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N2/N3 freeway upgrade estimated to create 15000 jobs

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The upgrades consider the strategic nature of the corridor and the fact that it boasts the highest volume of traffic anywhere in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. 

It is SANRAL’s intention to use this as an opportunity to develop and grow black-owned SMMEs in the construction, engineering and related industries.

For the next five to eight years, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) will be undertaking a large-scale upgrade of the N2/ N3 Corridor in a project valued at R30-billion.  

Determined that this project should have positive economic spin-offs for smaller businesses, it is being split into several detailed design and construction packages.  

This opens tremendous potential for small-, medium- and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) to secure a piece of the pie.  

Taking SANRAL to the people 

In June, SANRAL got close and personal with thousands of entrepreneurs and job seekers during stakeholder consultative engagements in Pietermaritzburg, Hammarsdale and Durban, sharing information about business and job opportunities and providing information about potential contracts.  

Discussions delved into the process for registering with the Construction Industry Development Board and how to submit a tender.  

SMMEs also had access to an exhibition area where they could engage with the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors, the National African Federation for the Building Industry, Ithala Business Finance and construction industry equipment companies such as Bell Equipment, Barloworld, Wirtgen and Pilot Crushtec.  

Economic spin-offs 

As one of South Africa’s key infrastructure development projects, the N2/N3 freeway upgrades will have enormous economic spin-offs for KwaZulu-Natal during the construction phase and it is SANRAL’s intention to use this as an opportunity to develop and grow black-owned SMMEs in the construction, engineering and related industries. 

Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL Regional Manager in the Eastern Region, said: “It is estimated that a project of the magnitude of the N2/ N3 freeway upgrades will create approximately 15 000 job opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal. It is also envisaged that SMMEs will benefit enormously, allowing them to grow their businesses and create jobs.”  

Ravi Ronny, SANRAL Eastern Region Design, Planning & Construction Manager, said the upgrades consider the strategic nature of the corridor and the fact that it boasts the highest volume of traffic anywhere in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. 

Furthermore, it is equally important that SANRAL adopts a strategic approach in its efforts to build a capable and developmental state, and drive economic growth through the provision and maintenance of critical infrastructure.  

“SANRAL’s transformation policy sets clearly defined targets for the participation of black contractors, professionals and suppliers in all of its projects,” said Ismail Essa, SANRAL’s Transformation Manager.  

On capital projects, SANRAL will in future only do business with companies that are at least 51% black-owned. 

Transformation in road construction gathers momentum

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SANRAL has adopted a transformation policy following a process of extensive consultation with industry stakeholders in all nine provinces.   

Ismail Essa, SANRAL’s Transformation Manager, said, the roads agency has positioned itself as a catalyst to link top-tier companies involved in the manufacturing and deployment of advanced earth-moving and construction equipment with emerging contractors who do not have the resources to purchase such expensive machinery.  

Away from the public spotlight a quiet evolution is taking place in the South African road construction and engineering sectors.  

Large and established businesses are joining forces with emerging black–owned enterprises to enable them to become primary contractors and participate on an equal footing for future projects.  

SANRAL has positioned itself as a catalyst to link top-tier companies involved in the manufacturing and deployment of advanced earth-moving and construction equipment with emerging contractors who do not have the resources to purchase such expensive machinery.  

The construction of national and provincial roads that can carry large volumes of traffic over extended distances requires specialised skills and experience.  

The primary contractors who bid for SANRAL projects must, therefore, have the requisite capacity, skills and track record based on similar projects.  

While critical for safety and know how, these high standards and technical requirements have become barriers of entry to new contractors – especially black-owned and women-owned enterprises – who, for historical reasons, have not been able to gain the requisite experience and qualifications.  

It is also challenging for new entrants to break into this close circle of construction companies, which receives the dominant share of tenders for major road construction or rehabilitation projects.  

Aware that this status quo cannot be allowed to continue, SANRAL has undertaken several initiatives to help accelerate the transformation of the road construction and engineering sectors.  

Vision 

Our strategic vision – Horizon 2030 – is designed to position SANRAL as a modern and progressive roads management agency responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the country’s single biggest public asset.  

To drive an inclusive transformation agenda SANRAL has adopted a transformation policy following a process of extensive consultation with industry stakeholders in all nine provinces.  

At the core of the policy is the recognition that SANRAL plays a critical role in the construction industry – a sector that has a notable impact on the lives of millions of South Africans.  

