doesn’t stop there. Some people, instead of taking a deep breath and completing their journey, feel the need to "teach him a lesson". They’ll pursue the other vehicle, get out of their own car and, at best, commit a verbal assault; at worst, an act of physical violence. This is road rage. "When you are in a car, especially in a congested environment, your reptilian brain - the part of your brain responsible for survival - takes over," says Jacques van Zyl, a psychologist who specialises in road behaviour. "There is limited space on the road and it becomes a competitive situation. You need to get home or to a meeting, and other people are in your way." He explains that your brain sends a message to your adrenal glands to produce adrenalin, which is the neurochemical responsible for the fight or flight reflex. And this takes place in a brain already preconditioned for stress - most of us are dealing with financial pressure, family worries and work stress every day. Then, the car itself adds to the rage mix. "The car becomes an extension of your personality - you feel untouchable and it becomes a weapon. It makes you feel powerful. It increases the mania. You feel that you could get away with whatever act of violence you want to commit." At this point, most people, most of the time, will resort to some kind of outburst, but there is a condition that American scientists diagnose as intermittent explosive disorder (IED) and people who suffer from it - a very small percentage of the population, Van Zyl stresses - lose control when they get that rush of adrenalin. "The feeling only goes away once it’s been spent through an attack. Those are the people who pull out a gun and shoot."

No driver’s an island Road rage in its truest form - where it leads to some kind of assault - is symptomatic of a broader problem, Van Zyl explains. Globally - and in South Africa in particular - there is a lot of unchecked aggression and prejudice. "If for instance, you believe that women are bad drivers, every time you see a woman pulling off too slowly, you’ll take that as confirmation of the problem. In this case, making the next step to ‘teaching her a lesson’ is not such a big leap." And the fact that people on the road are already in a heightened state of aggression about so many things means that situations are often escalated rather than defused. "Road rage is often not the result of one person’s out-of-control anger, but of both sides contributing to the situation." Since the problem starts way before you get into the car, it makes sense that working on a solution also needs to happen before you’re on the road. If you know that sometimes you can feel a little out of control behind the wheel, or your family has mentioned that they feel unsafe in the car with you, start to think seriously about your driving behaviour. Van Zyl suggests taking the following steps: 1. Never get behind the wheel if you are already angry - it’s like driving drunk 2. Never drive drunk - alcohol reduces your inhibitions 3. Work through your triggers. What most often makes you angry on the road? Discuss it with your family - or even a therapist. Then, try to replace your current response with healthy thinking. Take a deep breath. Make a conscious effort to shrug it off. Remember that the rage adds no value to your life. Remember that other people are not your enemy or your competition. We all share this road space and we all have somewhere to be. Let go of your prejudices. Being angry or out of control because someone is a certain age or race or gender is not justified. Don’t look for a reason to justify your rage. If your general anger in life is as a result of unfulfilled ambitions, toxic management at work or relationship problems at home, address the cause. Seek professional help to work through your issues. If you frequently suffer from outbursts - at the shops, at work or with your children - then you also may need professional help for an explosive disorder. Manage your time better. Accept that roads can be congested. Leave early enough to complete your journey with time to spare. Don’t add panic and anxiety to the emotional mix you are already experiencing on the road.

South Africans are known to be aggressive drivers and road rage incidents frequently make the headlines. We spoke to a road rage expert about where that rage comes from - and what to do about it

