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Do a thorough vehicle check before embarking on a trip

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With the festive season officially underway, take time to check your car’s road-worthiness before setting off on your travels and save yourself hassles and heartache this holiday season.

Drivers falling asleep behind the wheel is a major cause of crashes, so even though it might be tempting to reach your destination a day earlier, it is vital that you pay attention to your body.

Your car’s road-worthiness could be the difference between a great holiday or a very expensive disappointment.

Make sure you are safe on the more than 22 000km of roads maintained by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL).

Here is a handy holiday checklist to keep on hand this festive season, courtesy of Arrive Alive.

  1. Service your vehicle

Nothing ruins a holiday like a mid-highway blowout, so it is important to make sure your vehicle is inspected prior to a trip by an authorised dealership or auto-repair shop. They should pay special attention to mechanical and electrical systems, as these can be very costly to repair once broken.

2. Oil and water checks

It is important that you keep tabs on both your oil and water, as a lack of either can cause significant damage to your engine. In most cars, by the time the oil light comes on, the engine has already been compromised, so check up on this as regularly as possible.

   3. Weigh up the pros and cons of aircon

With many of us feeling the festive pinch, the temptation to conserve fuel by shutting off the air conditioner is probably strong. But while air conditioning does put added pressure on the engine, there is in fact very little change in fuel economy, particularly in modern cars. As such, it is probably best to go with what is most comfortable for you and your family, as this is likely to keep the kids quieter and enable you to remain more focused on the road.

    4. Tyre pressure

Correctly inflated tyres are not only a safety requirement, but can also improve fuel efficiency by 4%. It is also important to bear in mind that, should you be carrying a heavy load, you’ll probably need to pump them up a little bit more than usual. If you are unsure of the correct inflation pressures, look on the inside of the driver’s door jamb or under the fuel filler flap for a tyre pressure chart.

     5. Stay charged

While it is important not to use your phone while driving, your mobile device can be a lifesaver in the event of an emergency. Not only is it your lifeline to outside assistance, but it can also help you to navigate your way out of unknown or dangerous areas thanks to built-in GPS technology. So make sure to invest in a car charger for those long journeys – it could be the difference between life and death.

     6. Get tracked

Serious accidents can leave us incapacitated and unable to call for help, which is why a tracking device for your vehicle could make a critical difference to your road trip this year. Thanks to impact sensors, these devices can automatically send an emergency notification to your insurer should you find yourself in an accident, even if you are not able to do so. Be sure to check that your insurance cover also includes ambulance and towing services before setting off, as this could save you a lot of money in the long run.

7. Stay alert

Drivers falling asleep behind the wheel is a major cause of crashes, so even though it might be tempting to reach your destination a day earlier, it is vital that you pay attention to your body. Stop when you feel your eyes drooping. By staying alert, you will be better equipped to scan for potential dangers, and to keep your speed consistent according to the weather conditions. Ensure you take regular breaks to freshen up during the journey – and never compromise on a good night’s sleep.

   8. Keep the kids buckled up

In many instances, backseat passengers tend not to make use of a seatbelt, particularly when the kids are overexcited. Yet the reality is that, despite preconceptions to the contrary, they are just as much at risk as their front seat counterparts. So, do not make buckling up an adults-only priority this festive season.

Road safety tips for the festive season

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SANRAL wishes everyone a happy – well-deserved – holiday, and offers some suggestions to keep road-users safe.

Make sure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before a long journey.

The December festive season is a time when many travel to holiday destinations or go home, and the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has some advice for people planning road trips.

Get ready for the journey

  • Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s licence with you.
  • Plan your route and give yourself enough time to travel to your destination.
  • Use a GPS navigation tool or a road atlas to plan your trip in advance.
  • For peace of mind, try to stick to major routes or toll roads. If you are going to travel on the back roads, make sure you know the towns along the route and the distances between them.
  • Do not get stranded without fuel. Plan where you will refuel on your trip.
  • Plan rest stops along the way and, if you are travelling with kids, share with them when and where you will be stopping.
  • Always ensure that a friend or family member who is not travelling with you knows the route you plan to use. You should also update them on your progress and let them know when you have reached your destination.
  • If possible, try to avoid driving after dark.
  • Be alert and do not expect others to be as obedient of the law as you.