SANRAL, therefore, has a responsibility to adjust its procurement policy to maximise the participation of black contractors, suppliers and professionals.  

Similarly, SANRAL is committed to breaking down monopolies in supply chains that span the fields of materials, equipment and technologies, and ensuring the broad-based participation of all South Africans.  

Over the past six months SANRAL has turned these words into action by signing agreements with global and local leaders in the road construction and equipment industries.  

Changing the landscape 

Deals have been struck with Barloworld, Pilot Crushtec, Wirtgen and Bell Equipment to facilitate access to construction machinery for emerging companies.  

An agreement of a different kind was signed in February, easing the way for emerging entities into the construction industry. The National African Federated Building Industry (NAFBI) and will provide mentorship, guidance and coaching to emerging contractors. 

Through these agreements SANRAL is working to overcome some of the biggest hurdles holding back medium-sized contractors from growing and bidding for tenders on major construction projects.  

All too often these contractors do not have the capital to purchase the major machinery required for excavations, ground moving and the construction of roads.  

The cooperation between SANRAL and the existing equipment giants will accelerate fair competition in the construction and engineering sectors.  

Black-owned contractors will now obtain access to finance, leasing and rental options, as well as training and maintenance services.  

This move also demonstrates a willingness on the part of major players in the construction sector to think beyond the confines of traditional wisdom and recognise the opportunities for business growth that will open with the entrance of new participants. 

This sends a clear signal that there are South African companies willing to facilitate the transformation of the broader construction industry rather than merely waiting for new government tenders to fall into their laps.  

The pioneering documents signed with South Africa’s top equipment manufacturers will be followed by similar agreements within the broader construction sector, with banks and development finance institutions.  

Through this we will ensure that the quiet evolution gathers the necessary momentum to spread the economic benefits of road construction and maintenance to a much wider section of the South African population. 

This is an opinion piece by, Ismail Essa, the Transformation Manager at SANRAL. 

Work to complete N2 roadworks about to commence

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While the irritation of motorists was understandable, it must also be stressed that the delays in appointing a new contractor were not caused by SANRAL. 

Four of the original contractors were invited to a tender briefing meeting and a visit to the site on 21 August with representatives from SANRAL and the supervising consulting engineer.  

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has good news for Kwazulu-Natal North Coast motorists: the procurement of construction tenders for the completion of roadworks on the N2 between Ballito and Stanger has commenced. 

Work originally began in February 2016 for localised realignment of the N2 at Umhlali River Bridge and at Umvoti River Bridge, but construction stopped when the main contractor was put in liquidation. 

This resulted in angry and frustrated motorists having to contend with sections of the N2 being narrowed to a single lane for almost four years. 

Ridhwaan Mahomed, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager, said while the irritation of motorists was understandable, it must also be stressed that the delays in appointing a new contractor were not caused by SANRAL. 

“It was never SANRAL’s intention for this work to be delayed for such a prolonged period.” 

Contractual issues 

He said after the contract was terminated with the original contractor, SANRAL tried for months to resolve the way forward with National Treasury to appoint a new contractor as well as ensuring continuity regarding technical supervision. 

Without getting this approval from Treasury, it was impossible for SANRAL to proceed and appoint a new contractor to complete the work. 

There were also issues around sub-contracting of works in keeping with national policies on economic transformation which have delayed all projects being undertaken by SANRAL. 

“We have only recently been given approval to go ahead using the same supervision consultant and procuring a new contractor,” said Mahomed, adding it was hoped to have a new contractor on site before the end of the year for a construction duration of approximately 10 months. 

Original contractors invited to tender 

He added that four of the original contractors were invited to a tender briefing meeting and a visit to the site on 21 August with representatives from SANRAL and the supervising consulting engineer.  

These are all contractors graded by the CIDB and well capable of completing this contract. Tenders will close in mid-September. An award to the successful contractor will then be made before year end.  

Mahomed appealed to motorists to meanwhile proceed with caution and adhere to speed limits. 

“SANRAL apologises to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused and thanks them for their patience during road construction. The patience and co-operation of motorists will be appreciated,” he said. 

Frequently Asked Questions on roads in the North West province

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The N4 corridor is a vital connection between Botswana and Gauteng. 

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF SANRAL’s ROAD NETWORK IN THE NORTH WEST?  

