Are you an engineer looking for a BURSARY? Look no further.
Previous recipients of SANRAL’s bursary and scholarship programmes.
To ensure a pipeline of engineers to enable SANRAL to realise its mandate to finance, improve, manage and maintain the national road network, financial and career support is provided for high school pupils, university students and graduates.
The scholarship programme is applicable to learners from Grade 10 – 12 and is based on academic excellence and financial need. Applicants must have a high aptitude towards mathematics (70% pass) and physical science (70% pass).
SANRAL offers school fees, hostel fees where applicable, school and sport uniforms, books and stationery and extra maths and physical science classes where necessary.
The engineering bursary is for students who may study at any accredited university of their choice throughout South Africa.
The bursary covers tuition, registration, accommodation, meals, books/equipment plus compulsory excursions and seminars, and a living allowance.
The engineering bursary has a five-year work- back obligation. During this time SANRAL has developed a post-graduate programme that ensures students are able to register as professional engineers at the end of the programme.
The programme focuses on key area and includes 18 months at the SANRAL Design Academy in Port Elizabeth, 18 months on site, a few months at the soil testing laboratory and finally a few months working in the office as a project manager in training.
Candidates studying towards a university degree in BEng/BSc Civil Engineering or postgraduate in civil engineering are invited to apply for bursaries.
Applications open on 1 June and close on 30 September.
Consideration will be given to needy students who have successfully completed Grade 12 or those currently registered for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th year and postgraduate studies.
Yeyethu Bafazi Construction employs people living in and around Mthatha, thus making them not only innovators in the construction industry but also job creators.
(From left to right) Thabile Nkonki, Siphokazi Cekwa and Zodidi Mbuzelwa, are three members of the Yeyethu Bafazi Construction consortium.
Four years. Five women. One consortium. That is the story of YeyethuBafazi Construction, established in 2018 by five women who met while undergoing training with SANRAL.
The group – Thabile Nkonki from Talinko Construction, ZodidiMbuzelwa from Junebug Tradings23 cc, Siphokazi Cekwana from Mthonyama Technologies, NyamekaPoyo of Going Places Construction and Projects, and NomalungaTonjeni from Rhu and Sons – hails from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
The SANRAL-training took four years and included modules such as start and run a business, apply business concepts, monitor control costs, apply construction documents, read and interpret drawings and calculate construction quantities, among others.
The training took place in Port St Johns and included practical and theoretical training. Subsequent to the training, the group decided that forming a consortium would better position them in the male-dominated industry.
Thabile Nkonki, director of Yeyethu Bafazi Construction, said: “Dedication to service delivery, creating sustainable relationships with our clients, and paying attention to detail is what sets us apart from our competitors.”
As a 100% black-owned business, which is completely owned and operated by women, Yeyethu Bafazi Construction often experiences sexism and bias from the community and from potential clients.
Their capacity is often scrutinised, despite having proven their competence through a range of successfully completed construction projects, said Nkonki.
Yeyethu Bafazi Construction employs people living in and around Mthatha, thus making them not only innovators in the construction industry but also job creators.
Upon concluding training, SANRAL maintains close ties with the training beneficiaries to ensure that they apply what they have learnt, and to ensure they continued to progress.
“The trainees have to keep SANRAL well-informed of their activities and Construction Industry Development Board upgrading. They are also added to the database of companies that have received training from SANRAL,” said Dr Mongezi Noah, SANRAL’s Community Development Specialist.
Work will commence in the first quarter of 2020 once the contractor finalizes initial appointments of SMME contractors from the project area.
Motorists are advised to be observant of the advance warning signs, as well as the lane closures, and should exercise caution when travelling through the construction work zones.
The South African Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has awarded Raubex (Pty) Ltd the contract for the completion of the unfinished roadworks on the N2 at the Umhlali and Umvoti River crossings.
The contract administration will be undertaken by Naidu Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd. Work will commence in the first quarter of 2020 once the contractor finalises initial appointments of SMME contractors from the project area.
