Deputy Regional Manager for projects in Gauteng and North-West provinces at SANRAL, Solomon Kganyago, said that roads are the heartbeat of the economy and where there are well maintained roads, development follows.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) hosted a workshop for telecommunications service providers.
SANRAL gave in-depth information on application processes, regulations and required declarations on fibre-optic cable installations within the agency’s road reserves.
Openserve, Vodacom and MTN, were among telecommunications service providers that attended the workshop.
Beyond roads
SANRAL’s mandate is not only to build and maintain national roads, but also to ensure that the integrity of its road reserves.
That is why SANRAL monitors fibre installation projects on their road reserves and requires telecommunications service providers to apply for wayleave before installation.
Although, fibre-optic cables make communication easier, it is important to consider road safety and precautions when constructing on roads and in road reserves.
Dimitri Alben, a Statutory Controller at SANRAL, said: “SANRAL was continuously receiving common questions on the installation, standards and processes of fibre-optics installation from service providers, hence we saw the need to conduct this workshop to address their questions. We need to ensure careful control and co-ordination of all work in the road reserves that are managed by SANRAL.”
The importance of addressing safety issues was reiterated during the workshop and SANRAL stated that it has put measures in place to ensure that electricity cuts and water contamination are avoided prior, during, and after the installations of these fibre-optic cables.
Deputy Regional Manager for projects in Gauteng and North-West provinces at SANRAL, Solomon Kganyago, said: “Roads are the heartbeat of the economy. Where there are well maintained roads, development follows. If any eventualities are to occur on the roads under our management, we’d be held liable, so it’s important to take precautions to avoid such.”
Andrew Booth stands at the site shortly after plants were rehabilitated during the construction of the Kwambonambi Interchange.
Most of the trees planted to replace those that were disturbed during the construction of the Kwambonambi Interchange in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, are thriving.
During the design development stage, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), discovered that the ideal location for the interchange footprint was within a previously thriving wetland catchment.
Minimising impact during construction
There were environmental sensitivities regarding the swamp forest as it was considered to be a rare type of vegetation.
SANRAL saw the new interchange development as an opportunity to revive this swamp forest on the downstream side of the new interchange.
In keeping with SANRAL’s approach to environmental management based on its commitment to enhancing eco-efficiency and identifying and managing or eliminating environmental risks, biodiversity assets at the project site needed to be secured.
In order to minimise the impact of construction on the forest, a botanist selected and marked plants from a range of species in the portion of forest to be removed.
Rare flora saved
About 91 plant species were identified in the forest patch of which 20 were deemed to be rare by the botanist and selected for rescue.
Seedlings and cuttings/truncheons were then collected, bagged and stored at a local nursery for later use in the rehabilitation.
At the outset of construction, the swamp forest patch of two hectares was removed to make way for the construction of the bridge abutment. The trees removed included the protected tree species, Ficus trichopoda, for which the necessary permits were acquired prior to construction.
Over 90 percent of the plant species replanted have survived and are growing very well.
Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL Eastern Region Operations & Maintenance Manager, said wetlands play a crucial role in the purification of water, reduce the severity of floods and regulate water especially during droughts.
He said plants/grasslands form part of the biggest natural storage system of carbon dioxide (CO2). Through a process called carbon sequestration, plants act as a vacuum that draws the carbon containing chemicals from the atmosphere and send it to the soil which acts as a storage facility for an indefinite period (see diagram).
A carbon sequestration diagram.
Nkabinde said: “When the plants go, these valuable functions disappear. Knowing the importance of wetlands, we got a botanist to survey the plants in the swamp forest to identify which ones to rescue.
“The swamp forest patch was then removed to make way for the construction of the interchange ramp and a number of indigenous trees were removed.
“Rehabilitation involved replacing alien vegetation with indigenous species.”
“At SANRAL we care deeply about the environment and want to preserve it for future generations to enjoy as well.
“While roads infrastructure development is a social and economic necessity, this must not be at the expense of environmental sustainability.