The 2 598km of SANRAL roads in North West are in a fair -to -good condition. Of these, just over 1 400km were transferred from the province to SANRAL in November 2012. SANRAL is in the process of completing re–seal projects on the transferred sections of roads that are in a good condition.  

For roads that require reconstruction and rehabilitation, designs are under way and, in some cases, consultants are being appointed for design.  

WHAT IS SANRAL’s PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PLAN TO ENSURE ITS NORTH WEST ROADS REMAIN WITHIN INTERNATIONAL NORMS? 

SANRAL focuses on the effective maintenance of its roads through ongoing routine road maintenance contracts. The agency has nine routine maintenance contracts for all its roads in the North West.  

Overload control is important to prevent premature deterioration of our roads. On the N4 toll road, a concession managed by Bakwena, effective overload control is being carried out in the corridor.  

HOW HAS THE N4 BAKWENA TOLL ROAD HELPED UNLOCK THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE REGION?  

The N4 corridor provides a necessary road connection between Botswana and Gauteng. It also provides a link to tourist attractions in the province, as well as mining activity around Rustenburg and Brits.  

Importantly, the development of the N4 has stimulated the creation of opportunities for contractors, SMMEs and local labour, as well as other related businesses through downstream activities.  

HOW IS SANRAL CONTRIBUTING TO SMME DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION IN THE NORTH WEST?  

Suitably qualified emerging enterprises are given an opportunity to perform some of the work awarded to main contractors. As per the Government’s policy for SMME development, main contractors are required to subcontract 30% of the contract value to SMMEs of CIDB grading 1-6. 

In certain cases main contractors enter into joint ventures, with a 70/30 split between a 9CE main contractor as the lead partner and lower-grading contractors (5CE, 6CE or 7CE) as the targeted joint-venture partners.  

As a result of the Government’s preferential procurement regulations, which became effective on 1 April 2017, contracts above R30m require 30% of the value of the contract to be subcontracted. SANRAL has adjusted its procurement strategy to comply with these regulations.  

In future, smaller contractors will benefit from SANRAL’s projects through subcontracting. In terms of job creation, main contractors are required to allocate 6% of the value of work to the employment of local labour.  

Importantly, part of the contract between SANRAL and the main contractors is that there will be training provided to everyone recruited for its projects.  

HOW IMPORTANT ARE ROADS TO THE NORTH WEST ECONOMY?  

Road infrastructure plays a huge role in the national economy.  

The economy of the North West is driven specifically by mining activity in Rustenburg, Brits and Matlosana; agricultural activity, which is mainly in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality and tourism. Our roads are conduits to export markets.  

HOW DO I BRING ROAD CONDITIONS TO SANRAL’s ATTENTION?  

All SANRAL-managed roads have road signs that display contact numbers and details on how and where reports on road conditions can be made. Alternatively, SANRAL’s Northern Region Office can be contacted during office hours on 012-426-6200. 

Roadworks between Montrose and Schagen progressing well

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In line with TRAC’s commitment to the communities along the route, the project is benefiting the local community with 36 locals employed at the site.   

However, given the tricky topography of the road at this section, lane deviations and Stop/Gos have been put into place, which has impacted traffic flow and compromised safety.  

The rehabilitation project between Montrose and Schagen on the N4 Toll Route is quickly reaching the halfway mark, with 48% of the roadworks officially complete. 

The R100-million project near Mbombela (Nelspruit) commenced in May this year and will see 11km of Section 7A rehabilitated.  

Roadworks, which were estimated to last 14 months, include the rehabilitation of the existing slow lane and overlaying of the entire carriageway.  

According to the main contractor, Tau Pele, the project is running smoothly with no major delays or complications experienced thus far.  

However, given the tricky topography of the road at this section, lane deviations and Stop/Gos have been put into place, which has impacted traffic flow and compromised safety.  

Safety concerns stem from a lack of compliance by road users with road construction warning signs and speed restrictions. Both Tau Pele and Trans African Concessions (TRAC) urge road users to obey these for their own safety and the safety of others. 

In line with TRAC’s commitment to the communities along the route, the project is benefiting the local community with 36 locals employed at the site.  

In addition, the subcontractor value for local SMMEs is valued at R12-million.   

Given the traffic accommodations in place, road users should expect delays..  

Members of the public are urged to visit TRAC’s website, www.tracn4.co.za, for regular updates and to plan their trips accordingly.  

