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MEDIA RELEASE

STATE OF THE NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

Pretoria, 12 December 2021 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) hereby advises road users of the state of the national road network, during this festive season.

While the national road network makes up just over 22 000km of South Africa’s total road network of 750 000km, it carries the bulk of traffic during the December/January holiday period, when interprovincial and international road travel peaks.

On the main, the road construction industry will shut down operations on the 15th of December 2021 and resume on the 10th of January 2022.

“However, there are instances where minor work will be ongoing during the holiday break, for essential operations. We will try as much as possible to minimise the impact on traffic flow by containing works to daylight hours and limiting work on weekends and public holidays,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager: Communications and Marketing.

The following traffic accommodation should be taken into account when planning holiday travel:

Northern Region (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West)

Stop/Go traffic accommodations can be expected on the R37 Section 2, near Lydenburg, and on the R33 Section 14 outside Vaal Water.

“No Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) is anticipated on the network during this time. However, should an emergency arise, such as the development of a pothole, urgent RRM arrangements will be made to attend it,” said Madoda Mthembu, SANRAL Operations and Maintenance Manager for the Northern Region.

On the N4, the following should be noted.

RRM will continue with day-to-day tasks which include grass cutting and painting of road markings. Road markings will specifically occur on the Mozambique side, between Tchumene and Xai Xai Interchanges, and on the South African side, between Kaalrug and Komatipoort.

Southern Region (Eastern Cape)

There will be ongoing maintenance works on the N2 Section 13 between Grahamstown and the Fish River, with speed restrictions in place. The work involves patching and is expected to continue throughout the holiday period.

On the R355 and R342, between Addo and Nguni River Lodge, approximately 15km is under construction. There will be two Stop/Go closures along this stretch of road, with reduced speed limits of 60km/h in place. The potential delay in travelling from Addo to Paterson is about 20 to 25 minutes.

Eastern Region (KZN and Free State)

“Generally, two-way traffic will be maintained on all construction sites. For the N3 upgrades, a minimum of two lanes per direction will be maintained,” said Ravi Ronny, SANRAL Design and Construction Manager for the Eastern Region.

At the N3 Town Hill project in Pietermaritzburg, a minimum of two lanes are open in each direction. The construction team will however aim to have three lanes open on the southbound side. Work will continue for a short period during the holiday, making sure to minimise disruption to traffic flow.

Western Region (Western Cape and Northern Cape)

With the upgrades to the Huguenot Tunnel complete, there will be no tunnel closures. The N7 and N1 will largely have free-flowing traffic. On the N2, there will be ongoing patching, between Swellendam and Riversdale, and a short portion east of Wilderness, throughout the holiday period.

“Repairing and maintaining the pavement is essential to road safety. We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused as a result of the sporadic Stop/Go traffic accommodation. We will however endeavour to minimise the impact on traffic flow.” said Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Region Manager.

SANRAL’s Mona concluded: “After a trying year, many people are looking forward to the holidays, to spend time with their loved ones. We call on all road users to play their part in ensuring safer roads this festive season. If you will be driving, please take time to rest, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and safe, adhere to the speed restrictions, particularly around construction sites and be patient as some national roads are more congested than usual. Pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users, and we appeal to motorists to always be on the lookout for pedestrians.”

OVER R3BN SET ASIDE ON SANRAL PROJECTS TO BENEFIT EASTERN CAPE SMMEs

Eastern Cape, 9 December 2021 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has set aside over R3 billion to benefit local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Mpondoland in the Eastern Cape Province.

Addressing SMMEs in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, Mbulelo Sonqishe, SANRAL’s project manager on the N2 Wild Coast Road Project, said about 8 000 direct jobs and up to 20 000 indirect jobs will be created through this massive injection in the region.

“On the Msikaba Bridge project alone, which is one of our mega projects in the region, R243 million has already been paid to 103 local suppliers, service providers, sub-contractors and other targeted enterprises from surrounding municipalities. About R38.5 million has already been paid on wages to over 300 local community members employed on the projects,” he said.

The Msikaba Bridge project is expected to be completed in February 2024 and targeted goals on employing different sector groups have already been exceeded.

“We are proud to say that we have exceeded our targets on the Msikaba bridge project. The targeted labour for youth is 30%, but we have exceeded this by employing 87.4%. Other targets achieved were 38.4% for women which surpassed the 30% target,” added Sonqishe.