“Therefore, we had to compensate for every tree that we disturbed,” Nkabinde said, adding he was pleased that the rehabilitation project had been a success.
Pleased with the progress
Andrew Booth who was the environmental consultant engaged by SANRAL at the time that the plants were rehabilitated, said he visited the area recently and was pleased to see how well most of the trees had survived.
“In general, the rehabilitation looks to be successful despite the drought.
“The drought resulted in quite a high percentage of trees dying off, but sufficient trees were planted at the outset to ensure that, in the case of drought, some still survived,” he said.
Booth said many companies failed to take all the necessary precautions as laid down in law to ensure the environment is not disturbed.
“During construction of the Kwambonambi Interchange, SANRAL wanted to leave a mark to show the community that not only do they care about making the roads safer but that they also care about the environment as well,” he said.
TOP ACHIEVERS: Abongile Thabang, 17, from Khumbulani High School was awarded the Top Achiever award and the Perseverance and Improved learner award for his participation in the Getting Ahead in Technology and Engineering (GATE) programme, and Ashley Classen, 18, from Alexander Road High School received the Top Achiever award for his participation in the Selected Learner Programme (SLP).
Fifty matriculants from Nelson Mandela Bay graduated from an educational programme hosted by SANRAL and STEM at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Related Management/Mathematics (STEM) Fields Pipeline Project (PP) hosted a graduation ceremony for the learners at the NMU Missionvale Campus in Port Elizabeth.
The learners from various high schools in Nelson Mandela Bay participated in the Getting Ahead in Technology and Engineering (GATE) and Selected Learner Programme (SLP) presented by STEM PP also called the STEM in ACTION by learners and educators.
Isabel van Gend, STEM programme manager, said: “It is rewarding to experience how these learners grab the opportunity of extra tuition and excel in Physical Science. If these learners progress into careers in Science and Engineering, I cannot ask for more.”
The programme
The GATE and SLP classes form part of the NMU and SANRAL’s STEM PP programme.
During the GATE programme, NMU facilitate a 10-hour study method course which include summary techniques and memory techniques to start the year off with. Physical science and mathematical concepts used in physical science are the focus.
The SLP is for learners with at least 70% for Maths and Science in Grade 9. The focus of their intervention is on experimental skills and understanding as well as a career exploration component in Science and Engineering careers.
Learners speak
Abongile Thabang, 17, from Khumbulani High School, was overwhelmed by the awards he received. He attended the GATE programme and was awarded the Top Achiever award and the Perseverance and Improved learner award.
“I did not expect to be a top achiever. I worked hard to get good results,” said Thabang.
Ashley Classen, 18, from Alexander Road High School was very happy to have received his award. He participated in the SLP programme and was given the Top Achiever award.
“I am honoured to have achieved the award. It is awesome to see hard work pays off,” said Classen.
A worthy partnership
The STEM project is the result of a partnership formed in 2010 between SANRAL and the NMU School of Engineering, in response to poor matric results – particularly in Science and Mathematics.
The programme aims to increase the number of learners qualifying to follow careers in engineering and science and to upskill teachers.
Nelson Mandela University’s Missionvale campus in Port Elizabeth hosts the STEM PP facility as it is easily accessible to all local communities. The programme currently involves more than 2 500 learners from 36 high schools.
It has been actively involved with interventions with Physical Science learners in Grades 10 to 12 who attend schools in the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage school districts. As part of the programme participants receive valuable extra tuition in career-related fields and are equipped with the necessary skills to operate in a higher education or science-related work environment.
The STEM programme also provides the opportunity for selected schools to bring their Physical Science learners, accompanied by their educator, to perform CAPS-aligned experiments. Talented learners are identified and channelled into STEM’s Getting Ahead in Technology and Engineering (GATE) project.
The GATE programme, which takes place after school between 3pm and 5pm, also includes the Study Toolbox course, English in Science and even Career Exploration sessions, including on-line interest profiling. They are able to explore various careers in science and engineering through site visits and are visited by professionals from the industry who share their passion with the learners.