Remember that other drivers are also stressed and angry - don’t enter into a situation in which you and another driver are likely to blow a fuse. Eat healthy food and drink enough water throughout the day - especially if you have a car trip coming up - so that you don’t have a blood-sugar low to contribute to your bad mood. Van Zyl sums this all up as: "Mind your drive, then drive your mind." Be aware of your driving experience and then gain control of your thinking and emotions. If you become a victim On the other hand, it is also very easy to get into a situation where you are on the receiving end of someone else’s rage. Van Zyl says that road rage incidents are often the result of two people refusing to back down. Remember that there are people out there who attack and kill other road users, so do everything you can to calm the situation down, rather than bring it to a boil. "Drive away if you can; apologise if you must. It is not cowardly to back down and it may even save your life," he says. If you are being pursued or threatened, drive to a petrol station or a police station, where there are other people - this will almost always force the other party to think twice. If you are somehow trapped or constrained, get a friend or family member on the phone as quickly as you can and start describing your assailant’s details. Van Zyl adds that if you are confronted with an escalating situation, the worst thing you can do is get out of your car. Be aware that the courts view your exiting your own vehicle as "intent", so whatever happens next will be regarded as your fault, even if the other person assaults you. By the numbers There are currently 11.9 million vehicles registered in South Africa and Gauteng has 4.5 million of those. Van Zyl says a recent study revealed that among Gauteng drivers, 48% said they either experience or perpetuate some form of aggression on the road every day. If you consider that there are 4.5 million cars on the road - which probably do two trips a day - that’s almost 4.5 million incidents of anger on Gauteng’s roads every day. "That tells you there’s a problem," says Van Zyl. "We all need to start finding ways of driving better and calming down." As with anything, the first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem. With Van Zyl’s observations making it clear that South Africa does have a road anger problem, it’s now up to each and every one of us to make a concerted effort to mind our drive and drive our minds.

Don't take it out on taxis

According to the South African National Taxi Council, the taxi industry employs more than 600 000 people and transports 15 million commuters per day. It is serviced by 300 000 vehicles, the majority of which are in Gauteng. Psychologist Jacques van Zyl says that minibus taxis are often the justification for instances of road rage - and their erratic driving is frustrating for other drivers. However, as a driver, you know that taxi drivers are going to stop suddenly to release their customers and then weave through traffic to make up for lost time. While there is no excuse for reckless or negligent driving, accept that taxis are part of the road user experience and don’t let them get to you. Remember that every taxi carrying 15 individuals means that there are 15 fewer vehicles on the road for you to contend with - and 15 people being carried to their jobs to keep the economy of our country turning over.

Gauge your rage

Jacques van Zyl is currently carrying out a study on South African road behaviour. If you participate in the study, you’ll get a free copy of the report. You can participate here: http://www.assessmentworld.com/aw_public. Click on Road Behaviour test

Bakwena invests a billion in road upgrades

Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire has an ambitious R1.0 billion schedule of maintenance and construction projects, which are scheduled for 2017. A reseal of the N4 in Dinokana by Actophambili is already underway. The project has a completion date forecast for May 2017 and a cost budgeted at R34-million. Reconstruction work will take place on the N4 between the towns of Zeerust and Lehurutse between February and December 2017. The R95-million contract was awarded early in 2017. Between Zeerust and Vaalkop on the N4, another R250-million reconstruction contract is estimated to complete during March 2017 with an additional R7.7-million for a storm-water upgrade.

From Vaalkop to the Groot Marico boundary on the N4, an estimated R273-million reconstruction contract will be awarded during July 2017 for an expected duration of 20 months. Between the Groot Marico boundary and Swartruggens a R164-million works contract got underway in September 2016, with a completion date scheduled for December 2017. The works are running slightly ahead of schedule and may be complete during November. The R50-million expansion of the plazas at the Brits and Marikana toll plazas was awarded early in 2017, with construction to commence in February and completion estimated by December. A R12-million contract for the construction of a third lane at Doornpoort on the N4 East will be awarded early in 2017 with commencement of construction forecast for February 2017. Finally, a R117-million reconstruction project on the N1 North between Pumulani and Hammanskraal will also get underway between February and December 2017.

Liam Clarke, Commercial Manager of Bakwena, says: "Bakwena takes pride in ensuring that the 385 kilometres it manages under its concession contract are maintained to the highest international standards. The upgrades will enhance the motorists driving experience and reduce delays while improving the overall safety Clarke says that South Africa’s national roads are vital to economic activity, job creation and many social benefits, all of which may suffer unless roads were properly maintained. It is also far cheaper to do regular maintenance than to have to do major repairs following more serious damage. "Regular upgrade and maintenance therefore saves the country millions of rands in the long term," concludes Clarke.