Four current tenders have already been advertised by SANRAL in the region. These include the rehabilitation of the Ingquza Hill Memorial Road, which was advertised in October this year; upgrading of roads in Ntlavukazi Village, which was advertised in November; upgrading of the DR8004 road from the R61 national road to Bambisana Hospital Road, which was advertised in November; as well as the upgrading of the R61 national road to Mbongweni Village.

Community development projects have also been initiated. “Our community development projects go way beyond bitumen and asphalt. They leave our communities with a legacy of road safety improvements, as well as economic opportunities that will benefit communities from project inception,” said Nwabisa Gxumisa, SANRAL’s Wild Coast district manager.

New community development projects that are in design phase are an access road leading to the Goso Forest Clinic, access road and pedestrian facilities in Mbotyi and Ntafufu Service Road. Construction on the DR08120 and DR08121 road from Bizana to Mbongweni will start in the new year.

SANRAL will also implement community legacy projects associated with each project. One prime example is the upgrading of provincial roads in the region to surfaced roads, on several villages along the route which will form part of the O.R. Tambo Heritage route.

“These projects are over and above the roads, training, and community development components of each projects. Some of these legacies will include simple and yet symbolic gestures such as leaving behind buildings built or rehabilitated for use by the contractor or engineering site staff during construction for use as community halls, business hubs, and tourist accommodation,” added Gxumisa.

The tender for the anticipated R3.5 billion Mtentu Bridge project has closed and is currently in adjudication. A contractor is expected in the new year.

MEDIA RELEASE
Road safety prioritised on Mpumalanga construction projects

Mpumalanga, 7 December 2021 – With more than R3bn worth of infrastructure upgrades across the province of Mpumalanga, SANRAL’s commitment goes beyond economic impact, into the realm of road safety.

The upgrade of the N17 section 5 in particular, involves the repair and reseal of the road with safety upgrades at two intersections between Chrissiesmeer and Warburton.

“In responding to road safety needs in this area, we are cognizant of the fact that land use adjacent to the road includes plantations (forestry), cattle grazing, saw-mills and other agricultural activities. To this end our contractors and subcontractors play a vital part in facilitating the safety of all road users, especially given the risks of animals entering the road reserve, as well as pedestrians,” said Madoda Mthembu, SANRAL Operations and Maintenance Manager in the Northern Region.

Over and above conventional construction projects, Routine Road Maintenance operations are key to ensuring not only a well-maintained road network, but significant emphasis is placed on road safety engineering.

“SANRAL supports a safe systems approach to road safety which involves the provision and maintenance of safe road infrastructure that reduces the risk of serious injury or death when a crash occurs,” explained Mthembu.

There are currently six RRM projects located in the Gert Sibande District Municipality. On the N17, R23 and other national roads within the Gert Sibande District Municipality, the scope of maintenance works include:

• general road maintenance of the road reserve
• grass cutting
• storm water drainage
• fencing
• erecting and maintaining road signs
• potholes or road surface repairs

Zenzele Hlope, owner of Kuthele Civil Engineering and Construction is one of the SMMEs who were recently awarded a contract for RRM on the N17. “I am very proud of the work we do in the road construction space, because we play a direct role in ensuring the safety of all road users. Currently we are working on fence repairs, maintaining road edges, pothole repairs and inspections as well as guard rail repairs and installation. All these aspects of our work directly impact road safety, as the fences prevent stray animal from wandering into the road reserve, the guard rails prevent vehicles that have lost control from hitting hazards next to the road (i.e. bridge piers, trees, etc.) or falling over into cliffs or dongas and the pothole detection and repairs create a safer road surface.”

Hlope is also highly appreciative of the growth and development he has seen, as a subcontractor. He started out with a 1CE grading from the CIDB and within just over one year, worked to acquire a 3CE grading. He currently employs 11 staff and is excited about the economic development opportunities that can be unlocked within the road construction sector.

“When road safety meets economic development, tangible progress is made. We recognise that South Africa has a long way to go for economic recovery in the midst of a pandemic, but at the same time we are excited about how SANRAL is spearheading this process,” said Progress Hlahla, SANRAL Northern Region Manager.

MEDIA RELEASE
N3 OBSTRUCTION

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is aware of the obstruction of the N3 Highway near the Van Reenan pass. The Tugela Plaza is closed to Johannesburg bound road users and traffic is slow for motorists travelling in the direction of the eThekwini Municipality.

