Blog - Page 159 of 175 - SANRAL Stop Over

Dreams built by SANRAL

5Jan2016

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Keeping vehicles safe on excellent roads is what SANRAL does. Less known is that it also gives people a leg-up and it is happy to help women grow into what is, too often, seen as a male environment – road building in its many facets.

Two individuals who can attest to this, are Kerisha Govender and Nonkululeko Nzimande.

Kerisha Govender

While on vacation, work on road construction projects has helped Kerisha make up her mind about a future career. Transport engineering beckons for this final year student at the Howard Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

She is especially grateful towards SANRAL, who not only provided her with a bursary to fund her tertiary education but also helped her to find work over the holiday periods with various civil engineering companies.

Together with other SANRAL bursary holders, she’s also provided with opportunities to take field trips to road construction projects where they are briefed by project managers and civil engineers about the nature of the work being done. This has helped to strengthen her resolve to continue with her studies for a Master’s degree and specialising in transport engineering.

Kerisha attributes her academic progress to a combination of hard work and perseverance.

“The key is to stay focused and not to be influenced by potential negative aspects of university life.”

But it is not all work and no play for the diligent Kerisha. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing with family and friends, reading novels and playing the guitar.

Nonkululeko Nzimande

Equally diligent is Nonkululeko whose maxim is: “Never give up”.

She is a SANRAL bursary holder at the University of Pretoria. She is in her final year of studying towards a degree in civil engineering.

SANRAL has made a significant impact on Nonkululeko’s studies, granting her a bursary that covers course fees, accommodation, as well as an allowance. She has had this bursary from her second year and says:

“When I was in first year, I really struggled without the bursary. Since I received support from SANRAL, it has allowed me to focus on my studies rather than stressing about finances – especially the allowance that did not seem important, but helps more than I expected”.

In her spare time, Nonkululeko enjoys hanging out with friends and watching movies. She has also joined several organizations on campus that enable her to be more involved in general society. The various student societies allow her to do community work, including speaking to high school students in disadvantaged areas, inspiring and motivating them to take the next step in their education.

She says that an engineering degree, like life in general, is not easy, and everyone is bound to struggle and sometimes fail. When something goes wrong, Nonkululeko emphasises that it is vital to try again until you reach your goal. In addition, she advises that it is vital to love what you do, because if you don’t you are not always going to give it your all.

It is this passion that drives her towards her goal of success. When she graduates, she wants to pursue a career in Pavement Design. After completing an MBA, she wants to be a senior engineer and then, one day, will be aiming at being a director in a top firm.

Dreams, built by SANRAL!

Find out more about vacation work and building your career through SANRAL by clicking here.

Maths + Science = SUCCESS

5Jan2016

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How do you ensure success? Boost skills in maths and science. SANRAL has made this a little easier with its recent joint launch of a new chair in science, mathematics and technology education with the University of the Free State.

The roads agency‘s R30 million endowment over five years is seed money used to establish the SANRAL Chair to help improve the quality of teaching in these vital subjects at township and rural schools. It will form part of the university’s Schools Partnership Project (SPP), a flagship initiative launched by the vice-chancellor, Prof Jonathan Jansen.

Education is one of the key priorities of the South African government and SANRAL has for many years been offering scholarships and bursaries to high school learners and university students.

The success of the government’s National Infrastructure Plan, which promises to create thousands of jobs and boost empowerment, will hinge on skills dependent on mathematics and science.

Infrastructure is critical to strengthening key value chains across our economy by advancing service delivery, bolstering job creation and expediting economic transformation.

By partnering with the University of the Free State and establishing the chair in science, mathematics and technology education, SANRAL will help to ensure that South African students can measure up to international standards in the mathematical world. And pave the way for personal success.

If you are interested in SANRAL’s scholarship, bursary or internship programmes, click here for all the information you need!

Are you what we’re looking for? Our bursary programme could shape your future.

5Jan2016

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SANRAL is committed to developing skills of students who express an interest in studying and building a career within the Road Infrastructure Administration Environment and Civil Engineering industry.

We, therefore, invite candidates studying towards a University degree in Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Environmental and Transport Engineering to apply for bursaries.

Consideration will be given to needy students who have successfully completed their first year of undergraduate study or those currently registered for 2nd, 3rd, 4th year and postgraduate studies.

