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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL assures public of good governance

Pretoria, 1 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has noted reports published by certain media houses this morning without contacting SANRAL for comment. Some of these media reports quote analysts who clearly do not have an informed understanding of SANRAL’s governance processes and the laws that govern those processes. Regrettably, their uninformed assertions may cause undue alarm. Therefore, SANRAL would like to assure the public that its Board continues to exercise good governance despite vacancies that recently occurred on the Board and has acted to ensure that tender decisions continue to comply with the law.

SANRAL spokesman Vusi Mona said: “The SANRAL Board wants to assure the public and all our stakeholders that good governance is at the core of its fiduciary duties and it has taken all the necessary steps to ensure that the current vacancies on the Board will not negatively affect governance. As outlined in the SANRAL Stock Exchange News Service (SENS) announcement released on 31 July 2024, the Board has reconstituted its sub-committees to ensure continued good governance and compliance with the legal framework.”

Regarding concerns raised in the media about the potential impact on the adjudication and awarding of tenders, which is crucial for jobs and socio-economic benefits in the construction industry, SANRAL assures the public and business stakeholders that tender processes will not be delayed by the temporary suspension of the Board’s Contracts Committee.

“In terms of SANRAL’s procurement processes, the Management Bid Adjudication Committee (MBAC) adjudicates all tenders. This is a management function in which the Board is not involved. All tenders below R750-million are finalized by MBAC. Due to materiality considerations, contracts above R750 million are referred to the Board’s Contracts Committee for review before being referred to the full Board. Contracts above this threshold are few in any given year.”

Mona further explained: “The fear that the temporary absence of the Contracts Committee will delay the awarding of contracts is misplaced. At any rate, contracts that have been reviewed by the Contracts Committee would still need to serve before the full Board during its normal sittings, in line with the SANRAL Act which requires that all decisions of the Board committees are referred to the Board for ratification and/or approval before implementation. All that this temporary arrangement means is that, instead of tenders in excess of R750 million serving before the Contracts Committee prior to going to Board, they will now go straight to the Board.”

Also, the temporary suspension of the Contracts Committee, occasioned by the two vacancies that have arisen, will not impact the approval of the designated awards (+R750 million) as the Board will adjust its schedule to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays.

SANRAL is resolving the issue of the two Board vacancies with its Executive Authority. The current changes are all temporary pending the filling of the two vacancies, meaning the Acting Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee will revert to her position as Chairperson of the Contracts Committee once a Chartered Accountant is appointed to the Board. The Asset Liability Committee will be chaired by the appointee nominated by National Treasury and appointed by the Minister of Transport to the SANRAL Board.

“SANRAL would therefore like to assure the public and the construction industry that the Board has taken all necessary measures to ensure continued good governance and effective operational control within and in compliance with the legal framework,” said Mona.

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Media Release

Eastern Cape Department of Transport and SANRAL take career expo to Cofimvaba

Caption: Learners in attendance at the Career Expo in Intsika Yethu

Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, 31 July 2024 – Investment in education was highlighted as one of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) strategic considerations during a career expo that took place at the Cofimvaba Senior Secondary School yesterday (Tuesday, 30 July).

Attended by more than 1 500 Grade 7 to 12 learners from schools from around the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, the career expo was a joint initiative between the Eastern Cape Department of Transport and SANRAL to expose learners in rural and remote schools to careers in the transport sector.

“SANRAL is cognisant that access to information remains a major challenge in our rural and township schools, therefore platforms such as these are an instrumental solution,” said Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL’s Regional Stakeholder Coordinator.

Ndika also spoke of SANRAL’s scholarship and bursary programmes which are intended to offer financial assistance to academically deserving and financially constrained learners, applications for which will be open until the end of September.

The career expo was used to encourage learners to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related careers as the country continues to have a major skills gap in these fields.

