Agency received its 15th successive unqualified audit while playing a defining role in the construction and engineering sector in the past financial year.
Transport Minister, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande, highlighted the fact that SANRAL exceeded its target for expenditure on work done by black-owned SMMEs and contractors.
Transport Minister Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande commended the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) for its performance and contributions towards creating a safe road transport network, while extending opportunities for black-owned enterprises to participate in construction projects.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of SANRAL in Kempton Park, Dr Nzimande referred to improvements in the agency’s overall performance, a decrease in expenditure and positive revenue patterns that grew by more than R2.3-billion in the past financial year.
In this period SANRAL received its 15th successive unqualified audit opinion.
Dr Nzimande raised a concern about the agency’s irregular expenditure, saying: “One critical concern I have is the irregular expenditure which is sitting at R346,649-million, mainly as a result of SCM policies not being adhered to. This needs to be addressed urgently.”
Creating opportunities
He added: “I am extremely excited about the role SANRAL continues to play in providing road infrastructure and creating opportunities for the South African economy.”
He highlighted the fact that SANRAL exceeded its target for expenditure on work done by black-owned SMMEs and contractors. “It is good to see we are excelling in this area.”
He urged the agency to attain gender parity in job creation and increase the number of scholarships to deserving students.
Dr Nzimande called on the Board of SANRAL to embrace opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and produce more jobs through the enhanced use of technology. As an engineering and project management company SANRAL must maximise the capacity and resources at its disposal.
Future road planning
Regarding future road planning, Dr Nzimande said there is a need to strike a balance between new commissioned road projects and the maintenance of existing roads.
He said: “It is of critical importance to develop mechanisms to assist provinces and municipalities with the function of providing access roads.
“National government is to give greater technical support to provinces and municipalities, which will enable them to provide and maintain road infrastructure for rural communities and the poor.”
Dr Nzimande added that the national road infrastructure is not only important for South Africa but also for the rest of the SADC region and the entire African continent.
The Trans-Kalahari Corridor, which links South Africa to Botswana and Namibia is of vital importance, and SANRAL must optimise its investment in the route and take advantage of the opportunities that are created.
He also envisaged a gradual shift from road to rail for freight transport to reduce the heavy load on the country’s roads.
“This will allow us to channel budget from road maintenance to building access roads,” Dr Nzimande said.
SMMEs, their owners and employees benefit from the exposure of being involved in a major construction project.
Kholeka Motolwana’s greatest pleasure is being able to provide employment for others.
Kholeka Motolwana cannot hide the joy and satisfaction she derives from having given a lifeline to the more than 15 people employed at her construction company who are working on the R61 All Saints Baziya road project in Eastern Cape.
Motolwana is a director of Southern Ambition 313, which started work on the project in the middle of 2016.
Initially her core work on the project was fencing, but she has now acquired other skills that have enabled her company to take on more responsibility.
“I have learnt a lot. I got exposed to machinery that I was never exposed to before. I also learnt the terminology and gained experience. It gives me pleasure to be involved in this industry because we have always thought that this was only meant for men,” she said.
Her greatest pleasure is being able to create jobs.
“Some of the people I work with had been retrenched in places as far away as Cape Town and Joburg, and they were forced to return home to here in the Eastern Cape,” said Motolwana.
“Some of them are semi-skilled and some of them are very good artisans. Now that I have employed them, they are able to put food on the table. It makes me feel good to be able to help people.”
Growth of SMMEs
The sentiment also rings true for Khanyisa Okuhle Nwelende, Director of Seriti sa Basotho Trading Projects, which is building concrete line drains on the same project. He started work in April 2016 and now employs 22 people.
He worked for a building contractor for four years before deciding to start Seriti sa Basotho and tendered for this project.
Nwelende said: “I’m turning 28 this year. I really think it is very important for the youth to be part of this project because if you start while you are young you gain more experience. So, as your company grows, you also grow with it in terms of experience.
“I’m very proud of our achievements. Firstly, the company was on grade 1 on the CIDB when we started and we are now a grade 4. Secondly, the company itself has grown. We now own a bakkie and a truck that we managed to get through doing this project.”
Nwelende added that the workers have also benefitted as they are able to build themselves houses and assist their families.