However, strongly motivated applications from matriculants with at least 70% for Mathematics and Science and students studying towards the above Engineering fields while being registered with a university will also be considered.

Students interested are required to apply between 1 July to 30 September for each academic year.

Our requirements for a bursary are as follows:

The bursary awarded to each student will cover:

For more information and application forms, click here.

E-tags Take You Further

17Dec2015

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Existing tag holders were the first to benefit from the rollout of the automated payment system on key toll routes. This system comes at no additional cost to motorists.

Most significantly it offers convenience as road users will not have to stop to pay at the following plazas from December 2015:

• N3 – Mariannhill toll plaza near Pinetown
• N1 North – Kranskop, Nyl, Sebetiela, Capricorn
and Baobab toll plazas
• N1 South – Verkeerdevlei, Vaal and Grasmere
toll plazas
• N17 linking Gauteng with Swaziland through
Mpumalanga – Leandra Trichardt and Ermelo
toll plazas
• N2 South – Oribi toll plaza
• N17 – Dalpark & Gosforth toll plazas.

The difference between this system and open road tolling of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) is that on the GFIP network vehicles pass under overhead gantries on the freeway and the tolls fees are automatically deducted. With automated electronic payment motorists will still have to pass through the existing toll plazas but choose the dedicated lanes with equipment to recognise the electronic tags in the vehicle.

This system has the following benefits:
– it will cut down on travel time
– lead to improved safety and comfort on the road
– and best of all: road users need not do anything to have a smooth and easy passage through the toll plazas. They are automatically opted in. Motorists must have a positive balance in order for the boom to lift.

Look out for the sign that says TAGS ACCEPTED!

SANRAL Raises Funds For Charities

17Dec2015

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SANRAL Western Region and its contractors, suppliers and consultants recently raised the impressive sum of more than R100 000 at its annual Imbizo held near the Huguenot Tunnel at Paarl – all for a good cause.

Every year, SANRAL hosts this event to build relation- ships with industry related stakeholders, create an opportunity for companies to network and give back to the community.

SANRAL selects specific charities that benefit from the Imbizo. In 2015 funds raised were donated to the GH Starck Frail Care Centre in Hanover Park; the Lily Haven Place in Bonteheuwel; and Huis Zonnekus in Milnerton. The teams also helped to pack ‘pamper packs’ for the senior citizens at the three homes.

Twenty-nine teams participated in various games including tug of war, relay races, wheelbarrow race and obstacle courses.

Stand-up comedian Wayne Mckay, who was a laugh a minute with his witty comments, kept everyone on track and in good spirit.

During the day the teams prepared dishes at their stands as part of a cooking competition and presented their best culinary delights ranging from chicken kebabs, fish to potjiekos to the judges. The team of Mott MacDonald came up tops. The team from Aurecon SA won the Team Spirit award.

The overall winner on the day was the team of Mott Macdonald, followed by Aurecon SA and Element Consulting Engineers.

Comments from the teams:

“This was a great day and we had a tremendous time enjoying the vibe and people around.

The music, the stand-up comedian kept everyone entertained and there was lots of laughter, fun and games. At the same time it was rewarding to know that all our efforts were in aid of a good cause.”

Alta Groenewald, who heads up the event organising committee, said it was amazing to see the positive spirit of all the participants and how generously they gave to the less privileged.

Kobus van der Walt, Western Region Manager, said it was heartening to see not only the enthusiasm with which the teams competed, but also the support given to the auction to reach the amazing amount of R106 000.

“People really opened their hearts and we would like to say a big thank you for all who made the day such a huge success.”

Amanzimtoti congestion to be eased

17Dec2015

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The upgrade planned for the Adams Road Interchange at Amanzimtoti is necessary to alleviate the congestion currently being experienced by road users in this area. The aim is to improve the traffic capacity, which will reduce delays that motorists experience.

The upgrade has been planned jointly with Ethekwini Municipality as substantial upgrading is required to the local road network adjacent to the interchange.

SANRAL has no plans to use any of the overpass bridges or pedestrian bridges for camera installations related to Open Road Tolling or traffic violations enforcement purposes. The red dots on the bid documents indicate the positions of bus and taxi lay-bys, not toll infrastructure as alleged by some.