Giving words of encouragement to the learners, the motivational speaker for the day, entrepreneur, business mentor, author and menstrual coach, Babalwa Mbuku, said, “There is nothing impossible in life. You need to commit yourself in life because you are

your own prophet, you’ll be what you want to be if you commit to it. Two years ago, I went back to school and I graduated this year. I’m now the CEO of my own company.”
Buyiswa Bungu, representing the Eastern Cape Department of Transport said, “We see growth especially in aviation studies, by doing these expos, learners get exposure to the fields. Every year we get higher numbers of applications for bursaries towards pilot training. There is more interest in recent years towards aviation, maritime and architectural studies.”

Bafo Yotsi, Acting Circuit Manager from the Department of Education, was full of praise for the science programme introduced to schools. “We have scores of learners from Cofimvaba who excelled in Maths and Science and have taken part in expos. We are excited when our children get exposed to careers as future leaders because if you don’t get the right skills, others will snatch this country and run it. We already have those indicators.”

Exhibitors opened their stalls to sell their organisations on how learners can access information to help them mould their future. Almost all exhibitors stressed the importance of getting high entry marks for acceptance at tertiary level.

Walter Sisulu University Marketing and Communications Officer, Mandlakazi Kekezwa says this year learners know a lot about career choices. “I suppose they get more information from the radio, schools and internet. We also do school visits, career expos and in August we have an Open Day where we will invite learners to our campuses,” said Kekezwa.

Learners participated in a quiz competition and won individual prizes and prize money for their schools.

“It is always fun to test the learners’ general knowledge but to also rewarding and a confidence booster for them to win prizes for their schools,” said Ndika.

Participating schools included Cofimvaba Senior Secondary School, Isikhoba Primary School, Lungile Primary School, Wodehouse Primary School and Mahlubini Primary School.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

EB Cloete upgrades and road closures guide

Durban, 29 July 2024 – The pouring of concrete for the new King Cetshwayo Bridge on the M13 over the N2 will result in temporary lane closures, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

Southbound and northbound lanes will be closed on Saturday, 3 August 2024, from 07h00 to 20h00.

“These lane closures are to enable the entrance and exit of concrete trucks in and from the construction area behind the concrete barriers for the pouring of concrete for the new King Cetshwayo Bridge deck on the M13 over the N2 near Westwood Mall. This forms part of SANRAL’s major upgrade of the N2 north and south bound, and the EB Cloete Interchange. A minimum of two lanes per direction will remain open at all times,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place. Signage, barriers and traffic calming measures have already been installed.

“Trucks and other heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period and/or find suitable staging areas over this timeframe to avoid major congestion. Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes. Light vehicle traffic as well as emergency services and traffic management are advised to make use of alternative routes,” said Lowe.

A detailed alternative routing guide can be found on this link: http://www.nra.co.za

Important to note is that the N2 and N3 will remain open, but traffic congestion causing delays may be experienced due to the lane closures.

All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.
SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction workers and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL empowers SMMEs through information session in the Eastern Cape

Caption: SANRAL’s Regional Transformation Officer, Thandile Makwabe outlined SANRAL’s transformation objectives with its projects

Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, 26 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will be upgrading the R61 near Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape, which will improve road safety while also providing opportunities for small businesses and local workers.

This was shared at an information session at the Engcobo Indoor Sports Centre in the Eastern Cape, which aimed to empower small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) by providing comprehensive insights into SANRAL’s procurement processes and support mechanisms.

Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Acting Mayor, Councillor Sandiso Ngxangu, welcomed SANRAL’s drive to ensure safe infrastructure.

“The R61 on both sides of Ngcobo town has always recorded crashes that claim human lives every month. The projects SANRAL is set to bring will therefore make a big difference in people’s lives and households while attempting to reduce road crashes. It’s about the safety of road users and access to essential services in town
using safer roads. We want Ngcobo to change in terms of infrastructure,” said Ngxangu.

Participants were enlightened on various aspects critical to their participation in SANRAL projects. The discussions covered the mobilisation period, the tender process and the criteria for participation in SANRAL’s initiatives. Thandile Makwabe, SANRAL’s Regional Transformation Officer, emphasised the processes prescribed to main contractors for appointing subcontractors to meet SANRAL’s contract participation goals.

