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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL empowers SMMEs through information session in the Eastern Cape

Caption: SANRAL’s Regional Transformation Officer, Thandile Makwabe outlined SANRAL’s transformation objectives with its projects

Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, 26 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will be upgrading the R61 near Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape, which will improve road safety while also providing opportunities for small businesses and local workers.

This was shared at an information session at the Engcobo Indoor Sports Centre in the Eastern Cape, which aimed to empower small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) by providing comprehensive insights into SANRAL’s procurement processes and support mechanisms.

Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Acting Mayor, Councillor Sandiso Ngxangu, welcomed SANRAL’s drive to ensure safe infrastructure.

“The R61 on both sides of Ngcobo town has always recorded crashes that claim human lives every month. The projects SANRAL is set to bring will therefore make a big difference in people’s lives and households while attempting to reduce road crashes. It’s about the safety of road users and access to essential services in town
using safer roads. We want Ngcobo to change in terms of infrastructure,” said Ngxangu.

Participants were enlightened on various aspects critical to their participation in SANRAL projects. The discussions covered the mobilisation period, the tender process and the criteria for participation in SANRAL’s initiatives. Thandile Makwabe, SANRAL’s Regional Transformation Officer, emphasised the processes prescribed to main contractors for appointing subcontractors to meet SANRAL’s contract participation goals.

“SANRAL ensures that there’s a percentage set aside for SMMEs while empowering them so to participate in construction projects in their local communities and elsewhere. We provide information and training to enable businesses to be ready when projects come. Also, to assist them in having compliance documents valid and ready,” Makwabe noted.

Makwabe delved into the tender processes tailored for targeted enterprises, highlighting the essential steps required for tender preparation. He stressed the importance of adhering to these processes to ensure successful participation.

The tender evaluation process, as explained by Makwabe, comprises four stages: eligibility assessment, functionality analysis, price and preference consideration as well as a compliance check.

He remarked on the critical nature of realistic bidding, cautioning against unviable low bids that could jeopardise profitability and lead to misplaced claims of exploitation by SANRAL.

Lusanda Kali, from the Indyebo Fund, provided an overview of the funding tools available for SMMEs. She elaborated on the various short-, medium- and long-term funding options, offering valuable guidance to businesses on how to access and use these financial resources effectively.

The session also featured a presentation from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Assessment Officer, Lusindiso Nocha, who discussed the grading criteria, contractor competence, contractor performance, grading requirements and registration fees. “It’s important to pay your annual registration fees because failure to do so for two years will lead to the deregistration of your company,” noted Nocha.

This provided participants with crucial information on maintaining and improving their standing within the industry.

“We have now assigned transformation officers across all our projects in an effort to enhance our monitoring and evaluation and to ensure that our transformation efforts are being implemented thoroughly on the ground. This will help us ensure that the targeted enterprises (TEs) receive supervision and mentorship from the dedicated TE Mentors on site. This will greatly contribute to their development and safeguard them from any threat of exploitation,” added Makwabe.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL cautions road users to be mindful of scammers spreading misinformation about

support services available on toll roads across South Africa

Pretoria, 25 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) cautions road users to be mindful of scammers spreading misinformation about support services available on toll roads across South Africa. The post in question does not relate to any South African legislation. All information published by SANRAL can be found on SANRAL owned platforms, including SANRAL website and social media pages.

Any incident on the SANRAL network should be reported to the authorities, either via the Central Communications Centre for that municipal district, or 10111 for police emergencies or 10177 for medical emergencies.

SANRAL is constantly working to improve and expand the Freeway Management System, which monitors the busiest freeways across the country. Through this system, operators are able to detect and respond to incidents on the network, ensuring the appropriate emergency response is activated.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Stop/Go on N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction, in the Eastern Cape

Gqerberha, 25 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has advised road users that a Stop/Go system has been implemented on the N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (formerly Komga) in the Eastern Cape.

A periodic road maintenance project is currently underway in the area.

The Stop/Go system will be in place from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction from 26 July to 1 September 2024. Motorists can expect 10- to 20-minute delays during the maintenance period.
Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager, said, “Motorists should adhere to the warning signs, reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and plan their trips accordingly as there are no alternative routes available.”

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL OPENS N2 BELSTONE INTERCHANGE TO TRAFFIC

Caption: Construction of the Belstone Interchange along the N2 near Bhisho has been completed

Gqeberha, 24 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the opening of the N2 Belstone Interchange and route MR0688 linking Bhisho to Zwelitsha to traffic today.

This follows a 33-month construction period, which commenced in September 2021. Valued at R438 million, the project was critical to address the high accident rate at the old Breidbach intersection and the traffic congestion at the intersection of the MR0690 and MR0688. Safety and flow of traffic were thus central in its design and construction.