Thembinkosi Ngxangane of Ezakuthi Civil and Construction, which employs 15 people, started in January 2017 and was sub-contracted for the toe drain and grass box work.
Ngxangane said: “On this project my company was able to benefit a lot because we were nothing before, but now, we can do things for ourselves, especially with the 12% requirement of the local SMMEs share that SANRAL has given to us.
“I can say my company has benefited plus-minus 2.5% because the SMME share in this project is R42-million. So, the work I’ve done already is around R1.2-million, which is around 1.5% out of the subcontractors on the project.”
Ngxangane hopes that working on the project will help him to be able to invest in machinery, which would help his company grow and secure bigger contracts.
“In this industry the one thing I have noticed is that many companies invest in is machinery. This would make my business very lucrative if I went this route. I have also seen that even when there is a new contract, the SMMEs who earn the most are the ones who come into the project with their own machinery,” he said.
Positive results of the project
Ngxangane said even though the project is not yet complete, they have already begun to see positive results of their work.
“Our road was a high accident zone previously. When SANRAL explained their design to us, we saw it as one that would work and really help decrease the high accident rate.”
Ngxangane said there were a lot of steep hills on the road, which led to many collisions. But with the new design the number of steep roads has been reduced, leading to a better flow of traffic.
“Our roads were very narrow, and they have now been widened and have clear markings,” he said.
The new bridge built over the great river Mbashe has also made traffic flow easier and is safer for pedestrians as it has walk ways and secure railings.
Motolwane said working on the project was a good learning curve and they were helped by SANRAL’s support in providing engineers who assisted and guided them through the work.
“I would like to thank SANRAL very much for the opportunity they have given us. There are meetings that SANRAL sits in on and check how we are doing, and those meetings help us a lot. As a local in this area I have noticed that the roads are much safer now compared to before. There used to be a lot of accidents on the road, but now the road is wider, and we are very grateful for that,” she said.
SANRAL’s community project will improve mobility between two villages and enhance road safety.
SANRAL stakeholder engagement manager Siphiwo Mike Mxhosa addressed participants during a workshop at Sigidi Junior Primary School, in August.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has rolled out a 24-month community development project in the Sigidi and Mahaha villages in the Eastern Cape.
Fezekile Duze, SANRAL Southern Region Project Manager, said: “The aim of the project is to improve mobility between the two villages, enhance road safety for local traffic and non-motorised traffic, and enhance access of local communities to the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) to facilitate socio-economic development.”
Learner Sub-contractors
SANRAL has appointed a training service provider tasked primarily to train, mentor and develop “Learner Sub-contractors”.
Following stakeholder consultation and a candidate selection process, 10 local learner SMMEs from the two villages have been appointed to construct a 10km access gravel road to a surfaced road.
“Phase one of the project included classroom training, while phase two includes the construction of a 10km community access road. The 24-month training programme will provide a full learnership programme, accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), which will provide the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 2, 3, and 4 training,” said Duze.
Theoretical training was held over a three-month period at the Sigidi Junior Primary School.
Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region Manager, said: “We catered for 50% women-owned and 30% youth-owned SMMEs on this project. The majority of SMMEs are registered as CIDB level 1 CEPE, while two SMMEs are registered as CIDB Level 3 CEPE. We aim to have the CIDB Level 1CEPE SMMEs upgrade to level 3 CEPE once the project is completed.
“Once the access road has been completed, the school yard will be upgraded with a concrete walkway and an upgraded parking area.”
Peterson added that 10 FET college students would also assist SMMEs with financial administration and management while they work on the project.
A Public Liaison Committee (PLC) and Public Liaison Officer (PLO) from both villages were appointed earlier this year.
Changing lives
Mzandile Yebeni of Sophaphela General Trading is registered as a CIDB Level 1 CEPE. He is from Mahaha village and commutes 16km daily to and from classes.
As a married man and father of seven children, he finds it difficult being unemployed and occasionally works in the catering industry.
“Once I am finished working on this project, I hope to get work elsewhere on other projects. I would like to tender for other work at municipalities as well. I am happy to be part of this programme. I only have a matric and once I have completed my training, I will have an NQF qualification. Due to a lack of money I could not further my education. I have always liked the construction industry and look forward to JV with someone on a project,” said Yebeni.
Nwabisa Dlamini of Sigidi Development is registered as a CIDB level 1 CEPE. Dlamini is from the village of village, is married and has two children.