At this stage the Adams Road Interchange upgrade is awaiting the completion of the detailed design plans and obtaining the necessary environmental authorisations. The construction phase is currently not budgeted for but further discussions will be held with the Ethekwini Municipality to possibly provide a share of the construction cost similar to how the Umgeni Interchange was funded.

It has to be noted that upgrading of the interchange is separate from the N2 Wild Coast Toll project.

The Adams Road upgrade is required due to congestion and safety concerns, which are expected to worsen significantly in the short term.

The upgrade has been considered as part of the wider metropolitan road infrastructure upgrades to support local and regional economic activity. It is expected that the upgrades will encourage the free flow of traffic within Amanzimtoti with reduced congestion, which will encourage local economic activity.

Drainage design forms a major part of the technical development of the interchange upgrade project and specialist engineers are engaged to ensure that the local drainage systems are upgraded where required so as not to pose a safety and operational risk to the interchange and the surrounding areas.

Off The Beaten Track – The Free State

17Dec2015

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It is slap-bang in the middle of the country, borders Lesotho and six South African provinces – and is easily accessible along some of the best roads in the world – SANRAL roads: the N1, N3, N5, N6 and N8.

The Free State, previously the Orange Free State, has Bloemfontein as its capital and is also the country’s judicial capital. It is also the only province where Sesotho is the most spoken language with Afrikaans a close second.

Its eastern border nestles against the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains with relatively flat grassy plains stretching westward. With its rich soil, it is not surprising that it is South Africa’s biggest grain producer. While agriculture and mining are the heart of its economy, high-tech industries are growing apace, with tourism also a factor.

There are several places to see in the Free State and one of its attractions is the number of small towns which are all quiet and friendly – places to go to when you intend doing very little but relax.

Should you need more when you go on a road trip, you can have that too.

1. Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

Such as the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve on the similarly named river (previously the Orange) on the border with the Northern Cape at the town of Colesberg on the N1 which runs from Cape Town to the border with Zimbabwe.

It is a haven for all sorts of water sports, angling, game and bird watching, horseback rides, hiking. There is accommodation to pick and choose from but if you travel with a young family the adjoining Aventura Resort is the place to go to – there is swimming, tennis, mini golf, again water sports and play areas for the children.

Fully rested, you can continue on the N1 to Bloemfontein which has much to offer. It is probably the only city which has a rural feel to it. It houses the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Anglo-Boer War museum, the National Museum and, if you’re in town on Saturday, go to the Boeremark in Langenhoven Park.

2. Naval Hill

A must-see is Naval Hill where the Franklin Game Reserve of 250 hectares is – the only one right in the middle of a city, with a wide range of game and birds. Entry is free and the reserve offers spectacular views of the Free State capital.

3. Vredefort Dome

Continue north until you are close to Parys and turn off to see the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was formed two million years ago when a meteorite the size of Table Mountain hit the earth. It is the largest impact crater and was 300 km across when it was formed.

The centre of the crater is 40 km in diameter and is still recognisable – small hills in a large dome shape with beautiful valleys in-between. A visit will probably only take half-a-day but stay on. There is excellent local accommodation available and much to do – from river rafting to mountain biking, archery to abseiling.

4. Clarens

Another option would be to take the N5 at Winburg and on to Clarens, famous for its art galleries, arts and craft shops, excellent accommodation and a variety of eateries. If you’re into the arts, this is the place to be.

But there is more to do – 4×4 safaris, hikes in the spectacular landscape, horse trails and white water rafting.

5. Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Nearby, nestling in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains near the Lesotho border is South Africa’s only grassland national park – the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, with abundant game and extraordinary views.

It has exceptional sandstone cliffs and outcrops which are coloured in multi-hued bands, eroded by sand and rain. Visit the biggest of many caves, Cathedral Cave, where San, Basotho and Anglo-Boer War refugees found shelter over time.

This is for those who love wide open spaces, breath fresh mountain air and nature to restore their life balance.

The Free State – wide horizons, blue skies and a mix of cultures, farmland and goldfields and really warm South African hospitality. With excellent roads to take you through the province. But, stop, visit and enjoy what it has to offer.