Work will continue for a period of 10 months.
How it will work
Construction will be carried out in clearly defined construction zones.
In order to complete the outstanding works in the shortest possible time, traffic will be accommodated on contra-flow on each carriageway which will allow the contractor full access to the construction work areas.
Work will be initially undertaken to complete the outstanding work on the north bound carriageway and thereafter proceeding to the southbound carriageway.
Motorists are advised to be observant of the advance warning signs, as well as the lane closures, and should exercise caution when travelling through the construction work zones.
Reduced speed limit restrictions will be imposed through the construction zones. Motorists are urged to observe all warning signs for their own safety and the safety of the workers on the road.
SANRAL wishes to thank all motorists in advance for their co-operation and patience over the last 2 years with the restricted travel at these two crossings and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
The restricted conditions will still be in place over the festive period and due cognisance needs to be taken by the motorists when traveling through these areas.
The total cost of the projects is estimated at R5-million and TRAC’s support falls in line with its CSI responsibilities to communities along the road.
Besides responding to key socio-economic needs which in turn will contribute towards the economic upliftment of vulnerable people and communities, TRAC’s involvement will also boost SME development and support and enhance road safety.
Various structures of the Emakhazeni Local Municipality (ELM) will receive a major facelift over the next 14 months following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Trans African Concessions (TRAC) and the Emakhazeni local government.
After lengthy talks between the parties regarding the upgrades and renovations that are needed in the municipal area which borders the N4 Toll Route TRAC agreed to assist with three critical projects namely the refurbishment of the Emakhazeni Testing Centre, the renovation of the old bakery in Waterval Boven and the rehabilitation of Molen Road in Entokozweni (Machadodorp).
The total cost of the projects is estimated at R5-million and TRAC’s support falls in line with its CSI responsibilities to communities along the road.
Contributing to socio-economic upliftment
Besides responding to key socio-economic needs which in turn will contribute towards the economic upliftment of vulnerable people and communities, TRAC’s involvement will also boost SME development and support and enhance road safety.
The MOU also falls in line with several government objectives to which TRAC has aligned itself with, specifically in terms of initiatives with relevant commitments as set out in the government’s National Development Plan (NDP).
The vision of the NDP is that by 2030 investments in the transport sector will ensure that it serves as a key driver in empowering South Africa and its people.
This will be achieved through improved access to economic opportunities, greater mobility of people and goods through transport alternatives and through social contributions.
TRAC has committed to restore the two administration buildings and ablutions of the testing centre with upgrades expected to start this month (January 2020).
The project, which is expected to take three months, will see a subcontractor appointed for the bulk of the initiative. Phase 2 will consist of the renovation of the weighbridge following a separate tender process.
TRAC will however employ internal resources to do basic construction works, such as the fencing and installation of surface drainage. As for the bakery, it will be refurbished to ensure it can become operational again. The project will be managed by an entity appointed by the ELM with the funding provided by TRAC.
In respect of the rehabilitation of Molen Road, TRAC will repair it during the rehabilitation of the area of the N4 which is adjacent to Entokzweni.
In addition to these major projects, TRAC will be partnering with the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison on their Community Policing Forum project which the honourable MEC CG Tshabalala is expected to launch soon.
This will include an initial donation of 500 torches for use for law enforcement during anti-crime and road safety operations.
TRAC has already donated 1000 blankets to the ELM in celebration of Mandela Day 2019. These blankets were handed to the elderly and the less privileged within the municipal area.
Sidestepping the spirit of the BEE Act halts real transformation efforts.
According to SANRAL, companies that are found guilty are liable for penalties and fines and can be excluded from participation in future contracts.
The act of ‘fronting’, a form of black economic empowerment (BEE) window dressing which undermines the intentions of South Africa’s BEE legislation, is a common practice used by companies to misrepresent their economic empowerment credentials in order to receive contracts or gain economic advantages.
Fronting takes a variety of forms, including listing lower-paid black workers as directors, executives or shareholders or excluding black managers from high-level discussions and decision-making.