Before participating in the SANRAL project, Dlamini was self-employed farming sweet potatoes, mielies and other vegetables.
“I used to sell my produce to markets to earn an income. Through this project I have gained knowledge on the construction industry and once completed I want to apply for other jobs on other projects. I am proud to be part of this course,” said Dlamini.
Zanele Mbuthuma is a single mother to an 11-year-old son. Prior to working on the project, Mbuthuma was studying towards a Diploma in Education and Development.
“My goal is to do a good job on this project. This will be good for the community,” said Mbuthuma.
Agency to ensure road network in the province continues to play vital role in economic development in the province.
At the heart of every productive economy lies strong infrastructure networks. Road infrastructure is one of the most important of these as it provides access to a host of opportunities, including jobs, education and health care facilities.
In its role as a key agency in the delivery of the country’s massive investment in economic infrastructure, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) will invest approximately R10-billion in Mpumalanga in the short to medium term budgeting framework (5–10 years).
Mpumalanga is one of South Africa’s major tourist destinations with attractions such as the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, which is home to over 70 species of wildlife, including three of the big five – buffalo, leopard and white rhino.
There is also an abundance of coal and agricultural produce, which is transported daily via the provincial road network.
At the heart of every productive economy lies strong infrastructure networks. Road infrastructure is one of the most important of these as it provides access to a host of opportunities, including jobs, education and health care facilities.
Progress Hlahla, Regional Manager SANRAL northern region, said: “Roads are crucial for the provincial economy as they are the arteries connecting the economic hubs of the province to each other and to the rest of the country. Roads provide access and enable the wheels of commerce to keep turning by facilitating the transportation of goods from one destination to another.”
Taking SANRAL to the people
Some projects currently under construction in the province include the N11 from Hendrina to Hendrina Power station. This R275 million project is rehabilitating the route by strengthening the existing pavement and introducing new features to make it safer for motorists.
The upgrading of the R573 Moloto Road, which runs through three provinces – Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo – has also started. National Treasury has set aside about R3-billion for the Mpumalanga and Limpopo sections. The allocation will be determined by the scope of work and the engineering interventions required for each province.
The Gauteng section will be funded by the Gauteng provincial government.
Other projects have included: the improvement of the R570 N4 to Jeppes Reef, worth R984-million, to rehabilitate existing pavement layers, upgrade storm-water drainage and construct new climbing lanes to cater for the increasing traffic; and the R404-million rehabilitation of the N11 Middleburg to Loskopdam. Both projects have been completed.
The success of the projects can be attributed to the existing good relations and partnership with the provincial government.
“SANRAL enjoys cordial relationships with the province and municipalities and continues to actively engage with them through platforms such as the ‘Taking SANRAL to the people’ initiative. We continue to partner with the local and provincial spheres of government in the implementation of projects,” said Hlahla.
Several projects are still planned for the province, including:
N17 from Chrissiemeer to KM 85
N17 from KM 85 to Oshoek
R37 from KM 50 to Lydenburg
R555 from Emalahleni to Middlemen
N2 from KZN Border to Piet Retief
N2 from Piet Retief to Ermelo
SANRAL looks forward to partnering with all stakeholders in the delivery of projects in the province and continues to pursue its transformation agenda to ensure the meaningful participation of SMMES in its projects.
New programmes are being rolled out as SANRAL positions itself to play a defining role in the construction and engineering sector.
In the past year SANRAL issued a total of 60 new contracts to the value of R4.9-billion for road construction.
The value of the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) to the South African economy through the provision and maintenance of a world-class primary road network will continue to grow with new infrastructure programmes being rolled out.
Skhumbuzo Macozoma, SANRAL CEO, said: “We are well-positioned to play a defining role in the construction and engineering sector through our tender processes and the imminent completion of major projects that will help to grow both South Africa’s and the regional economy.”
Integrated Report presented
SANRAL’s Integrated Report for 2017/18 was presented to Parliament, and reflected the achievements and challenges of the agency, which is responsible for the management of the 22 000km national road network.
Revenue from non-toll operations – which comprise 87% of SANRAL’s business – grew by 4% to R9-billion. Non-toll operations are funded entirely by the fiscus through an allocation from the Department of Transport.