Incorporating The R24 Into SANRAL’s Network

17Dec2015

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Jobs have been created and business opportunities in the Rustenburg area are set to improve, thanks to an important project currently underway in the North West province.

Major upgrades to the R24, currently in progress, are intended to improve traffic flow in the area. The road is being widened and improved.

The R24 is currently a single carriageway road and was recently incorporated into the SANRAL network. The road serves as a link between Rustenburg and other nearby towns, providing access to the N4, Rustenburg’s industrial area, the Waterfall Mall as well as various smallholdings next to the road.

Rustenburg has experienced significant development and expansion in recent years due to mining activities. Much of the development occurred along the R24, raising the road’s status to an urban arterial.

Hennie Kotze, SANRAL’s Senior Project Engineer for this upgrade, said the North West province identified the need to upgrade the R24 from a two-lane single carriageway road to a four-lane dual carriageway road because of increased traffic volumes in the area resulting from the numerous developments.

“The increased capacity will also reduce heavy congestion during peak hours that is currently being experienced on the road and also on feeder roads as a result of under- capacity of the R24.”

The scope of works involves the construction of new road works, structures and road lighting as well as the rehabilitation of the existing road.

The project started in March 2013 and it is foreseen to be completed in October 2015, at an estimated cost of R194.9 million. The work is being undertaken by Lonerock Construction.

Kotze said as part of the contract, SANRAL requires the contractor to allocate 12% of the value of work to SMMEs and 6% to the employment of local labour – a move which will contribute to job creation and skills development in the area.

These upgrades are done in part to create improved accessibility to adjacent properties, ‘businesses and the potential for further development on vacant land which will have a major impact on economic growth in the area.

SANRAL Achievers Honoured

17Dec2015

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In October last year, SANRAL hosted its annual scholarship function at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The event was attended by SANRAL school scholarship recipients – learners in grades 10 to 12 from schools in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Speaking at the event, SANRAL Southern Region acting regional manager Marelize Nel-Verwey said the agency is committed to developing the skills of learners who express an interest in studying and building a career with SANRAL or similar organisations.

This is how important the scholarships are to the recipients.

“It was gratifying to get financial assistance from SANRAL, and I will always be indebted to them.”

“I come from a single parent household. I applied for a SANRAL scholarship in Grade 11 and they financed my matric year. This was a huge relief for me because it was also the year that my deceased father’s trust fund ran out. It is a big help for me and my mother.”

Carmel Chan-Lok from Collegiate Girls’ High School. said,

“The SANRAL scholarship has helped me to do more things than I can possibly imagine. It really is good motivation – you do well to stay on the programme.”

SANRAL Empowers Our Youth

17Dec2015

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In 2015, SANRAL had 85 students at six universities across the country, 20 of which were study- ing at the University of KwaZulu- Natal. It also supports learners across the country who aim to become engineers.

How important this support is, is typified by the responses of some of the recipients.

Sanchia Pillay, a graduate design engineer, completed her degree in 2013 and has since been employed by SANRAL. She has gained vast knowledge and experience working on different projects with consulting engineers, also known as design officers, which have many divisions that perform a variety of functions.

“Working for SANRAL has been a great learning curve thus far.”

Kerisha Govender, a graduate construction engineer said the SANRAL bursary had relieved her family of a major financial burden.

“After graduating, SANRAL placed me with SMEC consulting engineers which opened a door of opportunities for me.”

Top achieving scholar Nikai Jagganath from Durban Girls High School was awarded a SANRAL scholarship in Grade 12 and has already been accepted by the University of Cape Town to study engineering in 2016.

Second year civil engineering student from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and SANRAL bursary recipient, Jernelle Mariemoothoo said she is most grateful for the opportunity afforded to her by SANRAL.

“Being a SANRAL bursar means the world to me. It has eased the financial burden and given me a chance to fully concentrate on my studies.”

Angel Nxumalo, 25, from Nkandla believes she would not be where she is today had it not been for SANRAL. The third-year civil engineering bursary recipient is the first resident in her rural community to have received academic sponsorship to further her studies.

Lwanda Sigayi from Umtata in the Eastern Cape, also a third- year civil engineering bursary recipient at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is another grateful recipient whose dreams were enabled by SANRAL.