“The upgrades to this section of the N2 will result in improved management of traffic flow from Bhisho, Breidbach, Zwelitsha and East London, and improved safety for pedestrians and other non-motorised road users. The one loop and off-ramp will present safer access to the N2 and improve safety for both motorists and
pedestrians,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for its Southern Region.

The upgrades included construction of new interchanges at the Belstone and the Breidbach intersections, construction of a link road from Breidbach towards Sweetwaters outside Zwelitsha, free-flowing interchange at Belstone Bridge, dualling of the MR0688 road Bhisho and reinforcement of the concrete structures with the necessary road works.

“The benefit to the community goes beyond the new and safer road infrastructure. Through this project, SANRAL was able to create job opportunities for 376 general workers from the local community, with about R106 million spent on wages of targeted labour.”

“Over R194 million was spent on 100 targeted enterprises (SMMEs) who were subcontracted on the project. Furthermore, SANRAL invested over R4.6 million towards formal training of 614 locals by accredited training service providers to contribute to the skills development and capacitation of targeted enterprises. This was done to ensure that they can be self-sufficient beyond the SANRAL project,” said Peterson.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closures on N2 eNseleni in KwaZulu Natal

Empangeni, 24 July 2024 – Jacking of the bridge deck including bearing refurbishment work will take place on N2 on the Nseleni River Bridge (B2020) as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the South African National Road Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has announced.

“As part of the deck jacking process, temporary lane closures with stop-and-go control will be implemented,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager.

The dates for the closures are stated below:

29 July 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
30 July 2024 (Northbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
31 July 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
1 August 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00

Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as airports.

“We further appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and traveling through the construction site. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding as they work to maintain their infrastructure assets,” said Sukraj.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL boosts science and engineering through 34th SAICE Bridge-Building Competition

Caption: Durban High School learners, winners of the 34th SAICE Bridge-Building Competition with SAICE and SANRAL representatives

eThekwini, 19 July 2024 – In keeping with the spirit of the late Nelson Mandela to empower children through education, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) sponsored the 34th South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Bridge-Building Competition held at Durban High School on Thursday, 18 July 2024.

Thirteen schools participated in the competition, which not only forms an integral part of several schools’ activity calendars recognised on the same level as academic or sports achievements, but also sees some schools incorporating it as part of their curriculum.

Durban High School won the Bridge-Building Competition for the second consecutive year for constructing the most robust timber sticks and glue bridge. Fairvale High School and Northmead Secondary School took second and third place and took these titles for the second year in a row.

In addition, Northmead Secondary School was awarded the Professor Leveritt Innovation Award. The winners from SAICE branches countrywide will compete for the
coveted shield and cash prizes for team members and schools at the national competition which will be held in Midrand, Johannesburg, on 23 August 2024.

The other competing schools included Durban Girls High School, Al Falaah College, St Henry’s Marist College, Umlazi Commercial High School, Centenary Secondary, Maris Stella School, Sastri College, Our Lady of Fatima School, Ganges Secondary School and Hillview Secondary School.

“SANRAL’s partnership with SAICE started three years ago through the common interest of giving learners practical engineering education. The annual bridge-building competition builds the learners’ confidence to forge on with engineering as a career and exposes them to the technical skills required for practicing professionals,” said Nomcebo Cebekhulu, SANRAL Eastern Region Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

Sam Pillay, Chairperson of SAICE Durban, thanked all the sponsors for their continued support of the annual Bridge-Building Competition and wished the winners good luck for the national finals.

SANRAL has planned a site visit for the top three schools to one of the N2/N3 projects ahead of the finals to further inform them about bridge-building principles and the civil engineering industry.

Seatides Secondary School, one of the worst schools affected by the tornado that hit Tongaat on 3 June 2024, was the guest of honour at the event. Ms Yeshvira Brijal, Head of the Department for Math and Science at the school, explained that the devastation caused by the tornado was traumatic to the community and schools.

“We had just bought equipment for our science and computer laboratories three days before the tornado. This was most devastating to the learners because our children would have new and modern materials in their labs for the first time in many years. Most of our kids still have not written the second term assessments due to the damage to our school and the lack of infrastructure to accommodate them at neighbouring schools. Some remain homeless and displaced,” she said.

SAICE and its industry partners collectively donated R11 000.00 to Seatides Combined School to address immediate needs, especially those related to specialist subjects. Seatides also received an award of encouragement during this difficult time. The school continues to welcome any aid available and can be contacted directly.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL takes career expos to three schools in Heidelberg, Gauteng, on Mandela Day

Learners at Khanya-Lesedi Secondary School

Gauteng, 19 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) hosted career expos with three schools in Lesedi Local Municipality: Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School, Khanya-Lesedi Secondary School and Ratanda Secondary School based in Heidelberg, Gauteng Province.

The agency presented opportunities offered through its bursary and scholarship programme, encouraging learners to apply. The application deadline is 30 September 2024.

