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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL OUTLINES TRANSFORMATION EFFORTS AT EASTERN CAPE’S ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT

SANRAL’s Acting Transformation Manager Thandile Makwabe outlined the roads agency’s transformation efforts at the Annual Construction Summit in East London

Eastern Cape, 20 June 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) continues to embark on a process of fundamental transformation that opens a path for inclusive broad-based development and empowerment of black-owned SMMEs on its road construction projects.

Speaking at the Annual Construction Summit held at the East London International Convention Centre yesterday (Thursday), Thandile Makwabe, SANRAL’s Acting Transformation Manager said: “At SANRAL, we support the CIDB’s National Contractor Development Programme which encourages the construction industry to play a more active role in facilitating meaningful empowerment for emerging contractors.”

“SANRAL has created numerous development opportunities from grade 1 to 4 Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) contractors on our road construction projects, but we are also aware that we need to play a larger role in developing CIDB Level 5 and higher contractors to meet our Transformation Policy objectives,” said Makwabe.

According to Makwabe, SANRAL has made a commitment to recognise and involve emerging contractors in its projects and, since the adoption of its Transformation Policy, the roads agency continues to ensure that it sets aside enough work for SMMEs to participate meaningfully in its projects.

SANRAL adopted its Transformation Policy in 2017 as part of its ongoing efforts to maximise the participation of contractors, suppliers and professionals from previously disadvantaged communities in all its commissioned projects.

One of the initiatives that SANRAL has started in maximising contractors’ participation is adopting a new procurement strategy to establish framework agreements. The proposed procurement strategy serves to establish and maintain framework agreements through panels for a range of categories of procurement to improve procurement turnaround times and create efficiencies within the agency’s supply chain management unit.

“This strategy will also ensure that we do not only appoint the same companies we have been working with over the years but rather ensure we spread the opportunities to other service providers interested in participating on SANRAL contracts.”

“SANRAL will also identify black industrialists across the construction value chain to help develop them through its Black Industrialists Scheme. This includes but is not limited to suppliers of materials used in pavement structures. Another development is that the Contractor Development Programme, which we rolled out last year, has been approved by the SANRAL Board and it is now going ahead,” added Makwabe.

SANRAL embarked on a national roadshow between October and November last year with the key intention to increase the capacity, equity ownership, sustainability, quality of work produced and improve the performance of grade 5 to 9 contractors registered with the CIDB.

Nomfuneko Matshoba has immensely benefitted from SANRAL projects. Armed with an N4 Civil Engineering qualification from Ikhala College in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, she has made strides in the male dominated construction industry over the years. She got her first break through a SANRAL learnership programme in 2008, working on the road rehabilitation project between Komani and Madeira. Through her company, she also  participated in a consortium with other women emerging contractors on one of SANRAL’s community development projects in Whittlesea in 2015.

A mother of two, Matshoba has participated in various training opportunities offered by SANRAL. “I stand here today to attest that I would not have been where I am today if it was not through SANRAL’s assistance. SANRAL continues to provide many training opportunities available for women contractors. I implore all of you to take part in these training programmes. In the construction industry it is important that you equip yourself in skills such as tender documentation, understanding procurement processes, tendering, and costing,” said Matshoba.

SANRAL has elevated Transformation to form part of its strategic pillars – Roads, Road Safety, Mobility and Stakeholder – to accelerate its efforts towards realising a more inclusive construction sector that will see meaningful participation by targeted enterprises owned by designated groups, including women, youth, people with disabilities, military veterans and previously marginalised individuals on its road infrastructure projects.

-ENDS-

RE-ISSUE TRAFFIC ADVISORY

NIGHTTIME ROAD CLOSURES ON N3 WESTVILLE TO PARADISE VALLEY FOR INSTALLATION OF BEAMS ON M13 BRIDGE

Durban, 20 June 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists of temporary road closures on the N3 westbound Carriageway at the Paradise Valley M13 off ramp for the staging and placement of portal beams as part of the ongoing construction of the upgraded M13 Paradise Valley Off Ramp bridge over the N3 Highway.