This is a law enforcement matter and SANRAL has full confidence that officers of the law will carry out their responsibilities with diligence. The relevant authorities are on the scene, closely monitoring the situation. Motorists have been advised to delay travel to the area.

MEDIA RELEASE

ENGAGEMENT IS KEY IN THE ROLL-OUT OF KAGUNG COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Northern Cape, 5 December 2021 – The development of pedestrian facilities and access roads to the N14 in Kagung is one of the Western Region’s priority projects in the Northern Cape and, as such, will be preceded by extensive engagement with the local communities and broader stakeholders in the province.

“The project is currently nearing the end of the design review phase and we are excited about the economic impact of the construction phase, particularly as the road construction sector begins to recover from the onslaught of COVID-19. The scope of works will include upgrading the existing unsurfaced roads, to surfaced roads, with the addition of pedestrian routes in Kagung. The sections which will be upgraded are approximately 5.68 km in length and are located North and South of the N14, Section 8,” said Friedl van der Merwe, SANRAL Project Manager.

Furthermore, the project also serves to facilitate the training and skills development of the local community and targeted enterprises (SMMEs). The training and development programme will comprise a structured theory component as well as an extensive practical and developmental implementation component on site.

In the interest of transparency and fair business practices, all SANRAL projects are guided by a 14-point plan that sets the tone for project liaison, subcontracting and labour sourcing, as well as a commitment to its transformation policy that seeks to prioritise economic empowerment of black businesses in South Africa. This plan also includes the appointment of a Project Liaison Committee (PLC) which has oversight over SANRAL projects – but does not influence who is awarded tenders or who gets jobs on those projects.

“It is very important that stakeholders understand the role and limitations of the PLC, so that projects can remain on schedule and on budget,” explained Van der Merwe. The PLC for each project is there to create a platform for project liaison, works execution, subcontracting and employment facilitation. The PLC also monitors and ensures fairness and transparency in awarding of tenders and employment opportunities.

SANRAL chairs the PLCs and provides secretarial support. Representation on the PLC comprises SANRAL, the contractor and the consultant, as well as representatives of business, traditional leaders, provincial and municipal government and the community, and any other critical local stakeholder that may be deemed necessary by the PLC. It is not practical for every local forum, organisation or group to be directly represented, so the PLC members must responsibly represent and report back to all local stakeholders.

When the contractor needs labourers, the PLC will provide a database with names of local unemployed persons and assist in the fair distribution of jobs between the various local communities.

Due to a potential conflict of interest, members of a PLC may not tender for work on their project; they must resign from the PLC if they wish to pursue a construction tender. It is important that PLC members focus on serving the industry and ensuring transparency and fairness in all processes.

“A process of social facilitation and stakeholder engagement will shortly get underway, where among others, nominations will be encouraged for persons wishing to serve on the PLC. Stakeholders will be kept informed on the progress of the project, through various engagement platforms,” explained Van der Merwe.

While not all stakeholders can be accommodated on the PLC, this body serves the interests of all relevant stakeholders.

MEDIA RELEASE
MULTIPLE ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS PLANNED FOR SUNDAYS RIVER LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Eastern Cape, 1 December 2021 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has planned multiple road construction projects worth R1.8 billion in the Sundays River Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.

“In the Eastern Cape we manage 4 952 km of our 22 214 km national road network. Our operations on the stretch of road which traverses the Sundays River Local Municipality, will create over 900 job opportunities over the next five years,” said SANRAL’s Board Chairperson, Themba Mhambi.

Mhambi was speaking at the Taking SANRAL to the People programme, whose principal aim is to share information about the agency’s current and upcoming infrastructure development, job creation and skills development endeavours in local communities.

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s stakeholder specialist, emphasised the benefits of SANRAL’s transformation agenda: “At SANRAL we will continue to improve the lives of community members who live around our projects, as well as build and nurture mutual relationships with these communities. Guided by our transformation policy, we will always ensure that there is transparency and equal opportunity for local community members on our projects,” she said.

Ndika gave a detailed presentation of SANRAL’s 14 Point Plan, which assists in facilitating better project level liaison with local communities and structures. The 14 Point Plan also ensures that there is communication and transparency in the execution of works, as well as inclusivity in the allocation of projects to the benefit of black business and local communities. Ndika further elaborated on the principles for the project liaison subcontracting and labour sourcing on all SANRAL projects.