SANRAL’s scholarship is open to high school learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12, irrespective of their chosen subjects. Learners who are currently in Grade 7 and will be in Grade 8 in 2025, are also encouraged to apply. The minimum overall academic average to qualify is 60%.

The bursary programme, which previously centred on funding civil engineering studies, is available to Grade 12 students pursuing various tertiary qualifications at public institutions of higher learning nationwide. This includes Supply Chain and Procurement Management, Human Resources, Finance, Civil and Electronic Engineering.

Itumeleng Segone, SANRAL’s Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, emphasised the importance of prioritising funding support, noting that it contributes to creating a more equitable society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

“Bursaries and scholarships offered by SANRAL are shaping a brighter future for South Africa, fostering a culture of learning, and driving the nation’s progress toward economic prosperity,” said Segone.

The heads of schools welcomed SANRAL’s visit, highlighting the impact of the agency’s bursaries and scholarships on students and communities, and reinforcing the importance of the government’s involvement in educational initiatives.

Learners at Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School

“We are grateful to SANRAL for their commitment to education and the future of our learners,” said Obed Selamolela, Principal of Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School. “The bursaries and scholarships provided by SANRAL open doors for our learners, allowing them to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. This kind of support makes a difference in the lives of our students.”

James Totetsi, Deputy Principal of Khanya-Lesedi Secondary School, said, “SANRAL’s investment in our learners is a testament to their dedication to community development. By offering these bursaries, SANRAL not only empowers individual students but also uplifts entire communities.”

Ramalao Ntlatleng, Principal of Ratanda Secondary School, said, “As educators, we strive to provide our students with the best opportunities for success. SANRAL’s bursaries and scholarships are a beacon of hope for many of our learners, ensuring they have access to higher education and the chance to build a brighter future.”

The Executive Mayor of Lesedi Local Municipality, Mluleki Nkosi, participated in the programme and expressed his appreciation to SANRAL, highlighting the agency’s role in creating a promising future for learners.

“As the municipality, we applaud SANRAL for this impactful initiative and anticipate seeing learners flourish with their support. Given the current challenge of high unemployment in South Africa, the bursaries will enhance learners’ chances of receiving quality education and securing employment after completing their studies,” Nkosi said.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Blasting Operations on N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass in the Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 18 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify road users that the N2 will be intermittently closed between Makhanda (Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass due to blasting operations taking place between 18 and 27 July 2024.

Blasting operations are planned for the following dates:

• Thursday, 18 July 2024,
• Monday, 22 July 2024,
• Thursday 25 July 2024, and
• Monday, 29 July 2024.

The road will be closed on these days from 15h00, for a maximum period of three hours up to 18h00, to allow sufficient time for the cleaning of the existing N2 and making it safe for the travelling public.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (King William’s Town) and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) may consider using the following alternative route:

• From East London, follow the R72 to Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea through to Nanaga, turn left onto the N2 and continue to Gqeberha.

Motorists travelling eastwards between Gqeberha and Qonce or East London may consider using the following alternative route:

• From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga, turn right onto the R72 at the junction at Nanaga and travel on via Alexandria and Port Alfred to East London.
• From East London, turn left onto the N2 and travel westwards through to Qonce.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and use caution when making use of the roads,” said Mbulelo Peterson SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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 TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Huguenot Tunnel closed to all traffic for scheduled maintenance on 20 July 2024

Western Cape, 16 July 2024 – The Huguenot Tunnel and Toll Road will be closed to all traffic, in both directions, for scheduled maintenance on Saturday, 20 July 2024 from 06h00 to 16h00, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“There are various maintenance projects that need to be completed and we have co-ordinated these to ensure we complete all works during these hours. The one full closure will also reduce the need for repeated delays and disruptions that require traffic accommodation, as the teams will have full access to their work areas without the risk of working under live traffic conditions,” said Mike Vinello-Lippert, SANRAL Project Manager.

Road users are advised to make use of alternate routes or to delay travel where possible. SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience and will keep the public updated on the tunnel operations.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N1 Section 21 Sinkhole Rehabilitation Project

Gauteng, 15th of July 2024: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify travellers that the Rehabilitation of the Sinkhole on the N1 Section 21 at km 22.0, Southbound, has reached the next phase. This requires the shifting of traffic on the Southbound carriageway.

The traffic shift is currently planned to occur from 09h00AM on Friday the 26th of July 2024 until 21h00PM on Sunday the 28th of July 2024 during which time the traffic past the Sinkhole Rehabilitation Site will be reduced to between 2 and 3 lanes for various periods – Southbound lanes only.

Alternative routes that can be taken include the M10 (Rigel offramp) or the R21 section 2 towards Solomon Mahlangu or Nellmapius Offramp to avoid the N1 section 21, as shown below.

Motorists are requested to strictly adhere to the traffic accommodation and signage provided.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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