The revenue from conventional toll roads increased by 12.4% following a tariff adjustment in line with consumer price inflation and a 6.5% growth in traffic volumes.
Revenue from the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) decreased by 4.83% year on year. During the financial year SANRAL received an amount of R463.5-million from the government as a GFIP grant and a further R1.9-billion was transferred from the non-toll grant to address the shortfall resulting from low toll tariff payments.
Macozoma said government’s commitment to the formulation of a comprehensive national policy on tolling will provide certainty about the future of toll roads and on the future funding model for the construction and maintenance of the national road network.
In the past year SANRAL issued a total of 60 new contracts to the value of R4.9-billion for road construction.
This was significantly lower than in 2016/17 because of technical interpretations of new Treasury procurement regulations, which delayed the issuing on new contracts.
“These issues have now been resolved and we have already awarded more than 50 new contracts since July,” said Macozoma.
“Our tender decisions have an impact on the engineering and construction sectors, and have wider implications for emerging enterprises, black-owned companies and start-ups that form part of the supply chains of larger engineering companies.”
Among the new contracts that were awarded in 2017/18 were:
The construction of a mega bridge across the Mtentu Gorge. It is one of two mega bridges that form part of the N2 Wild Coast Highway, which will contribute to economic growth and job creation in some of the most impoverished districts of the country.
A R115-million project to extend the road network and improve road safety near Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
The improvement of three intersections near Olifantshoek and Kathu on the N14.
Projects completed during the year include the widening of the R24 near Rustenburg, the realignment of the N7 near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape and a R567-million project to improve the N4 in Mpumalanga.
SANRAL and transformation
Macozoma said SANRAL strengthened its commitment to job creation, empowerment and the growth of black-owned enterprises with the adoption of a new Transformation Policy.
The aim is to grow the share of work done by black-owned contractors beyond the statutory threshold, and to increase the participation of enterprises owned by women and the youth in the construction industry.
Contracts to the value of more than R3-billion were awarded for road rehabilitation and maintenance projects – of which about 60% went to black-owned SMMEs. More than 3600 work opportunities were created – with some 57% of these positions filled by men and women under the age of 35.
SANRAL’s expenditure on community development projects grew by 42% to a combined value of R367-million. These include training and skills development programmes that enable workers to improve their future job prospects.
The agency has received an unqualified audit report from the Auditor General for the 15th year in a row.
There was no fruitless or wasteful expenditure reported, although irregular expenditure to the value of R346-million was identified. The bulk of this can be attributed to the awarding of contracts that were not advertised for at least five working days.
Macozoma said the Integrated Report highlights the quality of governance at SANRAL and its adherence to the standards set in the King IV guidelines.
“The entire construction industry has endured a very tough year because of the economic slowdown. However, we are uniquely positioned to play a role in the new infrastructure initiatives announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa and are looking forward to contributing to an uptake in activities in the engineering and construction sectors,” he said.
Planned road infrastructure developments will create skills training and the development of local labourers in the Eastern Cape.
Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region Stakeholder Relations Coordinator (left) and Thandiswa Nqunqa, SANRAL Southern Region SMME coordinator addressed SMMEs during the agency’s roadshow held in Aliwal North.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) revealed its upcoming road infrastructure development projects for the road network within the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
These were announced at its Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Roadshow held at the Limakatso Conference Centre in Aliwal North recently.
The engagement session attracted more than 200 guests, consisting of stakeholders from the business fraternity, Local Government, Sector Departments, Engineering Consultants, Contractors, SMMEs, Project Managers and Project Liaison Officers (PLOs).
SANRAL in the Eastern Cape
SANRAL manages a road network of 4 950km in the Eastern Cape. This is 22% of its total 22 190km of national road network.
Since 2009, SANRAL has injected R33.3-billion into the Eastern Cape’s road network. Of this, R11.7-billion was allocated for the past two financial years and R5-billion for 2017/18.
The roads agency has over 160 projects lined up in the province for the next three financial years (18/19, 19/20 & 20/21). These projects are in the initiation, design and construction stages.
One of the Southern Region’s top 10 CAPEX projects for the 2018/19 financial year is situated within the Joe Gqabi District Municipality in the Elundini Local Municipality.
This project entails the upgrading of the R56 from Indwe through the towns of Ugie and Elliot to Maclear. The project commenced in February 2016 and is nearing completion. The completion date was extended from August 2018.