In addition to STEM, SANRAL funds and manages a number of educational projects. It awards bursaries and scholarships to students, most of whom come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. In partnership with numerous South African universities, the agency also funds projects like the Chair in Maths & Science Education, Family Maths and the ICT Lab at the University of the Free State.
Logashri Sewnarain (Left), regional manager of SANRAL Eastern Region, addressed learners about the importance of education and the need for young women to adopt good hygiene habits.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) ended Women’s Month by making sure no girl learner misses school due to menstruation.
The team from SANRAL’s Eastern Region recently visited Umthombo Secondary School in Howick, outside Pietermaritzburg, to donate sanitary towels, diaries and pens to female learners to commemorate Women’s Month.
Logashri Sewnarain, regional manager of SANRAL Eastern Region, addressed learners about the importance of education and the need for young women to adopt good hygiene habits.
“Being a girl can be somewhat challenging and we hear so much in the news about how some girls have to miss school once a month just because they do not have access to sanitary towels,” said Sewnarain.
“Education is vital and having to miss school from time to time because of a lack of basic resources such as sanitary towels is simply not acceptable.
“For this reason, SANRAL has committed to this most worthy cause and decided to contribute in a small but significant way.”
Bursary and scholarships
SANRAL’s Eastern Region human resource professional, Ntando Ngidi, had the complete attention of learners when she spoke about the scholarship and bursary programmes offered by the roads agency.
“We believe in investing in the education of young people and the scholarship and bursary programmes are designed to benefit learners who excel academically, particularly in the engineering field,” said Ngidi.
“The programme covers tuition fees, books and provides financial assistance throughout tertiary life. We also offer a five-year contract to work with us upon completion of your studies.”
Mazwakhe Mkhulisi, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education Howick circuit manager said: “What we are witnessing today is a remarkable act of kindness and we hope our learners will take full advantage of the scholarship and bursary opportunities they have been presented with today by the SANRAL team.”
In closing Thembinkosi Qwabe, principal at the school, was most grateful to SANRAL for taking time out of their busy schedules to address the learners.
“Thank you SANRAL for coming to speak to our girls and for the gifts packs. We hope our children have taken the advice offered to them today seriously and they will apply it accordingly.”
Minister of Transport, Joe Maswanganyi visiting the site on the N3 where an unused pedestrian bridge collapsed.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has revealed that the Geldenhuys Pedestrian Bridge collapse on 9 August 2017 was caused by an impact force on the pier in the median of the highway.
All evidence suggests the impact was caused by an 18.1 ton coil of steel that was found lying some 100 metres north of the collapsed bridge on the N3 northbound road. Marks on the road led directly from the point of impact to where the steel coil came to rest.
Louw Kannemeyer, SANRAL Acting Engineering Executive, said: “The collapse of the Geldenhuys Pedestrian Bridge, B1187, on the N3 in the early hours of the 9th of August 2017 was caused by an impact force on the pier in the median of the highway, our investigation has established.
“Following the incident, SANRAL commissioned Superstructure Consulting Engineers to perform an independent investigation into the cause of the collapse. The firm has completed the investigation and handed its report to SANRAL.”
A detailed account
The scattered debris confirms the pier was hit by a strong external force. The report indicated the force involved was greater than what the design could withstand.
It also stated that statistically it is an extremely rare occurrence for a bridge support to be subject to an impact force of such an extreme magnitude at that height. It must be noted that the pier was protected by the median concrete barrier but that the impact was higher up.
The coil was subsequently inspected at ArcelorMittal premises in Vanderbijlpark and the marks on it indicated substantial impact with concrete.
SANRAL insurers are pursuing the matter with the third parties involved while the South African Police Service (SAPS) is performing its own investigation into the coil and the vehicle involved.
A bridge built for mining operations
The bridge was constructed in 1978 to provide pedestrian access between the mining operations in Germiston and the Geldenhuys Railway Station. The mining operation closed some years ago and the bridge has been closed to pedestrian traffic since.
Although the structure is no longer in use, it remained on SANRAL’s Bridge Management System.