Vehicle fitness

  • Make sure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before a long journey.
  • Take your vehicle for a full check before going on your holiday travels.
  • All lights and indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.
  • Check your shock absorbers.
  • Do not overload your vehicle.

Driver fitness

  • Have a good rest before you embark on your journey.
  • Take a safety break every two hours or every 200kms.
  • Do not drink and drive. If you intend to consume alcohol, make alternative arrangements so you will not be behind the wheel.
  • Remain alert at all times. Avoid distractions such as cellular conversations or texting.
  • Make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts. South African law requires everyone in a motor vehicle to use seatbelts. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all passengers are strapped in for the duration of the journey. It is a criminal offence for an adult to allow a child younger than 14 to travel unrestrained in a vehicle equipped with seatbelts or a car safety seat.
  • Infants and children under the age of 12 should travel in the back seat and should be buckled up, either in a car seat, a booster seat or using the car’s seatbelt, depending on the age and weight of the child.
  • Infants up to the age of one, or up to 10kg in weight, should travel in a rear-facing car seat in the back of the car. In the event of an accident, the impact will be on the seat and not on the infant.

Be prepared for emergencies

  • Have numbers for roadside assistance and other emergencies close at hand or saved on your cell phone, so that you are well-prepared for any eventuality.
  • Keep essential roadside equipment with you, as many breakdowns are caused by relatively minor problems. Equipment should include a first aid kit, a tow rope, warning triangles, a torch and a fire extinguisher.
  • Try to avoid stopping on the highway. Rather take the next off ramp to stop in a more public area where you can stretch, refresh yourself and take a break from driving.
  • In the event of an accident, determine the extent of the damage or injuries and assess whether or not medical attention is required.
  • Take a picture with a camera or mobile phone and file an accident report with the police. You will need a case number to file a claim with your insurance company. Remember to get the names, addresses, telephone numbers and ID numbers of everyone involved in the accident

Know your emergency numbers

When you need assistance, call the following numbers:

Police – 10111
Fire – 10177
Netcare 911 – 082 911
ER24 – 084 124
Cell phone emergency – 112

May you and your family have a happy and safe festive season – share these suggestions with family and friends.

WHOA! SANRAL ready for festive season

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The national road agency will monitor the roads this holiday season, making sure travelling conditions are safe, but motorists must do their bit too!

Roads and environmental factors account for 17% of road accidents, the rest is due to physical factors such as unroadworthy vehicles.

Road safety over the December period is major issue, and it is up to all road users to be drive safely and prevent accidents – to know their WHOA moment and act responsibly.

The festive season brings more vehicles onto the roads as South Africans travel to their holiday destinations, and with the increase of volume on the roads comes an increase in the risks of accidents.

Road safety is a major challenge during this period, says South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) CEO Skhumbuzo Macozoma.

“Although there is a major drive from many institutions around road safety, accident statistics remain unacceptably high,” Macozoma adds.

Roads not real problem

Almost 80% of road crashes in South Africa occur as a result of human factors, such as speeding and reckless behaviour, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s 2016/2017 report.

Roads and environmental factors account for 17%, the rest is due to physical factors such as unroadworthy vehicles.

“An important part of what SANRAL does is to provide safe roads; safe for vehicles and pedestrians,” says Macozoma. This festive season the agency will redouble its efforts to promote road safety.

Motorists can look forward to a safe journey on the national network, with its high-quality roads and 24-hour emergency and law enforcement from partners in the provinces – part of the Roads Incidents Management Systems programme. Road users, particularly tag holders, can expect easy passage through the friendly toll plazas.

“We have been travelling on our roads to assess their condition, and we visited several construction zones to determine the extent of road works and their impact on traffic. We are happy to say our roads are ready to accommodate the holiday traffic,” says Macozoma.

Motorists can also visit the SANRAL website www.nra.co.za for help in planning their journeys.

The road agency has made available a series of videos to help motorists plan their journeys: routes to use; what to expect on the road; the estimated cost of tolls; and rest spots on the route.

You can download these 5 videos here: https://we.tl/eIPxFEFvhv

Beyond assessing the state of the roads, SANRAL will also be rolling out the WHOA! campaign to encourage responsible behaviour on the roads and reduce deaths and accidents.