Gideon Machethe, SANRAL Southern Region Project Manager, said: “The highlights of projects, current and upcoming in the district municipality are the employment opportunities that will be created for locals.”
Machethe added that the projects will create skills training and development of local labourers and will accelerate the CIDB upgrading for local SMMEs.
SANRAL projects in the planning, design and construction phases in the Joe Gqabi District include:
R56 Indwe to Maclear (through Elliot and Ugie) – the project is nearing completion
R58 Aliwal North to Lady Grey – the project is in the design phase
R58 Lady Grey to Barkly East slope 2 – in design phase
R56 Steynsburg (km 0) to Molteno (km 57.9) – in planning phase
N6 portion from Jamestown boundary to Aliwal North (Routine Road Maintenance)
N6 Jamestown (km 0) to Nek (km 14) – at award stage
N6 Orange River Bridge in Aliwal North – in planning stage
R391 – R56 Intersection to Burgersdorp (Special Maintenance) – construction stage
“SMMEs are the engine of the economy”
Representing the Executive Mayor of the District, Cllr Dumisani Mvumvu, a Joe Gqabi District Municipality Mayoral Committee Member and Portfolio Head of Community Services, encouraged SMMEs to grow.
Mvumvu said: “The world is confronted with poor growth economic development and recession. These impact on job creation and the ever-increasing youth unemployment. South Africa is not immune to these realities.
“Studies revealed that the SMMEs are considered the engine of economic growth all over the world. Economists discovered that in Africa, SMMEs in countries like Ghana and South Africa have a huge impact in economic development and job creation.”
Mvumvu added that as a district they appreciate the efforts by SANRAL to build capacity and share expertise with their contractors.
“We also wish to commend SANRAL for supporting government’s call to ensure that 30% of the total expenditure in a project goes to the local contractors,” Mvumvu said.
SMMEs present appreciated the engagement and requested SANRAL to have follow-up engagements.
Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, presented the agency’s Horizon 2030 strategy and its transformation agenda, which seeks to transform the construction sector to be more inclusive.
She cautioned SMMEs against the trend of demanding projects be ringfenced for wards as this would be shooting themselves in the foot as it would translate to SMMEs only being able to work on projects within their wards and would take a long time to upgrade to a higher grading.
Ringfencing or setting aside projects for wards or forums is illegal and against procurement legislation, Ndika said.
She also said that project disruptions, office invasions, threats to staff and damage to property are not only a threat to project completion because of delays, but they lead to cost overruns and infrastructure delivery paralysis.
Ndika said: “SANRAL recognises the clear and present risk of continued lack of inclusion of black business in SANRAL contracts, the result is socio-economic and socio-political instability.”
She added that SANRAL does not intend to destroy the large construction sector. It is not the intention of the Transformation Policy to reduce standards, compromise quality and erode technical excellence in roads delivery.
Speaking on challenges faced by SMMEs in SANRAL projects, Vanda Nqunqa, SMME Coordinator for SANRAL Southern Region, said she was available to assist to ensure that issues raised by SMMEs were speedily addressed and resolved.
Athenkosi Mpayipheli, from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), explained the role of the ECDC and how it can assist SMMEs.
He elaborated on the various loan options available to SMMEs but highlighted that there was a need to change the current system where subcontractors are paid by the main contractor.
He said the delay in payments affects the SMME’s cashflow and can have a debilitating effect on their operations.
A learnership from SANRAL turned a former domestic worker’s life around.
Nontembeko is now the owner of Cambeni Construction Company, which is contracted to do work on the R61 near Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape.
Nontembeko Khenku was struggling to make ends meet as a domestic worker when she came across a newspaper advert for a learnership by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL).
Her life has changed forever. “I’ve learnt how to build access roads, sidewalks and general construction skills. Women must get up, be determined and do it for themselves. They must not be scared simply because it’s a male-dominated industry. Women can also work in construction if they are determined to do so,” said Khenku.
After her application was successful, she underwent a gruelling two-year learnership that helped her make inroads into the tough world of road construction.
Khenku is now the owner of Cambeni Construction Company, which is contracted to do work on the R61 near Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape.
“I started in August last year. I am a supervisor and we build sidewalks. This will help reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians walking on and crossing the road,” she said.