Nelisa Ncambele, Sundays River Local Municipality’s newly appointed mayor, welcomed SANRAL’s effort in reaching out to the community and expressed the municipality’s commitment to work together with the roads agency.

SANRAL’s planned projects in the municipality include:

• Phase One: Improvement of the National Route R335 from Motherwell to Addo. Construction on the R740 million project is expected to take place over 43 months and an estimated 350 job opportunities will be created, with 30 to 35 local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) benefitting.
• Phase Two: Improvement of National Route R335 from Motherwell to Addo. Construction on the R450 million project is expected to take place over 27 months and an estimated 250 job opportunities will be created.
• Phase One: Upgrading of the National Route R336 between Kirkwood and Addo. Construction on the estimated R270 million project will take place over 24 months and is expected to create over 220 job opportunities, with 40 SMMEs benefitting.
• Phase Two: Upgrading of the National Route R336 between Kirkwood and Addo. Construction on the R310 million project will take place over 30 months and is expected to create over 210 job opportunities, with 50 SMMEs benefitting.
• Phase one of the special maintenance project of the National Route R355 from Zuurberg Intersection to Nguni River. Construction on the R72 million project has already started and between 50 and 100 job opportunities are being created, and between 10 and 15 SMMEs have been subcontracted to work on the project.
• Phase one of the special maintenance project of the National Route R75 from the Kirkwood Intersection to Wolwefontein. Phase one is from km 39.6 to km 72. This R45 million project will start in February 2022 and end in December 2022.
• Phase two of the special maintenance project National Route R342 from Nguni River Lodge to Paterson. The R87 million project, which is currently at construction phase, will create between 50 to 100 local job opportunities, with 10 to 15 SMMEs benefitting.

 

Johannesburg 26 November 2021 – Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has acknowledged the critical role played by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) national road network, in enabling the country’s economic activity.

The Minister says national roads link provinces to economic hubs as well as regional and international markets: “This is completed by the secondary and tertiary road networks that enable access to centres of economic activity and social infrastructure, as well amenities for our communities.”

Mbalula was speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, during which he outlined the state of the department’s entities, as well as the transport sector’s contribution to the economic reconstruction and recovery programme that was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October last year.

“More than 76% of land freight is hauled on the country’s national road network, accounting for 73.8% of the total land freight’s income. This places a heavy burden on the country’s road network and requires significant resources for maintenance and rehabilitation.

“Our objective to migrate 10% of road freight to rail is meant to alleviate this pressure and preserve the longevity and pristine nature of our national road network. SANRAL therefore has a key role to play in enabling this shift from road to rail and must work together with the Department of Transport and other state organs to realise it,” added Mbalula.

The Minister also commended the role that SANRAL plays in building the capacity of other road authorities across the African continent, providing commercial engineering advisory and commercial services. “In the execution of our role as a Champion for the North-South Corridor of the African Union, SANRAL has a key responsibility to lead the charge, working with fellow African countries and state agencies to drive the roads agenda. SANRAL is therefore working towards developing and strengthening partnerships with countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and across the continent to advance sustainable road infrastructure development,” said Mbalula.

Giving an update on the imminent announcement on the final decision on the future of e-tolls, Mbalula said the decision will be made by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in his Budget Speech in February next year.

“Delays in the announcement have been largely informed by the financial implications and various scenarios that we have been looking at in order to respond a final decision on e-tolls,” he said.

Eastern Cape, 26 November 2021: The Eastern Cape town of Matatiele is set to benefit from road construction and maintenance projects worth more than R1.2 billion. According to the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) Southern Region’s Regional Manager, Mbulelo Peterson, the road infrastructure development initiatives will drive economic prosperity in the area.

Peterson was speaking at a Taking SANRAL to the People stakeholder engagement session which took place in Matatiele yesterday. The event formed part of a series of events in the Matatiale Local Municipality. SANRAL hosted three information sessions with the municipal leadership, local SMMEs and the transport sector this week (on the 23rd and 24th November 2021) to discuss SANRAL’s road infrastructure projects in the municipality, as well as the road agency’s transformation agenda.

“All these opportunities are open to local stakeholders. We call on SMMEs to start preparing themselves, so that they are able to benefit from economic opportunities availed to them during the implementation phase,” Peterson said.