“Construction continues on the upgraded M13 Paradise Valley Off Ramps. This closure is part of the ongoing progress in the upgrade of the N3 between Westville and Paradise Valley,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long term traffic congestion in the area.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• N3 North Bound (Durban to Pinetown) Carriageway Closure: Traffic will be diverted via interchange off ramp during these periods (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley):

1. From 20:00 to 04:30 on each night from Friday 20 June, Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June 2025.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place. All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual. A detailed alternative route guide is included below.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 North Bound (Durban to Pinetown):

• N3 North Bound fully closed at the M13 Interchange (exit 17 – M13 Paradise Valley).
• Traffic will be diverted off the N3 via the M13 Paradise Valley off ramp and then back onto the N3 via the M7 interchange on ramp or continue on the M13 to join the N3 at Key Ridge.

Figure 1: Detour Routes

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption so have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimised. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M7 or M19 to avoid congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes”, added Lowe.

RE-ISSUE : TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Full road closures on N2/M13 for the old King Cetshwayo bridge demolition

Durban, 19 June 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users of a temporary road closure for the demolition of the second half of the old King Cetshwayo Bridge on the M13 over the N2 from 18:00, Saturday 21 June until 04:00 on Monday 23 June 2025.

“Construction continues on the upgraded King Cetshwayo Bridge, following its partial demolition in October 2023. This closure is part of the ongoing upgrade process for the N2 and the EB Cloete Interchange (also known as Spaghetti Junction), aimed at relieving congestion and improving road safety along this critical national route,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

The temporary road closures will take place as follows:

• N2 North and South Bound between EB Cloete Interchange and Umgeni Road Interchange:

-From 18:00 on Saturday, 21 June 2025 to 04:00 on Monday, 23 June 2025

• M13 East and West Bound between 45th Avenue (also known as 45th Cutting) and Essex Terrace Interchange (Westwood Mall):

-From 18:00 on Saturday, 21 June 2025 to 04:00 on Monday, 23 June 2025

“The demolition of the remaining old King Cetshwayo Bridge near Westwood Mall is a crucial step in enabling the addition of extra lanes on the M13 as well as the N2 below. Once its demolition is completed, traffic will be accommodated on the recently completed new M13 East bound bridge,” said Lowe.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place. A detailed map showing the closure location is included below and an alternative route guide is available on this link: https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

M13 Closure Locations (King Cetshwayo Bridge Area):

• M13 East Bound: Closed at Essex Terrace Interchange (near Westwood Mall)
• M13 West Bound: Closed at 45th Avenue (also known as 45th Cutting)

N2 Closure Locations (at EB Cloete Interchange):

• N3 West Bound (Durban to Pinetown): Ramp to N2 North closed (towards Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport)
• N3 East Bound (Pinetown to Durban): Ramp to N2 North closed
• N2 North Bound: Closed between EB Cloete Interchange and Umgeni Road Interchange

N2 Closure Locations (at Umgeni Road Interchange):

• N2 South Bound: Closed between Umgeni Road Interchange and EB Cloete Interchange. Detour onto M19/Umgeni Road
• M19 East and West Bound: Ramps to N2 South closed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We understand that these road closures cause major travel disruption so we have minimised the length of the closures and planned them to take place at times when the traffic disruption will be at its least. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas or reroute via the M4, M7 or M19 to avoid congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes”, added Lowe.

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FULL CLOSURE ON N3 BETWEEN CATO RIDGE AND UMLAAS INTERCHANGE

Pietermaritzburg, 13 June 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform motorists of the full closure of the N3 between Cato Ridge and Dardanelles (Umlaas Road) interchange from Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 20:00 until Thursday, 19 June 205 at 04:30 am for luminance testing of the lighting.

“Construction of this portion of the N3 is nearing completion and testing the luminance levels of the newly installed lighting system is an important step in ensuring the quality of this system which will substantially improve safety for all users of the road,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer.

SANRAL appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it undertakes this vital project to alleviate long term traffic congestion in the area.