She now has a level 4 certificate and is proud to own an independent SMME that currently employs eight people.
“In the next five years I’d like to see my company grow from grade 5. It makes me very happy to employ so many people as this helps get rid of poverty,” said Khenku.
Women in construction
Khenku said while women face unique challenges in accessing a previously male-dominated sector like construction, there is absolutely nothing that stops them from making a success in this field.
Being a woman making her mark in this field initially presented challenges in terms of the attitude of some men who doubted she could deliver because of her gender.
“But because I have the skills, I coped very well by using my capabilities. Then they realised that women can indeed do this job,” she said.
Her success in the field of work has also translated into an improvement in her family life.
“I can stand on my own now. I can do quite a lot of things for myself. My family depends on me and we are now a family that is living well,” said Khenku.
The project has also changed the lives of labourers such as Bulelwa Ndabeni, who was previously unemployed.
“I have learnt on the job. I have never worked before and I started working here last week. I’m still very new here. I want to see myself succeed and moving forward in life with the work that I’m doing,” said Ndabeni.
“This is my first job ever. The ward committee said I must submit my documents and apply, and that is how I got the job. Working here will change my life as I was a struggling parent and now all my needs and wants will be met as I’m employed. I would say to women who are looking for work that they should come and work here on the roads – it really isn’t that hard.”
She thanked SANRAL for the opportunity and said she wished the agency can help by giving more work to SMMEs to create jobs.
Locals are safer and can connect easier with the completion of access roads in Lusikisiki.
Residents can now travel safer between two municipal wards in Lusikisiki thanks to the completion of access roads and haul routes.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has completed community access roads and haul routes increasing safety for pedestrians and motorists travelling between two villages in Lusikisiki.
The completed roads also connect two municipal wards and traditional areas managed by two Chiefs.
SANRAL’s 24-month project provided training for 11 SMMEs and 11 supervisors of which 73% were youth-owned SMMEs and 36% were women-owned SMMEs.
In addition, 165 jobs were created, and training was given to 165 employees, who were subsequently awarded NQF Level 2 certificates.
Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region Manager, said: “This project forms part of SANRAL’s Community Development Programme, which promotes safe movement for all road users, as well as community mobility through infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements.
“The new road network – three separate but connected roads – will allow the community to travel safely from the rural areas to the interchange of the future N2 Wild Coast Road.”
The project
Old gravel roads and earth tracks were upgraded. The scope of work included the construction of 4.5-km of cape seal-surfaced road with concrete at sections with steep gradients; building v-drains; manufacturing kerbs and bollards; construction of box culverts; and upgrading access and parking area at two schools and an FET College.
The road passes two large, well-established schools. Access by vehicle as well as safer pedestrian traffic will be offered by the new road and sidewalks.
SMMEs with catering businesses also benefitted from the project and the structure that was built for training is now being used by the community and schools.
“The group of trainee contractors are all keen and should develop into future potential contractors,” said Gcobani Socenywa, SANRAL Southern Region project manager.
The kerbs and bollards were manufactured on site. The kerbs were tested at Controlab in East London and passed the requirements for the SABS 927-1969.
Peterson said: “Passing the SABS requirements is an indication of the training and quality control on site.
“Despite the community’s initial scepticism about the project, now that it is completed they are happy about the roads.”
More community development
Further to SANRAL’s community development initiatives, former Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans were also employed as security guards on the project.
Siphelele Msindwana and Lindiwe Nokhele formed Gandundu Nkungu JV on the project and worked on a 700m section of the road.
Msindwana and Nokhele manufactured more than 3000 kerbs and more than 400 bollards, which were used on the project.
They also built v-drains and two box culverts (small bridges) that connect Mcobotini and Goso villages.
“The culverts are built at areas where the river overflows on to the road, thus making it difficult for people to cross, especially students who have to attend school. We supplied the entire programme with kerbs,” said Msindwana.
Msindwana and Nokhele look forward to growing their business.
Msindwana said: “We complement each other, and our experience will carry us forward. We hope we will upgrade to CIDB level 4 CEPE or CIDB level 5 CEPE.
“We have been tendering for work. The town is busy developing and we hope to be established business owners by then. The main challenge is competing with large, developed manufacturers.”