These actions enable fronting companies to take advantage of the incentives that come with being BEE-compliant – chief among these being access to government tenders.
However, this practice does not contribute to the real transformation of the company or benefit black South Africans.
This is also contrary to SANRAL’s commitment to the transformation of South Africa’s construction and engineering sectors, in line with the objectives, mandate and vision defined in its long-term strategy, Horizon 2030.
As such, SANRAL is intentionally exploiting the provisions of current economic empowerment legislation to maximise the participation of black contractors, professionals and suppliers in all SANRAL-commissioned projects.
Furthermore, SANRAL is determined to combat fronting and take decisive actions against companies that misrepresent their empowerment status in order to benefit from SANRAL’s transformation initiatives.
The new Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Act now makes it an offence for companies to misrepresent their empowerment status.
Companies that are found guilty are liable for penalties and fines and can be excluded from participation in future contracts.
Intentional misrepresentations may constitute fraudulent practices and officials are obliged to report such cases to SANRAL’s procurement manager for further action.
How to spot fronting
A company may appoint black people to prestigious positions but prevents them from participating in core activities and decision-making.
Black people in management positions are paid significantly less and have fewer powers than their white counterparts.
A company manipulates facts about the racial diversity of its staff.
A company enters a relationship with a BEE-compliant partner – and then exaggerates or misrepresents the role of the partner in the business.
Black people are signed up as fictitious shareholders or directors in predominantly white-owned companies.
SANRAL has strong vested interests in the resurgence and growth of the construction and engineering sectors.
Skhumbuzo Macozoma, SANRAL CEO, said that it’s long-term strategy, Horizon 2030, positions SANRAL as a leading player in the broader effort to stimulate growth through infrastructure investment.
SANRAL’s decision to ramp up its investment in road infrastructure through an allocation of R70 billion over the medium term will, without a doubt, address the decline in the important construction and engineering sectors.
We share the concerns expressed in the media that an industry that was once a key driver of employment has been in steady decline since the start of the decade.
However, we also share the sense of guarded optimism that accompanied the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year that government would contribute some R100 billion over 10-years to the infrastructure fund and use this to leverage further investments from development finance institutions and the private sector.
Finance Minister Tito Mboweni took this approach a few steps further by clearly stating that the state is shifting its priorities towards infrastructure investment, and away from the public wage bill.
SANRAL’s budget for the next three years reflects this approach. For the current financial year there is an allocation of R24.4 billion for the construction of roads, rehabilitation and maintenance projects.
This will grow at an average rate of 5.1% over the medium term, reaching a total of R70 billion. This escalation in spending follows on a period of subdued expenditure by SANRAL.
We are encouraged that the combined effect of supply chain reforms initiated by National Treasury and the introduction of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) in 2017 which affected our tender processes, have been resolved and that the projects already being released through tenders will contribute to an upswing in construction activities.
SANRAL has strong vested interests in the resurgence and growth of the construction and engineering sectors.
A strategic approach
Our long-term strategy, Horizon 2030, positions SANRAL as a leading player in the broader effort to stimulate growth through infrastructure investment.
The projects that are in the pipeline for the medium term have a strong focus on community development across all nine provinces, in both urban and rural centres.
They run the gamut of road engineering and construction activities including upgrades to the primary transport corridors on the national freeway network, improvements to interchanges, bridges and storm water infrastructure, the expansion of intelligent transport systems and interventions to improve road safety.
There are about 740 new construction projects that are planned, and they are spread across the entire 22 214km of the primary road network managed by SANRAL.
Communities from Rustenburg in the North West to Giyani in Limpopo, the Karoo and the Northern Cape will benefit from construction activities and the provision of safer and more accessible roads.
SANRAL’s investments in infrastructure will greatly benefit emerging enterprises and new players in the construction and engineering sectors.
All new tenders will be published in line with SANRAL’s new transformation policy, which seeks to increase the participation of black businesses and the development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Tender requirements will also increasingly focus on enterprises that are owned by women, the youth and people with disabilities.