As part of the roads agency’s general bridge inspection programme, the last inspection was conducted in July 2016 and no items of concern were picked up on the main structural elements.
All defects were designated as minor and irrelevant (minimal relevancy) by the bridge inspector.
“Several speculations about the cause of the collapse were proffered immediately after the incident had occurred and these included seismic effects, explosives and illegal underground mining in the area. The consulting engineers identified all possibilities and then ruled them out systematically until the actual cause was identified,” said Kannemeyer.
He thanked motorists, the Gauteng Provincial Government, SAPS, Department of Labour and Ekurhuleni Metro for their cooperation in the aftermath of the incident, especially during the site clearing period.
Logashri Sewnarain believes there is transformation within the property industry with more women participating in what was a male dominated industry.
A South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) employee will represent KwaZulu-Natal in a national competition that recognises leading women in the property industry.
Logashri Sewnarain, regional manager at SANRAL’s Eastern Region, has been chosen as one of two KwaZulu-Natal finalists for the Professional of the Year: Public Sector Award which will be presented at a banquet in October hosted by SA Women in Property.
The other finalist is Roshini Naidoo, deputy director of the municipal finance directorate at KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
The awards are a collaborative platform dedicated to recognising outstanding leadership, inspiration, vision and innovation in organisations that have stepped up and shaped women’s roles within the private and public sectors.
Property industry changing
Sandi Mbutuma, Women’s Property Network chairperson, said the face of the property industry was changing fast, with many women attaining prominent leadership positions in property companies and industry bodies.
“The award categories reflect a wide spectrum of work these deserving women from the public and private sectors are involved in. This includes CEO’s, executives and leaders in corporate South Africa, SMME’s, government departments and agencies, as well as entrepreneurs,” she said.
The Women’s Property Network was established in 2000 to create a forum for women in a predominantly male industry to join together to exchange information, develop business contacts and enhance professional success.
The organisation has a membership of 400 women nationally, and is dedicated to advancing the success of women in the commercial property industry.
It provides members and sponsors with opportunities to network and do business with each other. It also offers bursaries to women studying towards a property related degree or diploma so that they can be developed in the industry.
Sewnarain said she felt honoured to be recognised as a finalist, especially during Women’s Month.
“Traditionally, women and engineering were not two words that went together. But that older world ethos has changed. From a base of 25 or so a decade ago, there are now more than 1 000 women engineering undergraduates currently studying at South African universities and technikons.
“We cannot attain the goal of a better life for all unless the women of our country receive the necessary education and training that will enable them to reach their full potential in all spheres of commerce and industry,” said Sewnarain.
Some of the learners who attended were from left, Lindokuhle Siya, 16, a Grade 10 learner from EZ Kabane High School, Mpatlalatsane Tsieane, 17, a Grade 11 learner from Newton Technical High School and Inette Mapoe, 16, a Grade 11, St James Roman Catholic High School.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) hosted their first annual Indlela Yam, My Way, My Journey convention in Port Elizabeth.
High school learners from Nelson Mandela Bay attended a career development conference with leading businesswomen and academics.
The aim of the Indlela Yam, My Way, My Journey convention is to promote career development for learners and to expose them to various professions in the roads and transport industries.
Speakers and topics
Some of the topics by the guest speakers included: Know Yourself by motivational speaker Kuhle Bavuma, Careers: my future – how and where to go by SANRAL’s Nandipha Frans and Rhona Erasmus, and Why women in roads and Paving your way forward by civil engineer Lindokuhle Mahlangeni and candidate engineer Zintle Nxadi.
Other speakers included SANRAL civil engineer, Lindelani Tsanwani, who spoke about Siyaphambili with training and community development.
SANRAL’s candidate engineer, Nozipho Ngomane, spoke about running your journey with endurance while civil engineer, Noloyiso Bavuma, spoke about entrepreneurship in engineering.
The beginning
SANRAL’s candidate engineer, Malesiba Mabe, and SANRAL SR’s technical excellence academy secretary, Nandipha Frans, initiated the Indlela Yam, My Way, My Journey Convention.