Andiswa Joyi and Siyanda Mredlana formed Khubega JV.
Joyi said: “At first the community did not want us to do the work, but now that the work is done they are happy with the roads.
“Before working on this project, I was unemployed. I am happy that I got an opportunity to work on this project. My goal is to work on the N2 Wild Coast project.”
Mthobeli Biyela was appointed as a public liaison officer (PLO) on 18 July 2016. He completed his N6 in Management Assistant at the Ingwe TVET College.
“Before this project I was unemployed and today I own a car and can provide for my family. We used to depend on my mother’s pension and child grant. As the PLO I was appointed to work with Chiefs, Councillors, SMMEs and communities, talking about the project and the work being done on the community access road being built in Lusikisiki,” Biyela said.
Additional training
It was not easy to find a locally qualified safety officer in Lusikisiki. SANRAL eventually found someone who ran her own safety officer business locally, although it was not registered.
Peterson said: “We assisted her in completing her application to be a registered health and safety officer with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP). We also registered her with the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH) as a technical member. This gives her access to further training, information and updates and other opportunities.
“During the project she worked on site as the safety officer under the guidance of the Safety Manager (Construction Manager on site). Four other residents also received training in health and safety.”
Peterson added that the additional aim of the project was to deliver the outcomes in such a way that as much as possible of the total economic spend on the project remained within the community and to input as many skills as possible into the community.
The Msikaba Bridge construction will begin in February 2019 after a successful tendering process.
The Msikaba Bridge will be the third-highest bridge in Africa after Bloukraans (216-metres) and the Mtentu bridge (223-metres).
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has announced that the tender for the second of two mega-bridges that are part of the N2 Wild Coast project has been awarded.
The bridge will be built near Lusikisiki over the Msikaba gorge.
Construction on the nearby Mtentu River Bridge began in January this year. Both form part of the future new N2 Wild Coast Road.
The successful bidder was Concor Mota-Engil Joint Venture – a strategic partnership between Concor – a large and majority black-owned South African civil engineering company – and Mota-Engil – a major international construction firm.
Concor brings a proven track record in the construction of major roads and bridge projects in South Africa and Africa, while Mota-Engil has experience in large-scale cable-stayed bridge projects and delivery of major civil engineering projects throughout Africa.
The construction is due to start in February 2019 and will take 33 months after an initial three-month ramp-up period starting in October 2018.
The total contract amount is approximately R1.65-billion excluding VAT.
The tender award comes after the agency announced in July 2017 it had to be re-advertised as SANRAL received no fully responsive tenders for the initial bid.
The tender was re-advertised on 3 November 2017 and closed on 11 April 2018. The long period was required due to the size and complexity of the tender.
Interesting facts and stats about the bridge:
28 000m3 of concrete;
2700-tons of structural steel;
2500-tons of cables;
Height of piers will be 127-metres;
Length of main span will be 580-metres, making it the longest main span constructed by cable-stay method in Africa and the second-longest main bridge span in Africa after the recently completed Maputo-Catembe suspension bridge in Mozambique, which has a total length of 3041-metres and a main span of 680-metres;
Back span will be approximately 130-metres;
Height of the deck will be approximately 195-metres above the valley floor. It will be the third-highest bridge in Africa after Bloukraans (216-metres) and the Mtentu bridge (223-metres).
Communities play major role in two-year project that will improve their daily lives and enhance the local economy.
Access roads in Ndwalane and Caguba villages near Port St Johns being opened to traffic.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has completed the construction of two village access roads that will ensure increased road safety and all-weather access at the R61 junction outside Port St Johns.
The project included the upgrading of a 3,24-km access track to a surfaced road – using mostly concrete due to the steep terrain – construction of an associated storm-water drainage system and speed calming humps in the Ndwalane and Caguba villages.
Not only will this provide an improved storm-water drainage system, but also safer access, thus ensuring less vehicle congestion and better mobility.
SMMEs benefit
The project included the training of 10 local Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
During the project hand-over ceremony, the 10 SMMEs and 10 supervisors that received training on the project were awarded SAQA accredited NQF Level 3 & 4 certificates.
The two-year project created opportunities for 50% women-owned SMMEs, 30% youth-owned SMMEs and jobs for 100 local individuals, who received training that resulted in them receiving SAQA accredited NQF Level 2 certificates in road construction.