Some 7 810 SMMEs will benefit from SANRAL projects during the next three years, with an estimated 81 000 jobs in line to be created courtesy of road construction and maintenance projects.
All SANRAL construction projects will, henceforth, include community development programmes and initiatives to support the transfer of skills to SMME companies.
With these steps in place, we are confident that the increased spending by SANRAL will not only lead to an upswing in construction activities but will also contribute to the fundamental transformation of an industry that has been dominated by a limited group of large players.
To date, some 90 new routine road maintenance contract tenders have been advertised, with 60 already awarded.
SANRAL will soon establish supplier development desks at our regional offices to provide structured assistance to suppliers including contractors, consultants and material suppliers.
We will also expand the extremely productive partnerships we have struck with big industry players in the areas of equipment supply, mentoring, material provision, business support and financial management.
Collaboration
The Minister of Transport, Minister Mbalula, is working very hard to assist SANRAL with key challenges that confront our flagship projects such as the GFIP e-Toll Scheme in Gauteng, Moloto Road that straddles three provinces, the N2 Wild Coast road in the Eastern Cape and the N3 Van Reenen Development Project in the Free State.
With the Minister’s bold leadership, we are confident that these important projects will be unlocked to bring much needed benefits to both the citizens and the economy of our country.
We are committed to the stabilisation and growth of the broader construction sector – an industry that accounts for almost 10% of all employment in South Africa.
We are confident that the R70 billion investment in road infrastructure over the next three years, if supplemented by more public and private expenditure, will make a tangible contribution to the broader national objectives.
This is an opinion piece by Skhumbuzo Macozoma, SANRAL CEO.
SANRAL is leading the way through innovative road design and the application of technology to create a safe and sustainable primary road network.
The Concrete Society of Southern Africa recognised the new 166-m Mtentu bridge for its “unique design features and construction techniques,” and gave it the 2019 Fulton Award for innovation.
Technology and innovation are changing road construction and road management throughout the world.
South Africa is no exception and SANRAL is leading the way through innovative road design, and the application of technology to create a safe and sustainable primary road network.
Through collaboration with universities and research institutions SANRAL contributes to knowledge generation in fields as diverse as transportation planning, road materials development and environmental conservation.
Innovation also played a major role in a recently completed road construction project:
To improve road safety a decision was taken to widen the bridge over the Olifants River on the N7 near Clanwilliam. However, the width of the original structure could not be increased, and the only workable solution was the construction of a second bridge running parallel to the existing one;
The Concrete Society of Southern Africa recognised the new 166-m bridge for its “unique design features and construction techniques,” and gave it the 2019 Fulton Award for innovation. SANRAL awarded the contract for this project to Stefanutti Stocks Coastal.
SANRAL’s most valuable assets are vested in its human resources. Through the years it has attracted an enviable group of engineers, professionals and artisans that are able to manage some of the continent’s most challenging infrastructure projects.
The pool of knowledge within the agency is enriched through collaborations with a wide range of contractors – including emerging enterprises – who bring their own skills and intellectual resources to construction projects.
These are some of the contracts SANRAL initiated during this year.
In several instances, progress was set back by cash flow difficulties experienced by contractors, including some long-established construction companies.
Contracts were awarded for several major projects during the year, including:
The strengthening of the R511 between Brits and Beestekraal in the North West. This R172–million contract was awarded to NZK Footprint Engineering. The commencement date was January 2019 and completion is scheduled for July 2020.
The construction of the cable-stayed bridge across the Msikaba River on the green fields section of the N2 Wild Coast road in the Eastern Cape. This challenging 36-month engineering project – the 580–metre bridge will be the second–longest main span bridge in Africa – was awarded to the Moto Engil/Concor Joint Venture. Valued at R1.9-billion, the project is scheduled to be completed in January 2022.
The design review and supervision contract for an upgrade of the N11 from the Newcastle industrial area through to Madadeni, east of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal. The upgrade will improve road alignment, making it more direct, and will double the capacity of the road to a dual carriageway of freeway standard. The estimated construction cost is R531-million and the consultant is BVI Consulting Engineers Western Cape.