Road users can also follow us on Twitter, @TRACN4route, for real-time notifications. 

TRAC prides itself on offering quality road infrastructure, which requires regular upgrades, rehabilitation and routine maintenance. 

Surveying by SANRAL reveals that the second-highest waterfall in South Africa is in the Eastern Cape

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The Pondoland Wild Coast area contains several spectacular waterfalls, including the well-known 142m Magwa Falls and the 60m Waterfall Bluff. 

The high local rainfall means that, unlike the Tugela Falls, the Ntentule Falls are usually flowing and visible all year round, and not only after heavy rains. 

South Africa’s second–highest waterfall is in the Eastern Cape. This is the professional opinion of surveyors and engineers working on SANRAL’s N2 Wild Coast Road’s Msikaba Mega Bridge site near Lusikisiki. 

Until the N2 Wild Coast Road project, very little was known about the Ntentule Falls on the Mateku River 20km east of Lusikisiki.

Surveying done by SANRAL reveals that the height of the falls is 175metres.  

This places Ntentule Falls second after the country’s highest waterfall, the Tugela Falls (947m) in the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal.  

Elands River Falls in Mpumalanga becomes the third–highest waterfall (150m) in South Africa after Ntentule. 

Waterfalls in Pondoland

SANRAL project leader for the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) greenfield section, Craig McLachlan, explained that the Pondoland Wild Coast area contains several spectacular waterfalls, including the well-known 142m Magwa Falls and the 60m Waterfall Bluff.

“When various internet searches failed to provide much information about the waterfall on the Mateku River close to the site where the new Msikaba gorge mega bridge is being built, I requested the engineer’s site surveyor to measure the height of the falls.

“When the answer came back that the falls are 175,4m high I realised that the little known Ntentule Falls, as it is called locally, is the second–highest waterfall in South Africa – higher than the 150m Elands River Falls in Mpumalanga,” said McLachlan.

The high local rainfall means that, unlike the Tugela Falls, the Ntentule Falls are usually flowing and visible all year round, and not only after heavy rains.

The top half of the falls will in fact be visible directly from the new N2WCR, while a short-surfaced detour will bring visitors to the top of the falls with a spectacular view over the falls, the nearby Msikaba gorge and the new Msikaba cable stay bridge.

“There is something deeply spiritual or mystical evoked by waterfalls and we believe that a Wild Coast ‘waterfall route’ could be a great added tourism attraction,” said McLachlan.

“Over the next few years SANRAL will be working with provincial, municipal, traditional and local stakeholders to help develop a sustainable, conventional, adventure and eco-tourism legacy once the new N2WCR is opened,” said McLachlan. 

Unlocking economic growth

The N2WCR project is a significant economic investment by government to stimulate economic growth in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces.

It is a key Strategic Integrated Project (SIP 3: South Eastern node and corridor development) endorsed by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC).

The project will unlock tourism and agriculture opportunities for the people of Pondoland.  

Over 8000 full-time equivalent direct jobs and 16-18 000 indirect jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project.

There will be nine major construction projects over the 112km road; including the two mega bridges (Msikaba and Mtentu).

The project provides a major opportunity for the development of local targeted enterprises (SMMEs).  

Over 30% of the project spend – over R2.8bn  – will be directed to SMME contractors and suppliers.  

The bulk of this (over R1.8bn) is expected to flow to SMMEs from OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo Districts, particularly those from Port St Johns, Ingquza Hill and Mbizana local municipalities. 

Discounted toll voucher for GTR participants

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The voucher, which must be handed to the toll collector when passing through the plaza, will only be valid during the road closure and is only applicable to motorists who pay cash.   

Road users are advised that traffic disruptions may occur on or towards the N4 Toll Route, due to the closure of the R555 for the duration of race,

Trans African Concessions (TRAC) is again supporting the annual Rotary Greatest Train Race (GTR), which takes place this year on Saturday, August 24.  

One of TRAC’s biggest contributions to the 2019 race is the special concession that it is offering to Class 1 vehicles at the Middelburg Toll Plaza, during the closure of the R555 between eMalahleni and Middelburg, for the staging of the race. 

Qualifying motorists, who will be diverted by marshals and traffic officials onto the N4 between 05:00 and 14:00 on race day, will be given a unique voucher that grants them a discounted rate of R24.00 (instead of R62.00) at the Middelburg Plaza.  