Colleena Maome, the owner of Collz Enterprise, a transport business, said: “The engagements were impactful, as we received helpful information about upcoming projects.”

One of the projects is the rehabilitation of National Route R56, Section 8, from Matatiele (km 130.15) to the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) boundary (km 168.71). The project will include:

• The refurbishment of the Mzimvubu River Bridge.
• Demolishing and reconstruction of Matatiele Bridge 3 and Edendale Farm Stream Bridge.
• Construction of new cattle underpasses.
• Construction of pedestrians’ sidewalks in Matatiele and Cedarville.

The Routine Road, Maintenance of National Route R56 Section 7 (km 25.713,) to Section 8 (km 168.71) and National Route R396 Section 6 (km 0 to km 39.31) has an estimated project budget of R65 million. The project traverses Elundini and Matatiele Local Municipalities within Joe Gqabi and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities.
“Our local SMMEs and residents must benefit from the upcoming projects. As local government we welcome that, we desire that the lives of our people change for the better, with immediate effect,” said Councillor Sonwabile Mngenela, newly-elected Mayor of Matatiele Local Municipality.

Thandile Makwabe, SANRAL Southern Region’s Transformation Officer also used the platform to share information about SANRAL’s Transformation Policy and Horizon 2030 Strategy. Through the Horizon 2030 Strategy, SANRAL has empowered local communities and SMMEs with information, providing them with opportunities and enabling them to partner with more established construction companies on its projects.

TRACN4 is ready to rally in Dullstroom

Talent, experience and courage will be in abundance at the 2021 TRACN4 Rally of South Africa, which will be held on 26 and 27 November in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. With just a few days remaining until this epic event, and with entries now officially closed, Trans African Concessions is thrilled to announce that this year’s starting line-up will consist of the stuff rally fans dream of.

Given that this year’s race is the last round of the South African National and Regional Rally Championship series, as well as the grand finale of the African Rally Championships (ARC), there is no doubt that it will deliver in terms of high-octane competitiveness.

Most of the SA Rally Championship’s top drivers will be in action throughout the rally weekend, including defending national champions Guy Botterill and navigator Simon Vacy-Lyle in their Toyota Etios R4. This South African team is the representative challenger in the ARC and their grit, talent and pure determination to succeed will make for compelling rallying.

The rally for the top honours in the National Rally Championship (NRC) 1 class (R4/S2000/AWD Cars) on National Level promises to deliver. There will be no love lost when the top contenders of this category – Theuns Joubert and navigator Schalk van Heerden, in a S2000 Toyota Yaris; and Chris Coertse and navigator Greg Godrich, in a Hyundai 120 R4, go head-to-head.

The NRC 2 class also promises to deliver. The race to the top of this category will most likely be between the teams of Nico Nienaber/Gert Nienaber, Roland Himmel/Francois Schoonbee (all the way from Namibia), Jayden Els/Armand du Toit and Benji Habig/Barry White. However, with other talented teams, such as that of George Smalberger/Anriko Opperman, Gerald Klopper/Mari Ducasse and the Swazi-Cowboy team of Jono van Wyk/Kes Naidoo in his Ford Fiesta, this class will certainly not be short on high-octane action.

The current NRC 4 national and regional champion Jonathan Simms, in his 2-litre turbo-charged Toyota Tazz, will also be taking on the various stages of the 2021 TRACN4 Rally of South Africa. By doing so, he will be fulfilling his life-long dream of competing against national and international teams. However, he will be challenged by other talented teams, such as low-flying Anton Raaths and Louis Menge, in a Mazda Capella RX2; the father and daughter team Johann and Natasha Fourie, in their legendary Castrol Toyota Celica ST185 GT-4; as well as Rocco Huzak and Marcel Dangoumou, driving an equal legendary Repsol Toyota Celica ST185 GT-4. These teams will further be challenged by the very quick and spectacular Lukas van der Merwe/Tommy Coetzee pairing in their 80s ex Works 2 litre, rear- wheel-drive Toyota Corolla. Competing against Lukas will be father and daughter team Nick and Bianca Theunissen, in an Opel Corsa 2 litre; followed by sister Yvonne Theunissen navigating for Drian le Grange and in a Golf Mk2.