“The convention promotes career development for the learners. As a roads agency, we also want the learners to know about the different career paths and opportunities in this industry,” said Mabe.
The programme exposed learners to different careers and promoted healthy living lifestyles while working towards their goals.
Among the topics discussed were gender inequality, the importance of knowing yourself, training and community development, entrepreneurship in engineering, how to reach your goal against all odds, and how to stand out from the rest without giving into peer pressure.
Learners speak
Mpatlalatsane Tsieane, 17, a Grade 11 learner from Newton Technical High School said she was inspired and motivated by the guest speakers.
“Civil engineering and construction management are two of my career choices. Before today’s convention I had no idea where to apply for bursaries to study civil engineering. I have learned that being a civil engineer is not an easy road but a possible one and I am inspired to work hard towards my dream,” said Tiesane.
Inette Mapoe, 16, a Grade 11 learner from St James Roman Catholic High School said she would like to be a doctor or social worker. She called the event “awesome”.
“Coming here was inspiring. To hear where these speakers come from and what they’ve reached with God’s will shows you can do anything,” Mapoe said.
Lindokuhle Siya, 16, a Grade 10 learner from EZ Kabane High School, would like to pursue a career as a doctor, or as a lawyer or pursue a career as an engineer.
“I learnt I don’t need to be somebody else, I just need to be myself, and stay focused and do what I need to do to finish high school well,” said Siya.
“At SANRAL we are passionate about career development and training. Today’s programme was another commitment from SANRAL to empower young minds,” Frans concluded.
Monica Stemela advises start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs to invest in their business by buying assets that they can use to sustain its growth.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) is about bringing about positive change to people, communities and businesses through the upkeep of the national road network.
Monica Stemela is one of the products of the roads agency’s commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
This is in line with the government’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and the advancement of small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).
SANRAL requires main contractors working on its projects to utilise small businesses, particularly those owned by women.
SMMEs benefitting
Stemela, owner and founder of HLS Building and Civil Construction, is currently subcontracted by main contractor Penny-Farthing Engineering for routine road maintenance (RRM) on four SANRAL projects.
Through Penny-Farthing’s mentorship programme, HLS received six subcontracting opportunities amounting to a total of R38.8-million from 2005 to date.
This includes the ongoing RRM work on SANRAL roads in the North West between Wolmaransstad and Bloemhof, from Lichtenburg to Biesiesvlei and Coligny, as well as Aliwal North in Eastern Cape and Upington in Northern Cape.
RRM is essential to keep roads in good condition to ensure the safety of all who use them. From closing of potholes and patching the road surface to replacing traffic signs, guardrails and fencing, ongoing road maintenance on the 2 598km of SANRAL roads in the North West is effectively being managed by eight contractors.
Stemela said: “Penny-Farthing has mentored our company and has been pivotal to our growth and development, particularly within the RRM space.”
Challenges along the way
Her journey in the built environment has not been without challenges since she established the business in 2005.
“Pursuing opportunities in other parts of the country has been one of the main challenges as the focus of government procurement is on local SMMEs, coupled with the procurement model which favours the lowest bidder in terms of price,” said Stemela.
Other stumbling blocks she mentioned include securing finance from banks getting accounts from suppliers. “These institutions are not confident about doing business with SMMEs.”
However, Stemela is proud her company has secured 13 contracts over the past 12 years. Starting out with a R2.9-million low-cost housing development for the Emalahleni municipality in 2005, the company has since focused on RRM because of the job opportunities in this field.
Re-invest in the business
The self-taught entrepreneur said: “Start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs should invest in their business by buying assets they can use to sustain its growth.
“Compliance in terms of tax affairs and National Treasury regulations are also important when it comes to securing projects.”
HLS’s headquarters are in Port Elizabeth and it employs five full-time workers. For its RRM work, it employs local labour, of which 50 locals are currently employed on its two North West projects.
HLS is recognised as a Grade 5 contractor by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) which means the company can pursue construction projects up to the value of R6.5-million.