Forewarned is forearmed

Want info? Need help? N3TC has got you covered

There is more to being a safe driver than adhering to traffic rules and regulations. Being informed of road and travel conditions helps you make safe choices prior to and during your journey," says Con Roux, spokesperson of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC). N3TC manages the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal. This national route, linking South Africa’s landlocked provinces to the Port of Durban, can at times become heavily congested, especially on peak traffic days or when delays are caused by poor weather or emergencies along the route. It is essential to plan your trip in advance and stay up-to-date with the road and traffic conditions ahead. Armed with the right information, both leisure and commercial travellers can set realistic targets and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

"N3TC goes the extra mile to help ensure drivers are as safe as possible," says Roux. "We manage a central Route Control Centre (RCC), into which all information regarding road conditions, incidences, bad weather and traffic updates are fed. From here, vital information is disseminated to travellers via a number of communication platforms. We use SMS alerts and regular tweets and travellers can dial the company’s 24-hour customer care and RCC line." N3 Route Control Centre is always on standby Before starting your journey, we strongly advise that you obtain the latest road and traffic information for the N3 Toll Route. You can do that by contacting the 24-hour N3TC Route Control Centre on 0800 63 4357 (0800 N3 HELP), or talk to N3TC on Twitter @N3Route. "Forewarned is forearmed," says Roux.

Should you experience any difficulties along the N3 Toll Route, contact the RCC. The nearest N3TC Route Patrol Team will be dispatched to assist you. These highly trained teams are geared to provide help at crash scenes and with vehicle breakdowns. They also provide basic emergency medical care, assist with fire-fighting, remove hazardous objects from the road and provide regular route patrols to ensure conditions along the N3 Toll Route remain as safe as possible.

Harnessing the arts

The power of the creative arts is used in a compelling initiative that communicates positive messages to young people in the North West. The Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire launched its drama project in 2012, with the initial aim to focus on road safety issues, especially relating to alcohol abuse as a cause of accidents. The positive response from learners, teachers and parents enabled Bakwena to expand the scope of the programme and to tackle other societal issues. Some 17 schools in the province are currently involved in the project with 28 teachers and 255 learners using their creative talents to stage productions. Training and workshops are conducted in partnership with the South African Red Cross Society and the department of education and sport development. Issues such as road safety, sexual abuse, teen pregnancy and poverty are brought out into the open and addressed through peer education. Participants are encouraged to initiate their own outreach programmes and, in the past year, they reached more than 4 600 learners through drama and creative arts.

90-year-old rocks new look

The N4 Toll Route’s most recognised rock, Old Joe, has undergone yet another transformation. However, this time the coat of paint Joe is sporting is a familiar one, as he previously wore it back in 1969. He may be mineral, but Old Joe has brightened the days of many human travellers and construction workers in his time. The anthropomorphised rock’s recent makeover is to commemorate his 90th birthday, following discussions on social media relating to Old Joe’s history and previous "outfits".

The rock was discovered in 1927 during the construction of the first road through Schoemanskloof. It was found by construction workers who thought it bore a likeness to their site supervisor, Joe Barbados, who was well liked by his crew. They painted and erected it as a landmark along the Patatanek Pass, in honour of their supervisor’s dedication, passion and efficiency during construction. Legend has it that Old Joe looks after road users on the N4 Toll Route, so it’s good luck to hoot or wave at him when you pass by, to ensure a safe journey. Since Old Joe has crept into the hearts of all TRAC employees - and clearly many of the road’s users - TRAC wanted to make this 90th anniversary special and allow Old Joe’s most ardent fans to reminisce about the early days of the rock formation. After uncovering a photo of Old Joe from 1969, well-known Lowveld artist Ghost set to work on the transformation. It took Ghost approximately four hours to restyle Old Joe’s outfit, but the effort was certainly worth it. TRAC is confident that the road users of the N4 Toll Route will thoroughly enjoy Old Joe’s new (retro) look and appreciate the historical meaning behind this friendly landmark. Harnessing the arts

Just a spoonfull...

Sugartax ? What sugar tax ?

 

Sugar tax is a big deal lately and for good reason - we eat too much of it too often. But sometimes your soul needs more than chicken soup. A little indulgence now and then can be good for you in ways that steamed broccoli simply cannot.