Father and daughter Edward and Larine Strydom, in their normal, aspirated Toyota Tazz 1600 20V, will compete against the likes of Henry Mostert and his navigator Willem Morgen, in their NR1 12V Toyota Conquest; and daughter and mother team Andrea and Isabel Raaths. These ladies will be seen in their very fast 1600 VW Golf Mk3. Well-known in the championship circuit, this team proves that when it comes to rallying, the fairer sex is as capable, courageous and talented as all the other teams.

The much-loved classic Ford Escort MK1, driven by the experienced Natie Booysen with co-driver Johan Smit, will also be competing this year with this duo amped to take on the Datsun 160U of equally qualified husband and wife team Sarel and Barbara Coetzer. For the first time in NRC history, a VW Syncro Kombi, driven by Stuart Stirling and Robin Knighton, will undeniably provide some entertainment to the crowds.

Given that this is the second time that TRAC takes the rally to Dullstroom, the locals are eager to welcome back the rally teams, fans and enthusiasts. According to them, they are privileged that the event is once again taking place in their backyard, which proves that the area is fast becoming a preferred rally destination which is mostly due to the forests that surrounds the town.

This year’s rally will also coincide with the Dullstroom Village Market, which will be held on 27 November at the Oval, from where the rally will start on both days. The market proved the perfect opportunity to get the town’s buy-in for this prestigious motorsport event, which also has a strong corporate social investment angle as all the proceeds raised will be donated to the Dullstroom Epilepsy Centre.

The market will also be the ideal place for rally enthusiasts to meet before departing to Saturday’s spectator points at the various stages. The location of these can be found on the print and digital versions of the 2021 TRACN4 Rally of South Africa Rally Mag. The print version of this publication will be available at the event, while the digital version can be viewed on www.tracn4.co.za. More information can be obtained from the race secretary by emailing samrallies@mweb.co.za.

Enquiries
Solange Soares
Communications Manager
Tel: +2713 755 3316 (switchboard)
Mobile: +2776 021 2524 (cell)
E-mail: ssoares@tracn4.co.za

MEDIA STATEMENT

SANRAL and SMMEs in Matjhabeng discuss R450 million of contractor opportunities

Bloemfontein 18 November 2021 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) hosted small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to discuss upcoming routine road maintenance (RRM) projects in the area on Tuesday, 16 November 2021. The nine RRM projects are worth approximately R450 million.

The event aimed to engage stakeholders on the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s role in the economic recovery of the Free State Province. The event sought to empower emerging local SMMEs with knowledge regarding current and upcoming SANRAL projects within Matjhabeng Local Municipality and the roads agency’s transformation policy.

“The information session is used to highlight SANRAL projects that will boost the economy of the province as well as the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. We are also here to strengthen our relationships with the targeted stakeholders to ensure support for SANRAL’s projects and their successful execution within the area,” said SANRAL Eastern Region Transformation Officer, Mr James Takalo. SANRAL will continue to drive its transformation agenda for local SMMEs and community members that live alongside its national roads to ensure that all key and affected stakeholders will benefit. Local SMMEs are entitled to a minimum of 30% of subcontracting in open tender in line with the legal requirements of the country.

“There will be other project-based engagements to be hosted soon where SANRAL will provide project updates and inform stakeholders of the documents needed for sub-contracting. Currently, there are nine RRM projects worth approximately R450 million which are in different stages of award in the area,” Takalo said.

SANRAL’s 14 Point Plan was discussed which talks to the principles of and formation of Project Liaison Committees (PLCs), appointment of Project Liaison Officers (PLOs), subcontracting and labour sourcing on all SANRAL projects. These principles are applied to facilitate better project level liaison with local communities and structures.

“SANRAL will continuously liaise with the appointed PLC to follow the process in the hiring of local labourers for the duration of the projects. Continuous project information sessions and introductions of contract teams to the stakeholders and affected municipalities is crucial throughout the project life cycle to foster conducive relations with targeted stakeholders,” Takalo said.

Aubrey Tshalata, President of the National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI), said he was excited about the pioneering work that SANRAL was doing. “SANRAL is breaking down the monopolies in the construction industry through their transformation policy. We have worked with other state-owned enterprises, but they never did what SANRAL is doing in empowering people to be able to get contracts for work done at the roads agency. It is similar to what we are doing as NAFBI in helping contractors succeed in their businesses,” he said.

Other partners – in mining, finance and training – also attended the event to help the SMMEs succeed in their different programmes.