Looking ahead, Stemela would like to reach CIDB Grade 7 in order to be pursue projects up to R40-million and compete as a principal contractor.
SANRAL supports the development of future engineers by awarding scholarships and bursaries to academically deserving students.
Women who are looking to take up civil engineering have to work harder than men if they are to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry.
This was one of many topics covered at a recent South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) scholarship and bursary induction held at the agency’s Central Operations Centre in Midrand.
SANRAL hosted a group of 20 high school learners and university students from Gauteng and Limpopo who were among the recipients of the agency’s scholarship and bursary programme in the last financial year. Among the attendees were SANRAL employees and the students’ parents.
In the last financial year, a total of 133 students in university throughout South Africa were awarded bursaries by SANRAL. Of that total, 33 were women.
Nontobeko Mathenjwa, a key speaker at the event, who is an engineer and project manager at SANRAL, reiterated the importance of the emancipation of women in South Africa and particularly the encouragement of young women to pursue careers in engineering.
“Be prepared to work harder as a woman in order to be respected or taken seriously as it is a male-dominated industry,” said Mathenjwa.
“Educating one girl can change her life – but others benefit as well,” she said.
Recipients speak
Kamogelo Pakgadi from Limpopo, who goes to S.J. Van Der Merwe Technical High School, said the SANRAL scholarship has helped her family tremendously.
“I am very grateful. I am raised by a single dad who is paying for my sibling’s tertiary tuition fees. I am very glad that through the scholarship, the financial burden is taken off my dad.”
Pakgadi wants to study civil engineering at University of Cape Town or Wits University, the latter at which she has already been accepted.
Another aspiring civil engineer, Otsile Huma from Pretoria, a grade 10 pupil at Crawford College, has chosen to pursue engineering as he wants to see South Africa competing on a global scale in terms of improved and quality infrastructure, particularly roads.
“Through consistency, hard work and asking for help where I do not understand, I will ensure that I maintain good grades to get awarded a bursary from SANRAL,” said Huma.
More on SANRAL’s bursaries and scholarships
SANRAL supports the development of future engineers by awarding scholarships and bursaries to academically deserving students.
The scholarship pays for the learners’ annual school fees, school uniform, books and stationery, and sports. For university students, the bursary covers tuition fees, books, accommodation and includes a monthly allowance.
Applications for 2018 will be closed on 30 September 2017. High school learners need to obtain a minimum of 70% in mathematics and physical science, 65% in English, as well as an overall average of 75%.
Students at university who are studying civil engineering and perform exceptionally well academically are encouraged to apply for the bursary.
Learners from rural areas are also encouraged to apply.
Route 75 is known as one of the major national roads within the Eastern Cape’s interior and connects Uitenhage with Port Elizabeth.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited’s rehabilitation of the R75 between Port Elizabeth and Despatch is set to create significant opportunities for SMMEs in Nelson Mandela Bay.
SANRAL Southern Region Manager, Mbulelo Peterson, said: “The implementation of road safety measures and rehabilitation of the national route R75 Section 1, which constitutes 13km, will create work for a minimum of 37 local SMMEs between 1CE PE and 6 CE PE CIDB grading within the Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Local labour from within wards 11, 14, 25, 28, 30, 31, 33, 36, 41 and 52 will receive opportunities for employment and skills training.”
The procurement process for the SMMEs has already commenced. This two-year project should be completed in May 2019.
“Route 75 is known as one of the major national roads within the Eastern Cape’s interior and connects Uitenhage with Port Elizabeth,” said Peterson. “The national route R75 is widely used by motorists travelling between Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth including pedestrians.
“The 37 local SMMEs will get the opportunity to participate in a development project that will boost their experience and revenue.”
Some of these sub-contracting opportunities include, but are not limited to: the removal, relocation and/or installation of traffic signals, accommodation of traffic, road widening excavation and installation of sub-soil drains, drainage systems, and concrete linings for open drains, animal fencing, and concrete palisade and road markings.
“There is also an introduction of a sanitation and waste disposal and environmental project which will also allow SMMEs to participate,” Peterson said.