The permanent road closure will take place as follows:

• N3 Full Carriageway Closure from Cato Ridge interchange to Dardanelles (Umlaas Road) interchange: Traffic will be diverted via interchange off ramps (northbound – exit 53 Cato Ridge/R103 and southbound – exit 61 R603/Umlaas Road) during these periods.
• From 20:00 to 04:30 on Wednesday 18 June 2025.

Should the testing on 18 June 2025 be affected by poor weather, it will instead take place on 19 June 2025 over the same time period.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans will be in place. All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual. A detailed alternative route guide is included below.

CLOSURE LOCATIONS:

N3 North Bound (Durban to Pietermaritzburg):

• N3 North Bound fully closed at the Cato Ridge off-ramp (exit 53 – Cato Ridge/R103). Traffic will be diverted on the R103 and then back on to the N3 at Umlaas Road.

N3 South Bound (Pietermaritzburg to Durban):

• N3 South Bound fully closed at the Dardanelles (Umlaas Road) interchange (exit 61 – R603/Umlaas Road) and then back onto the N3 at Cato Ridge.

“We understand that these road closures cause major disruption so have planned them to take place at times when the disruption is minimised. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes” said, Lowe.

 

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL TO INJECT OVER R500M IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE FREE STATE

Free State Province, 13 June 2025 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) injection of just over R500 million in road construction and maintenance will go a long way in bringing much-needed job opportunities for SMMEs and local community members in the Free State Province’s towns of Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein, Jagersfontein and Trompsburg.

SANRAL will embark on an emergency routine road maintenance (RRM) project of the national road R48 intersection to Jacobsdal, the R704 national road from Trompsburg to Jagersfontein, the R704 national road from Jagersfontein to Trompsburg, as well as the R705 national road from Jacobsdal to the Free State and Northern Cape provinces border.

These roads were handed over to SANRAL by the Free State Provincial Government in November last year. The Government Gazette, published on 22 November 2024 (Gazette 51639), reported that a total of 674 Free State provincial roads would now be incorporated and fall under SANRAL’s management.

Speaking at information sessions that SANRAL convened with local SMMEs and community members in Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein and Trompsburg this week, Sipho Khoza, SANRAL’s Project Manager, said the RRM project will provide much-needed job opportunities for local communities.

“Our aim at SANRAL is to ensure that previously marginalised communities, including women, young people, and people with disabilities, play a meaningful role and benefit from the construction industry.”

“Key works that will be done on the project include pavement layer repairs, pothole repairs, crack sealing, edge break repairs, shoulder repairs, surface treatment, slope repair, cleaning of drainage structures, grass cutting and bush clearing, fence and guardrail repairs, road marking, among others,” said Khoza.

The project started in April this year, and it is expected to be completed in April next year.

In addition to providing job opportunities for local communities, Khoza said that the RRM project is crucial because the areas in which the roads traverse through are the lifeblood of the province’s agricultural economy. “As SANRAL, we must ensure continuous upgrades and maintenance of these roads, which enables farmers and rural communities to transport their goods, services and produce to the markets on roads that are safe to use. The upgrades to these road corridors will provide a massive boost to the economy and will greatly increase the road capacity in the area,” he said.

Working together with the Department of Labour and South African Revenue Service (SARS), SANRAL also used the information session as an opportunity to share information about how local SMMEs can be tax compliant, and how they can also be trained and equipped to enhance their business acumen and tendering skills.

“We want to encourage active dialogue with yourselves as the project progresses. This is important because we want to ensure smoothing running of these projects, with maximum benefits for all those that are affected. Working together through the Project Liaison Committee (PLC), we will continue to ensure that information is shared among yourself and that there is ongoing transparency on matters relating to subcontracting, project execution and employment of local community members,” said Thandeka Ngema, Acting Stakeholder Relations Coordinator for the Free State Province.

Over the next two years, SANRAL will also embark on other road maintenance projects in the Free State such as the maintenance of the N1 national road from Fonteintjie to Wurasoord, and the N8 national road between Alexanderfontein.