The voucher, which must be handed to the toll collector when passing through the plaza, will only be valid during the road closure and is only applicable to motorists who pay cash.  

No other forms of payment, including electronic tag payments or GTR permits, will qualify for the discounted tariff. 

TRAC vouchers will be available from TRAC marshals at the following locations: 

eMalahleni 

  • Corner of OR Tambo and Voortrekker Road (at the Sasol Garage) 
  • N4 off-ramp towards Middelburg, at the Ridge Casino 

Middelburg 

  • T-junction at Van Dyksdrift Road 
  • Four-way stop at the R555 weighbridge

TRAC Marshals will also be at the designated parking zones to direct and manage traffic.  Road users are advised that traffic disruptions may occur on or towards the N4 Toll Route, due to the closure of the R555 for the duration of race, however this will be temporary and road users are urged to be patient. 

The GTR is a charity road running event, organised by the local rotary club, to raise funds for the less fortunate while having fun at the same time.  

As the GTR creates a platform for the public to join forces to create change and bring relief to those in need, it fits well within TRAC’s corporate social investment responsibilities. 

TRAC’s 24-hour Helpdesk will be available to assist road users with queries and information relating to the N4 Toll Route and the special concession, throughout the event.  

The fully operational call centre can be reached on 0800 87 22 64 or 082 881 4444 or via the Live Chat feature on our newly launched website at www.tracn4.co.za. 

KwaZulu-Natal to see major road infrastructure investment

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Investments in roads infrastructure upgrades, especially in rural and underdeveloped communities, provides an opportunity for generating economic growth and alleviating poverty. 

Aerial view of construction works on the N2.

Tenders to the value of R8.3-billion for construction work in KwaZulu-Natal will be issued within the current financial year as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

This will include seven major tenders on the N3 which will go out in the next three months once the regulatory approvals have been received and land acquisition finalised. 

This massive programme that will stretch over several years will increase road safety, ease traffic flows as well as access to and from industrial areas between these two major cities in KwaZulu-Natal. 

It is part of a R40-billion two to three-year investment programme by the road’s agency. 

Looking at a bigger picture for the N3 and N2 upgrades, a total of 12 projects is expected to create more than 23 500 direct job opportunities.  

The programme will take 8 to 10 years to be completed. 

Locals benefit 

Direct job opportunities are actual individuals per ID number on site based on SANRAL averages over time of 262 jobs per R100-million project value.  

In the case of community projects, of which two (consisting of multiple packages) are planned in the province, 290 jobs on average. 

“This excludes SANRAL’s continuous routine road maintenance as part of our robust preventative maintenance strategy aimed at taking care of the road assets we have,” said Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s Eastern Region manager. 

Treasury has allocated about R21.5-billion per year for the maintenance and improvement of SANRAL’s 19 262km non-toll network, including the national road network in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The SANRAL network forms the backbone of the country’s transport system the country depends heavily on road transport for the movement of 94% of all people and 87% of all goods in the country.  

The national road network serves as a catalyst for balanced economic growth, business confidence, investment and the transformation of society. 

Transforming the industry 

A growing share of contracts will be allocated to black-owned construction companies and enterprises owned by women, the youth and the disabled.  

In its long-term vision, Horizon 2030, SANRAL committed itself to the transformation of the construction and engineering sectors through the allocation of tenders to new entrants in these sectors. 

Over the past six months SANRAL has brokered memorandums of understanding between emerging companies and major suppliers of construction equipment and machinery.  

These partnerships give black-owned companies greater access to financing, expertise and the sophisticated equipment required to tender for larger contracts. 

Dumisani Nkabinde, Regional Manager of SANRAL Eastern region, said: “The upgrades are part of Government’s rollout of Strategic Infrastructure Projects in line with the National Development Plan, specifically the Strategic Integrated Projects, of which the N2 and N3 upgrades are within the SIP2 program.   

“The N3 upgrades will solve bottlenecks between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Daily, the N3’s traffic consists of a minimum of 45 000 vehicles a day. If the N3 is not upgraded, the potential loss we as South Africans will face is R1 billion per annum.” 

More than roads 

Back in 2015, the economic study undertaken as part of SIP revealed that closure of the N3 was estimated to cost the economy between R250 000 and R300 000 per hour. 

“Therefore, the N2 and N3 are not just roads – they are the epitome of empowerment and are essentially South Africa’s lifelines for the transportation of freight from Durban to Gauteng, the economic hub of the country,” said Nkabinde. 