“Please heed the calls to stay safe on the roads. Do things differently this festive season. Be responsible for your life and for that of fellow road-users. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t text and drive. Don’t text and walk,” says Macozoma.

The dozen agencies that keep the country moving

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Transport is the heartbeat of South Africa’s economic growth, ensuring goods move swiftly and safely to their destinations.

There are 12 state-owned agencies that report to the Department of Transport and, collectively, they cover the country, from the east to the west coast and from the borders of the far north to the southernmost tip of Africa.

The country’s road, rail and maritime networks combined ensure the sustained growth of economic activity; the effective movement of goods and services and the safe travel of people.

The National Department of Transport oversees the integration of the different modes and ensures a coordinated response to the country’s long-term transport requirements.

There are 12 state-owned agencies that report to the Department of Transport and, collectively, they cover the country, from the east to the west coast and from the borders of the far north to the southernmost tip of Africa.

Meet the agencies that keep SA moving

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) is responsible for the planning, management, and maintenance of the country’s national road network. With more than 22 000km of primary road network under its control, it plays an important role in keeping the country’s economic wheels turning and improving the safety and travel experience of commuters.

All road traffic that crosses the country’s extensive borders with neighbouring states is managed by the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency. Its aim is to reduce operational constraints and facilitate the free flow of trade and traffic.

The Road Accident Fund provides a social security net to citizens by making available compulsory social insurance cover. The cover is in the form of indemnity insurance to persons who cause accidents and personal insurance to victims of motor accidents.

The mission of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency is to encourage compliance with traffic laws through education and awareness campaigns, and the application of laws and regulations to penalise road users who contravene the rules of the road.

The Road Traffic Management Agency coordinates the activities of agencies responsible for road safety across the national, provincial and local spheres of government. Its objective is to improve safety, security, discipline and mobility on the country’s roads.

The Passenger Rail Agency (Prasa) is responsible for most of the passenger rail services in the country. Prasa consists of: Metrorail, which operates commuter rail services in urban areas; the Shosholoza Meyl, which operates long-distance passenger rail services; and Autopax, which manages long distance coach services. It also oversees regional rail services.

The Railway Safety Regulator oversees safety on the network and investigates accidents and incidents relating to rail transport.

More than 40-million passengers pass through the nine major airports managed by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) every year. ACSA has grown into an efficient and commercially successful business which has expanded its operations to major markets overseas.

The activities of the Air Traffic and Navigation Services ensure air safety and traffic control across the entire county as well as large parts of the southern Indian and Atlantic oceans.

The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for the enforcement of civil aviation safety and security through regulation, enforcement and the promotion of higher levels of safety in the industry.

The Ports Regulator is an independent body that promotes access to ports and facilities and monitors the industry’s adherence to the national policy and regulatory framework.

The country’s coastline stretches more than 2 500km from the desert border with Namibia on the west coast to Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. The SA Maritime Safety Authority was established to promote the country’s maritime interests, ensure the safety of life and property and combat pollution in the marine environment.

SANRAL creates employment opportunities in Malmesbury

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A R1.4-million youth learnership programme aims to address youth unemployment in the country.

Programmes such as the learnership one inspire other young people in the community and demonstrate, that with commitment and determination, legacies can be created that will change lives for generations to come.

A learnership programme set up by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) in the Western Cape district of Malmesbury is aimed at uplifting the community and addressing youth unemployment.

The project is part of the agency’s commitment to creating opportunities alongside its construction projects, to impact positively on the lives of citizens beyond building roads.

Teaming up with construction partners Aecom, Stefanutti Stocks and Power Construction, SANRAL has created and funded a R1.4-million youth learnership programme alongside the N7 construction in Malmesbury, in the Western Cape.

A certificate handover ceremony was held in the Malmesbury Town Hall recently, where 22 learners received certificates for completing their NQF Level 3 and NQF Level 4 training in various construction disciplines.

“This is a tangible example of how a public-private-partnership between SANRAL and our construction partners can help to not only transform our national road network by maintaining world-class standards, but also assist our various communities along the route with the provision of work and training opportunities that will put them on a developmental pathway out of poverty,” said Heidi Harper, SANRAL Corporate Services Executive.