Construction of pedestrian facilities on the N2 between Umlaas Canal and Wandsbeck Road in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. The project seeks to eliminate hazardous use of the road shoulder by large numbers of pedestrians and provide safer crossing facilities. It is valued at R29.7-million and was awarded to GNS Civils.
The location of and prospecting for new sources of road building materials located within 50km of national roads in KwaZulu–Natal. The contract, valued at R22.6-million, has been awarded to FDKL Engineering Consultants.
Significant construction delays were experienced on several projects. In several instances, progress was set back by cash flow difficulties experienced by contractors, including some long-established construction companies.
The affected projects were:
The improvement of the R573 from Siyabuswa to Marble Hall in Limpopo.
The N2 upgrade at Caledon, Western Cape.
The construction of a new bridge over the Gwaiing River at George, Western Cape.
The upgrade of the R61 from Baziya to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape was interrupted when contractor Basil Read went into business rescue in June 2018. The appointed business rescue practitioner was unable to finance completion of the project by Basil Read and the process of appointing a replacement contractor was at an advanced stage at the end of the financial year.
The number of projects delayed by financial difficulties of contractors was larger than usual in 2018/19.
Two projects were delayed due to modifications in the scope of work:
On the N6 between Rouxville and Smithfield in the Free State, poorer than expected ground conditions caused time and cost over-runs.
Modifications were made to the foundation design of the traffic control centre being built on the N5 near Senekal, Free State.
Generally slow progress, sometimes compounded by work stoppages and protests, also caused project delays.
Work on the N2/M41 Mount Edgecombe Interchange near Durban progressed slower than scheduled.
There were work stoppages at the Hammarsdale Interchange on N3, which exacerbated other delays.
The contractor abandoned work on the Mtentu River Bridge – part of the N2 Wild Coast Project – when community unrest disrupted an already-delayed project. SANRAL instituted court action aimed at securing resumption of work by the contractor.
Significant delays were experienced on three toll road projects:
The completion of the Polokwane and Musina ring road projects were delayed due to Basil Read experiencing cash flow problems and applying for voluntary business rescuein June 2018.
There was slow progress on the N1 upgrade between Holfontein Interchange and Kroonstad and penalties were imposed in May 2018 at a rate of R30000 a day.
To accommodate the surge in traffic, TRAC has conducted intense preparations it believes will assist to prevent heavy backlogs.
Extremely heavy traffic is expected on the route to the Lebombo Border Post in Komatipoort.
This festive season is expected to be extremely busy on the N4 Toll Route, with Trans African Concessions (TRAC) anticipating thousands of motorists to travel between Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Mozambique in December 2019 and January 2020.
To accommodate the surge in traffic, TRAC has undergone intense preparations it believes will assist to prevent heavy backlogs.
These include ensuring toll plazas are fully manned on peak traffic days, conducting double route patrols on earmarked days, and having its route patrol, roadside assistance and 24-hour Helpdesk teams on high alert throughout the festive period.
Traffic on the N4 Toll Route is expected to peak on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22 December 2019 and 4 and 5 January2020.
On these days, all of TRAC’s response units, in collaboration with emergency services such as the SAPS, paramedics, Fire and Rescue and Provincial Traffic, will be deployed to strategic points along the route –Bronkhorstspruit, Middelburg, Milly’s, Mbombela (Nelspruit), Hectorspruit, Komatipoort and Matola Weighbridge (Mozambique) – to enhance incident/accident support.
Extremely heavy traffic is expected on the route to the Lebombo Border Post in Komatipoort.
Truck delays
Over the past few monthsTRAC has issued warnings about the heavy truck delays at the border and again warns members of the public of the current status quo.
Road users are urged to note that although delays at the border impact traffic flow on the N4, border clearing processes do not fall under TRAC’s jurisdiction or responsibility and it cannot be held liable for, or assist with, backlogs relating to this.