Nkabinde concluded that investment in roads infrastructure upgrades, especially in rural and underdeveloped communities, provides an opportunity for generating economic growth, alleviating poverty, reducing the scourge of inequality and increasing international competitiveness. 

N12 Bridge over Orange River – the next 50 years

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In line with SANRAL’s transformation policy, of the R100-million budget for this project, R20-million was earmarked for SMME development. 

The success of this project has been a huge team effort.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) is incredibly proud of two refurbished bridges over the Orange River on the N12 outside Hopetown, which have earlier this year come into full operation.  

Construction started in 2016 and notwithstanding some challenges along the way, some of which include working under live traffic conditions, the project was successfully completed. 

Fanie Swanepoel, resident engineer explained that what was once a 9,3m wide, single carriageway bridge, with a pedestrian sidewalk without hand rails, is now an impressive structural masterpiece with a width of 15,4m, significantly increasing the capacity of the N12 as a major industrial and commercial artery between the Northern Cape and particularly the Western Cape. 

Tiago Massingue, SANRAL Project Manager, said: “Building piers for a 12-span bridge into the Orange River was no walk in the park. We had to time our work carefully, taking seasonal rainfall, the strength of the river, environmental regulations and most importantly, the safety of the workers into account every step of the way.” 

SMMEs benefit 

In line with SANRAL’s transformation policy, of the R100-million budget for this project, R20-million was earmarked for SMME development, which not only created a platform for economic growth of small businesses in the surrounding areas, but directly impacted job creation for the locals. 

Abraham Swartz from Hopetown, one of the subcontractors on this project, is incredibly proud of the 10 residents he was able to give gainful employment to.   

“I too have learnt so much from the main contractor, particularly regarding safety practices on site. It was my first time working on a project of this magnitude and I am grateful to SANRAL for giving us small businesses the opportunity to work alongside the big contractors and be capacitated for long-term sustainability,” said Swartz. 

These bridges have been serving the South African Road user and communities for well over 50-years.  

Swartz added that the success of this project has been a huge team effort and he is humbled to have led the team through the many challenges, to finally being able to see the end of the road.  

“We hope that these bridges will serve road users for another 50-years and that the skills transfer and knowledge sharing that has been such a key component of our commitment to the local community, will stand them in good stead as they pursue further developmental opportunities,” concluded Massingue. 

Road improvement uplifts youth, community and business

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Through its transformation policy, SANRAL has been working to reshape the construction and engineering sector by setting targets for the participation of black contractors, suppliers and professionals in all projects commissioned. 

Progress Hlahla, the Regional Manager of SANRAL’s Northern Region, said it was SANRAL’s goal, as with all of their projects, to go beyond roads.

More than 330 residents, mostly youth, have been employed and some 30 provided with generic, engineering and entrepreneurial skills training since the commencement of the R505 Wolmaransstad to Jakkalsfontein N14 project.  

“We have also made a concerted effort to empower SMMEs from the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Kenneth Kaunda municipalities by involving them in various parts of the project,” said Progress Hlahla, the Regional Manager of SANRAL’s Northern Region.  

“It was our goal, as with all of our projects, to go beyond roads and we are proud of what we continue to achieve in this regard.”  

Youth made up 71% of all labour employed on the project, a considerable number in view of South Africa’s youth unemployment figures.  

Statistics South Africa reported that more than one in every three young people did not have a job in the first quarter of 2019.  

Transforming industries 

Through its transformation policy, SANRAL has been working to reshape the construction and engineering sector by setting targets for the participation of black contractors, suppliers and professionals in all projects commissioned by SANRAL.  

Over R49-million has been spent on black-owned SMMEs to date, with more to be allocated as the project progresses.  

Speaking on how this project has directly uplifted small businesses and employees locally, Hlahla said: “Our approach is to facilitate the training of emerging contractors to enable them to achieve higher gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board. This gives them a better footing to participate in major construction tenders in future. Primary contractors who tender for SANRAL work must submit their own transformation and training policies to ensure that the benefit is also extended to their employees.”   

The agency embarked on the R571–million project to upgrade the important north-south link connecting the N12 and N14 national roads in the North West in November 2016.  

The improvements, which include the resurfacing of 91km of the R505, repair of pavements, reshaping of open side drains, replacement of existing fencing and the installation of new guardrails at major culverts, is estimated to reach completion later in 2019.