The programme

The journey for the group began in March 2016, when 24 learners out of a group of 60 applicants, began their construction learnership programme in Malmesbury.

Twelve students chose to focus on road works, while the others chose concrete as their area of speciality.

One of learners, Siyanda Mayonga, who completed both the NQF3 and NQF4 training, shared some of the group’s experiences with the audience and was full of praise for the quality of the programme, the practical skills and theoretic knowledge they acquired. The fact that all the learners received a salary for the duration of their training was something that made a huge difference to their families, Mayonga said.

Deputy Mayor of Swartland Municipality, Maude Goliath, delivering the keynote address at the certificate ceremony, said: “We are very grateful to SANRAL for their commitment to our community and are pleased that the group includes seven females, which is definitely a step in the right direction as our country should strive to expand more opportunities for girls in engineering and science fields previously considered suitable only for males.”

Fifteen of the 22 learners remain in employment, with some already engaged in further training and development.

Programmes such as the learnership one inspire other young people in the community and demonstrate, that with commitment and determination, legacies can be created that will change lives for generations to come.

Monitoring the safety of road infrastructure

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SANRAL pros are the people you want in an emergency on our national roads.

Minister of Transport, Joe Maswanganyi visiting the site on the N3 where an unused pedestrian bridge collapsed.

Within minutes after a disused pedestrian bridge across the busy N3 freeway in Gauteng collapsed in August 2017, a team of professionals from the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) was on the scene to investigate.

Their investigation revealed the collapse had been caused by an impact on the supporting central pillar.

Evidence suggested the impact came from an 18.1-ton coil of steel. The coil was found 100m north of the collapsed bridge and marks on the road led directly from the point of impact to the position where the coil came to rest.

It is the task of SANRAL to ensure the safe movement of all road users, and monitoring the state of bridges across the national roads is just one of the agency’s many tasks.

Bridges and culverts

Bridges and culverts are essential structures along the more than 22 000km of national road network managed and maintained by SANRAL. These roads are the vital arteries of the South African economy.

SANRAL looks after the structural health and safety aspects of more than 9 500 bridges longer than 2.1m, as well as culverts with openings greater than 5m². These include 903 bridges on the major cross-country freeways operated by the public-private concessionaires along the N1, N3 and N4.

“The bridges on South Africa’s national roads are world-class in terms of design, construction and maintenance,” said SANRAL’s Bridge Network Manager, Edwin Kruger.

No details are spared during the design and construction phases and once the bridges are built, they are maintained, cared for and inspected rigorously.

Each of the bridges and culverts are assessed by SANRAL-accredited inspectors over a rolling five- to six-year period. These include structures that are no longer in use, such as the old pedestrian bridge across the N3, which was found to be in excellent shape in its most recent inspection.

In recent years, SANRAL has incorporated a number of roads that were previously managed by provincial administrations in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The first action taken is to conduct a thorough investigation of the entire road structure – including its bridges and culverts – and to do maintenance work that will ensure that the roads comply with SANRAL’s quality standards.

“All bridges and culverts on SANRAL’s network were inspected over the past two years to ensure the safety of the public crossing over or under the bridges,” said Kruger.

The rehabilitation of a bridge starts at the design stage, he explained. The normal life of a bridge is between 50 and 100 years.

“SANRAL’s role is to ensure the highest standards of design and construction are met by the professionals and contractors involved in the project,” Kruger said.

Defects can occur over years due to a number of factors including age, accidental damage, extreme weather, or natural events such as earthquakes and tremors.

Bridge management system

During its regular inspections, SANRAL uses a Bridge Management System to determine both the structural condition and aesthetic quality of the bridge.

Only qualified structural bridge engineers with specialised training and experience are used and each bridge is evaluated according to an exhaustive set of criteria.

Depending on the results of the inspections, SANRAL professionals will decide whether repairs are required.

Mentoring graduate engineers

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Professional mentor Ivan Ellis explains how SANRAL’s Training Excellence Academy fast-tracks engineering careers.

Ivan Ellis said that TEA provides intensive postgraduate training, mentorship and coaching, but it also ensures that each candidate engineer has been exposed to a broad variety of disciplines.