Twenty-five local SMMEs that did not qualify to be part of the construction project received training in contract management and tendering for construction contracts.
Following the completion of the project it is anticipated that the following Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) upgrades will take place: four Grade 1CEs to Grade 3CE, three Grade 2CEs to 4CE and three Grade 3 CEs to Grade 5CE Contractors.
Gcobani Socenywa, project manager for SANRAL Southern Region, said: “Now that the project has been completed it will provide safe, all-weather access for all road users, as well as community mobility through infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements. The economic spend on this project remains within the community.
“The upgrading of these two access roads was done by SMMEs and not SANRAL. The upgrade will increase the safety to the R61 junction. One of the primary objectives of the programme has been to develop and train local SMMEs in various aspects of road building.”
Caring about communities
Chief Zwelethu Fono said the community welcomed SANRAL when they announced the plans to upgrade the community access tracks.
“In other communities when SANRAL wants to deliver services, there can be disagreements amongst community members. We managed to sit down with them and work together. I have been to SANRAL meetings and learned about the social responsibility, and know that SANRAL, as well as the consulting engineers on the project, NKR Consulting Engineers, care about communities,” said Fono.
Councillor Moni Xolile, acting Mayor of the Port St Johns Local Municipality, said: “I am grateful that SANRAL has contracted a black-owned company like NKR Consulting Engineers to do the ground work to train the people. You did a good job. Allocating 50% of this project to women and providing them an opportunity in a male-dominated industry is phenomenal.”
Xolile encouraged SMMEs to grow the economy. “SMMEs should come up with solutions on how to guard their economy. They must reinvest in their companies. Building material is still being outsourced. We must make our own bricks, so that when we need bricks we source them locally from the area.
“We need to have our own machinery so that when local contractors get jobs they don’t have a hard time getting the equipment. The road was not built for SANRAL or NKR, it was built for the community. It is our asset; therefore, we must look after it.”
Sindiswa Ngaphu, owner of Isigingqi Construction, employed six people over the two-year period. Her projects included slurry work, building v-drains, stone pitching and casting concrete slabs.
Ngaphu, who lives in the Caguba Administrative Area, is a single mother of three. “I was unemployed for five years before this opportunity came along. This project has provided people with jobs and safer roads to use. Before, the roads were bad. People learnt new skills and jobs were created.”
Cwaba Zonger, owner of Fono Development Programme, employed 10 people on the project. His contract included earthworks, slurry, building kerbs, and v-drains. He said the project means a lot for the community.
“The area is laden with clay soil, when it rains we have had to leave our cars at home and walk to the tar road to hitchhike,” said Zonger.
Councillor Knowledge Fono of Ward 9 said the roads would ensure communities could connect quicker to each other and to the local building material supply store. He said this would extend the lifespan of residents’ vehicles.
“I am happy the roads will benefit the communities and that residents participated in the project. Residents will reach each other faster now that the roads are built,” said Fono.
Dr Mongezi Noah, SANRAL Southern Region community development specialist, said he was glad to see SMMEs reinvesting in their businesses.
“You find people who get a tender, but they go buy BMWs. Here, we find that the SMMEs procured their own machinery, LDV bakkies, concrete mixers and many more construction resources. The project has enhanced their road construction skills for the long term, beyond the N2 Wild Coast projects,” Noah said.
Community empowerment and development
Ten CIDB grade 1 to 3 SMMEs were appointed to work on the project and 100 individual jobs were created over the two-year period.
Community empowerment included training of local Public Liaison Committee (PLC) members and unqualified SMMEs on how to complete tender documents and in contract management skills.
Local businesses also received support from the project in various ways, such as providing catering services and the purchasing of supplies from local hardware stores.
The community also benefitted through the renovation and reconditioning of the Mkhanzini Community Hall, refurbishment of desks at Mkhanzini Primary School, upgrading of the driveway and storm-water management at Gungubele School as well as the planned shelter construction at Caguba.
Throughout the duration of the project there were regular PLC meetings, monthly technical and progress meetings, mentor and mentee meetings, as well as ad-hoc engagements as and when needed.
“The SMMEs foresee themselves maintaining SANRAL roads in this area. The certificates issued to the SMMEs also confirm that they are fully qualified on roads and will be able to use them to participate in future projects,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Region manager.