The N3 Gateway Tourism Association route streches from Pretoria in the North to Valley of a Thousand Hills in the South, traversing provinces, namely KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. The region incopeorates cross-border tourism with Lesotho thro Phuthaditjhaba, Caledonspoort and Sani Pass and includes the Battlefields Route up to Newscastle.

The N3 Gateway has much to offer from mountain biking; fishing; zip lining and hiking to heritage tourism; arts and crafts; scluded retreats; health spas, wedding and team building venues.

We invite you to explore our website www.n3gateway.com and discover the N3 Gateway region. You can find over 150 itinerary ideas on the n3Gateway website to suite your self-drive or guidedd holiday needs. Should you be looking for a 4x4 holida, horse riding excursion or a multi regional tour; the N3Gateway website has it all!

The Stellenbosch Smart Mobility Lab (SSML) was established in the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University in June 2014. It focuses on technology applications to transport problems (also known as Intelligent Transportation Systems). The SSML provides a platform for the development of innovative and cost-effective transportation solutions for developing countries. This stateof- the-art research and teaching environment, established in partnership with SANRAL, is specifically geared towards addressing traffic problems in developing countries like ours. The SSML is positioned to help make Stellenbosch the first transportationorientated "smart city" in South Africa. A smart city incorporates a wide range of system improvements, each designed to move people and goods more efficiently - it uses data, information technology and communications to optimise infrastructure usage and improve services such as electricity, communications, infrastructure management, water provision and transportation. Associate Professor of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at Stellenbosch University Dr Johann Anderson said: "Stellenbosch is well connected with surrounding areas - with five arterial routes extending from the town centre in a radial configuration. These radial routes then join to form a single north-south arterial road west of the town centre - Adam Tas Road - which is the most congested during peak hours of traffic." This makes Stellenbosch the perfect testing ground for ITS applications in South Africa, which can then be tested in the SSML and distributed throughout Africa. The Smart Mobility Lab, which has been used by approximately 150 students since 2016 for research purposes, is a physical environment based in the Civil Engineering Department of Stellenbosch University. It facilitates undergraduate and postgraduate research in transportation engineering and ITS applications. The lab is shared by students working on transportation issues from multiple disciplines, including civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering and industrial engineering. It is a rich source of information for anyone interested in building a better, more efficient future for our country. The students who frequent the Smart Mobility Lab represent a wide range of interests even within their fields, from transport safety, traffic engineering and systems engineering to computer programming and electronic development. The lab environment thus encourages interdisciplinary research that can provide a more complete picture of how South Africa moves and what effects changes in that movement. The research facilities at the SSML are primarily sponsored by our industry partners and include a traffic signal installation, with signal heads and signal controller; a video wall with a link to the SANRAL Cape Town Freeway Management System (FMS); multimodal traffic flow simulation software VISSIM and VISUM; and a link to the TomTom historic and live data portals, for access to probe data. SANRAL’s FMS video wall, with its link to the Cape Metropolitan area’s mobility data, provides live CCTV footage from more than 240 cameras, which cover approximately 155km of the busiest freeways in Cape Town. And if that doesn’t sound like a transport nerd’s pet fantasy, consider that the live feed is 24/7 and provides real-time access to data collected from vehicle detector sensors (VDS).

This means the SSML can observe vehicle movements in their normal environments for research. There’s a massive emphasis on live data collection during peak periods by means of VDS at the SSML. The idea is to collect the video footage necessary to analyse traffic incidents, as well as keep track of traffic volumes. So the link to the Cape Town FMS network is absolutely crucial for ongoing research at the Smart Mobility Lab. SANRAL’s Western Region Engineering Manager for Operations, Randall Cable, said: "New ITS techniques, such as the computer vision technology developed by Hardy van Zyl, a graduate of the SSML, assist traffic engineers to analyse and understand traffic patterns. This analysis of data assists the SSML to conduct future research into ITS solutions - not only to the congestion on roads in Stellenbosch, but also in ways to enhance traveller information, made available to users of the local transportation system further afield. "This will greatly contribute towards the improvement of mobility in the smart city environment, with an emphasis on providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions for developing countries."

The road to fame