The Training Excellence Academy run by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) equips graduate engineers with professional skills and real-world knowledge.

What is SANRAL’s Training Excellence Academy (TEA)?

The academy provides mentorship and practical training in road and bridge design for graduate engineers.

The training programme is a structured one. It is an accelerated course to equip graduate engineers with the professional skills and real-world knowledge in road design that will enable them to complete the experiential training required to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

The programme includes training at the SANRAL materials testing lab in Port Elizabeth, where specialised testing and analysis of road construction materials are conducted.

When was the academy established?

The academy was started in 2014.

What is the value of the TEA?

This training programme was introduced to equip candidates with the competencies to register as professionals with the Engineering Council of South Africa within five years. It provides intensive postgraduate training, mentorship and coaching, but it also ensures that each candidate engineer has been exposed to a broad variety of disciplines.

The funding for the training academy is provided entirely by SANRAL. All training is offered at no cost to the candidates at the academy, with SANRAL providing a full complement of training requirements, including specialised mentorship and supervision by qualified, trained and dedicated mentors, hardware, software, training courses and workstations for each candidate.

Graduates starting their careers in the organisation benefit from the dedicated mentorship and experience with design projects to fast-track their skills development. This means each candidate progressively takes on more responsibility until they are able to work independently.

How can engineering graduates enrol?

Candidates who have completed a minimum of a National Diploma in Civil Engineering may contact the academy to enquire about the placement process.

The key criterion is a completed national diploma or degree in civil engineering.

How long and what form does the training take?

The programme lasts between 12 and 18 months, depending on the candidates’ previous field experience. Once they have finished the programme, participants begin on construction sites, or gain additional experience on SANRAL projects around the country.

The fields of training include geometric, pavement and drainage design; hydrological analysis; economic evaluations and supply chain processes in procurement of consulting and contracting engineers.

The engineering training involves completing designs of actual construction projects on the Southern Region road network – under the guidance of external mentors who are knowledgeable in various disciplines, as well as SANRAL Project Managers.

Knowledge-sharing sessions are held weekly, where participants are exposed to specialist presentations on various topical issues in the South African context. Specialised training courses in the required fields of design, such as Rubicon and Civil Designer, are also presented to all candidates.

Do graduates receive a formal qualification after training?

At the moment, there is no formal qualification or National Qualifications Framework alignment, as the academy is not registered as a formal training institute. However, the academy is able to provide a certificate of attendance and report of actual work completed.

Engineering has been a male dominated profession. Is the academy changing this?

SANRAL heartily encourages female graduates to join the academy. This year, 10 of the 27 graduates at the academy are women.

Where can graduates get more information?

They can contact Hawa Abdullah at the SANRAL Southern Region offices via email on desaih@nra.co.za.

SANRAL focuses on STEM boffins

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Developing maths and science teachers is one of SANRAL’s fundamental contributions to uplifting South Africa.

At school level, it will help to train 44 teachers – one for maths and one for science – in each of the 22 participating schools.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) is funding a chair in science, mathematics and technology education at the University of the Free State.

This new initiative aims to improve the quality of teaching in these vital subjects at schools in the province.

The endowment shows SANRAL’s commitment to growing young talent in disadvantaged communities, with a specific focus on the country’s long-term needs to grow proficiencies in maths, science and technology.

High school learners who benefit from this initiative will become part of a talent pool from which the next generation of engineers, teachers, artisans and technicians will be drawn.

School Change Project

The SANRAL Chair forms part of the University’s School Change Project, a flagship initiative launched by former vice-chancellor Professor Jonathan Jansen.

The School Change Project addresses concerns about under-performance in South African schools, despite the fact that the country spends more of its Gross Domestic Product on education than any other African country. The project provides customised training and support to teachers and learners.

In 2011, the University of the Free State launched the project in 22 township and rural schools to strengthen the culture of teaching and learning in the selected schools.

An important aim of the project is to ensure that learners with potential, grow and excel in Free State rural and township schools rather than having to leave their local environment to attend schools in better- resourced communities.

The SANRAL Chair

The SANRAL endowment will enable the university to home-in on the gateway subjects of maths and natural science.

At school level, it will help to train 44 teachers – one for maths and one for science – in each of the 22 participating schools.