However, TRAC will work closely with the Lebombo Border Control Operational Coordinating Committee and Ressano Garcia Border officials to assist with traffic management measures to improve traffic flow.
This includes the provision of several logistical items and road user information.
Although the Lebombo and Ressano Garcia Border posts will be operational 24 hours from 13 December to 13 January, road users are advised that traffic management operations will be implemented from 11 December.
These include:
South Africa (eastbound)
A traffic control point at Coopersdal, where all vehicles are to come to a dead stop. Be patient and expect an approximate 30-minute delay;
Taxis will be diverted to the old Komatipoort Airfield, which has been prepped by TRAC to accommodate over 1 000 vehicles at a time. Clearing will be done at this facility and taxis will then be escorted to the border;
Commercial vehicles (trucks) will be redirected onto the Coopersdal road (R582) and?Strydomsblok to be processed at KM 7. These vehicles will return via the same route and queue at Mananga Road while awaiting border crossing;
Busses will also be cleared at KM 7;
Private vehicles must proceed straight on the N4 to the Lebombo Border Post. These road users are urged to stay in the right lane after passing the BP garage as the left lane will be reserved for trucks, convoys and official vehicles;
To avoid unnecessary traffic on the route, vehicles on theroute to Komatipoort, Kruger National Park or Ngwenya Lodge are advised to use the Tenbosch turnoff;
Mozambique (westbound)
There will be three (3) lanes of traffic in the westbound lane and one lane in the opposite direction;
There will be six (6) stop areas, one next to Moamba, for observation purposes only, one compulsory stop at KM 10 and KM 14, and another one next to the cemetery in Ressano Garcia;
On the remaining three locations the traffic will be split as follows:
Main dispatching of travellers at KM 4 and KM 7;
Organising of police escort at KM 4;
Each control point will be manned by the police, customs and immigration officials;
Public transport terminal will be transferred to the Ressano Garcia Border Post.
TRAC is also pleased to announce that construction on the N4 Toll Route will be on hold during the construction sector’s annual leave period, from 13 December 2019 to 6 January 2020.
However, all construction areas will still be deemed active and road users are urged to be cautious and obey road signage.
The safety and wellbeing of the N4 Toll Route’s road users is TRAC’s primary concern and it urges everyone using its beautiful route this holiday season to make full use of this initiative by calling the TRAC Helpdesk on 0800 87 22 64 for quick, effective assistance for any problem.
TRAC further encourages road users to stay abreast of news about the route, throughout the festive season, by following it on Twitter@TRACN4route or visiting its website atwww.tracn4.co.za.
In 2018/19 contracts to the value of R5 206 million were awarded to black-owned companies.
In 2018/19 contracts to the value of R5 206-million were awarded to black-owned companies.
SANRAL’s bold initiatives to transform the construction industry and maximise the participation of black contractors, professionals and suppliers are yielding tangible results.
The agency’s transformation policy recognises the critical role it plays in the construction and engineering sectors, and the impact it can have on millions of people across the country.
Much progress has been made in the past financial year to implement SANRAL’s commitment to transformation, including:
The breaking down of monopolies in supply chains for construction materials, equipment and technology, and ensuring maximum participation of black individuals and companies;
The creation of development programmes and partnerships within the industry to ensure the rapid growth of black entities. SANRAL facilitates partnerships between major suppliers of equipment and technology and emerging enterprises that need access to such equipment to enable them to tender for larger work packages;
An increase in the number of community development projects undertaken in small towns and villages adjacent to the SANRAL network. These projects enable SANRAL to train, mentor and nurture new black contractors in rural areas and provide them with entry points into the mainstream construction sector.
In 2018/19 contracts to the value of R5 206–million were awarded to black-owned companies. More than 70% of contracts for the construction and maintenance of national roads were awarded to them and the share of value increased to 61% from 53% in the previous year.
The growing presence of women in the construction sector is particularly encouraging. No less than 25% of total contract value was secured by companies owned by black women.