-ENDS-

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN KWABHACA AND EMAXESIBENI

12th June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni on the following dates:

• 18 June 2025 at approximately 12,7 KM from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.
• 20 June 2025 at approximately 13,6 KM from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.

Blasting will take place at 12h00 and the road will be closed during the blasting activities for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Motorists travelling From Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative routes: –

• Go onto the R56 route and travel past Matatiele and then past Tlokoeng until Nqanqarhu. Then take the R396 towards Tsolo until you join the N2 and then proceed to Mthatha.
• Stay on the N2 till Pakade (18km out of Kokstad) then turn left onto the R394 and join the R61 at Magusheni. Slip right onto the R61 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same routes.

The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to your trip between Mthatha and Kokstad.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips, accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the road,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR BLASTING ON THE N2 BETWEEN KWABHACA AND EMAXESIBENI

9th June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni on 13 June 2025 at 12h00.

• The blasting will take place at approximately 8,8 KM from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.

The road will be closed during the blasting activities for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Motorists travelling From Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative routes: –

• Go onto the R56 route and travel past Matatiele and then past Tlokoeng until Nqanqarhu. Then take the R396 towards Tsolo until you join the N2 and then proceed to Mthatha.
• Stay on the N2 till Pakade (18km out of Kokstad) then turn left onto the R394 and join the R61 at Magusheni. Slip right onto the R61 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns and then re-join the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same routes.

The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to your trip between Mthatha and Kokstad.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips, accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the road,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

CLOSURE OF THE LOOTSBERG PASS (N9) AND WAPADSBERG PASS(R61) DUE TO SNOW

Eastern Cape, 9 June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that the Lootsberg Pass on the N9 national road, section 6, between km 59 and km 65 and Wapadsberg Pass on the R61, section 2, between km 11 and km 16 has been closed for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) due to snow. Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) are to proceed with caution.

“If you are travelling from the south on the N9 towards Graaff Reinet, an alternative route is to turn right onto the R63 just before you enter Graaff Reinet and proceed to the R63/R75 junction. At this junction turn left onto the R63 towards Pearston en-route to Cookhouse. At Cookhouse turn left onto the N10 towards Nxuba (Cradock). If you are approaching from the north, at Middelburg turn onto the N10 towards Nxuba(Cradock) en-route to Gqeberha. If heading to Graaff Reinet, turn right on the N10 at Cookhouse onto the R63,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Provincial Head.

Emergency services are on high alert and road users will be advised once the road has been reopened.

Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the roads.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

– Ends –

MEDIA ALERT

CLOSURE OF THE N6 NATONAL ROAD DUE TO A CHEMICAL SPILL

Eastern Cape, 9 June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that the national road, N6 Section 3 km 48, between Cathcart and Komani, near the Birch farm area, has been closed due to a chemical spill. The road will be closed until approximately 16h00 today. Road users are advised to avoid this route as the spill is highly toxic and hazardous to health.

An alternative route is to take the R351 road near Cathcart and proceed to the R67 and then towards Whittlesea (Sada) and then towards Komani. Similarly, those travelling to East London from Komani are to take the R67 in Komani and proceed past Whittlesea (Sada) and then turn left onto the R351 towards the N6 at Cathcart.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to proceed with caution,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Eastern Cape’s Provincial Head.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

– Ends –

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NDABAKAZI INTERMODAL INTERCHANGE ON THE N2 NEAR BUTTERWORTH.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FOR A TEMPORARY DEVIATION WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE

5th June 2025: The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify road users that a new traffic deviation at the Ndabakazi Intermodal Interchange on the N2 national road, Section 17, near Butterworth will be implemented on 6 June 2025 until 11 July 2025.

Traffic on the N2 will be diverted onto the new N2 carriageway and then onto the on-and-off ramps, and back onto the N2.

Traffic on the R409 road will make use of the newly constructed on-and-off ramps and then continue onto the newly constructed N2 carriageway.

“Motorists are asked to plan their trips, accordingly, follow road signage and to use caution when making use of the road,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Eastern Cape Provincial Head.

Below is an illustration of traffic movement within the construction zone.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.