Student teacher interns will be assigned to the schools to assist teachers, and mentors from the School Change Project will monitor progress through weekly visits.

The interns will receive financial support to pursue undergraduate studies in maths and science education. In return, they are expected to make a commitment to teach these subjects for a period of four years after completing their studies.

The participating schools will have to demonstrate progress in their results and, depending on their achievements, more interns will be allocated and supported through funding and bursaries.

Each of the schools should become ‘a centre of excellence’ in maths and science, thereby retaining their highest performing learners.

The intention is to extend the project to other schools in the Free State.

At an academic level, the SANRAL-funded chair will enrol five doctoral and 10 masters’ students in science and mathematics education over a three-year cycle. It will also be responsible for research and academic publication.

Through this endowment, SANRAL will assist the University of Free State to remain a centre of academic excellence, producing educational leaders who can turn maths and science education around in disadvantaged schools throughout South Africa.

New Engineering Executive for SANRAL

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The South African National Roads Agency has appointed Louw Kannemeyer to take charge of the agency’s technical operations.

Louw Kannemeyer will be responsible for the coordination and management of all technical disciplines within the agency.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) recently appointed Louw Kannemeyer as its new Engineering Executive. The position was previously held by Koos Smit, who retired at the end of February 2017.

Kannemeyer had been acting in the position since then.

“I look forward to making a meaningful contribution during my tenure,” Kannemeyer said, adding he intended to forge new relationships and strengthening existing relations within the engineering community that would “improve SANRAL’s contribution to the transformation and growth of the country”.

Kannemeyer was previously Network Manager at SANRAL, responsible for the strategic management of the country’s national road network of more than 22 000km.

As Engineering Executive, Kannemeyer will be responsible for the coordination and management of all technical disciplines within the agency. This includes overseeing all activities to ensure the efficient and sustainable administration of the national road network for the benefit of all road users.

Another important responsibility is to identify opportunities for partnering with public entities, government departments and commercial organisations to execute the SANRAL mandate of financing, improving, managing, maintaining and upgrading the national road network.

SANRAL subcontractor empowers people with disabilities

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Road cleaning company Babore Gauteng is helping create sustainable work opportunities.

Left to right: Babore’s Operations Manager Joas Nare, Sandile Tshabalala, Jacqueline Sibanda, Patrick Rahlalane, Nthando Mbabali (wheelchair), Gift Langa and Babore’s Gauteng Director Swys Joubert.

The lives of five disabled Alexandra residents have changed for the better after being employed full-time by cleaning company, Babore Gauteng. The five now work in the company’s broom manufacturing hub.

Babore Gauteng is a long-standing subcontractor that has worked on various road programmes maintaining Gauteng’s freeways. The freeways are managed by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL).

The company picks up litter, sweeps, and clears drains and debris on the province’s eastern, southern and western freeways.

Since 2007, Babore Gauteng has grown to become one of South Africa’s major sweeping and cleaning companies. The level 2 broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) company has a 53% shareholding with black partners and is registered with the Construction Industry Development Board as a grade 5 CEPE contractor.

The company’s depot and broom manufacturing hub are based at SANRAL’s Marlboro storage yard.

Community development at SANRAL’s heart

Babore Gauteng director, Swys Joubert, explained that the company had started cleaning the freeways by hand, but now used automated cleaning machines. “Each machine is fitted with four brooms which need to be replaced weekly,” he said.

Since the manufacture of brooms was done in-house, the company “ring-fenced this type of work for disabled Alexandra residents looking for employment”, Joubert said.

SANRAL project manager, Oakley van Eyk, said this was a perfect example of what the roads agency stands for – the upliftment of the community, empowering disabled individuals and creating sustainable work opportunities.

“As SANRAL, we are encouraged when businesses we work with make a meaningful contribution to create opportunities for previously disadvantaged individuals and groups,” Van Eyk said.

A better life

Sandile Tshabalala, who got his first job in 2014 when he joined Babore Gauteng’s broom factory, said securing work at Babore changed his life for the better.

Jacqueline Sibanda, who joined the broom factory in February 2017, agreed. “This job has helped me a lot because I was unemployed. I can now do my own things, I don’t have to ask. I can provide for myself and my family.”