“SANRAL ensures that there’s a percentage set aside for SMMEs while empowering them so to participate in construction projects in their local communities and elsewhere. We provide information and training to enable businesses to be ready when projects come. Also, to assist them in having compliance documents valid and ready,” Makwabe noted.

Makwabe delved into the tender processes tailored for targeted enterprises, highlighting the essential steps required for tender preparation. He stressed the importance of adhering to these processes to ensure successful participation.

The tender evaluation process, as explained by Makwabe, comprises four stages: eligibility assessment, functionality analysis, price and preference consideration as well as a compliance check.

He remarked on the critical nature of realistic bidding, cautioning against unviable low bids that could jeopardise profitability and lead to misplaced claims of exploitation by SANRAL.

Lusanda Kali, from the Indyebo Fund, provided an overview of the funding tools available for SMMEs. She elaborated on the various short-, medium- and long-term funding options, offering valuable guidance to businesses on how to access and use these financial resources effectively.

The session also featured a presentation from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Assessment Officer, Lusindiso Nocha, who discussed the grading criteria, contractor competence, contractor performance, grading requirements and registration fees. “It’s important to pay your annual registration fees because failure to do so for two years will lead to the deregistration of your company,” noted Nocha.

This provided participants with crucial information on maintaining and improving their standing within the industry.

“We have now assigned transformation officers across all our projects in an effort to enhance our monitoring and evaluation and to ensure that our transformation efforts are being implemented thoroughly on the ground. This will help us ensure that the targeted enterprises (TEs) receive supervision and mentorship from the dedicated TE Mentors on site. This will greatly contribute to their development and safeguard them from any threat of exploitation,” added Makwabe.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL cautions road users to be mindful of scammers spreading misinformation about

support services available on toll roads across South Africa

Pretoria, 25 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) cautions road users to be mindful of scammers spreading misinformation about support services available on toll roads across South Africa. The post in question does not relate to any South African legislation. All information published by SANRAL can be found on SANRAL owned platforms, including SANRAL website and social media pages.

Any incident on the SANRAL network should be reported to the authorities, either via the Central Communications Centre for that municipal district, or 10111 for police emergencies or 10177 for medical emergencies.

SANRAL is constantly working to improve and expand the Freeway Management System, which monitors the busiest freeways across the country. Through this system, operators are able to detect and respond to incidents on the network, ensuring the appropriate emergency response is activated.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Stop/Go on N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction, in the Eastern Cape

Gqerberha, 25 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has advised road users that a Stop/Go system has been implemented on the N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (formerly Komga) in the Eastern Cape.

A periodic road maintenance project is currently underway in the area.

The Stop/Go system will be in place from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction from 26 July to 1 September 2024. Motorists can expect 10- to 20-minute delays during the maintenance period.
Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager, said, “Motorists should adhere to the warning signs, reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and plan their trips accordingly as there are no alternative routes available.”

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL OPENS N2 BELSTONE INTERCHANGE TO TRAFFIC

Caption: Construction of the Belstone Interchange along the N2 near Bhisho has been completed

Gqeberha, 24 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the opening of the N2 Belstone Interchange and route MR0688 linking Bhisho to Zwelitsha to traffic today.

This follows a 33-month construction period, which commenced in September 2021. Valued at R438 million, the project was critical to address the high accident rate at the old Breidbach intersection and the traffic congestion at the intersection of the MR0690 and MR0688. Safety and flow of traffic were thus central in its design and construction.

“The upgrades to this section of the N2 will result in improved management of traffic flow from Bhisho, Breidbach, Zwelitsha and East London, and improved safety for pedestrians and other non-motorised road users. The one loop and off-ramp will present safer access to the N2 and improve safety for both motorists and
pedestrians,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for its Southern Region.

The upgrades included construction of new interchanges at the Belstone and the Breidbach intersections, construction of a link road from Breidbach towards Sweetwaters outside Zwelitsha, free-flowing interchange at Belstone Bridge, dualling of the MR0688 road Bhisho and reinforcement of the concrete structures with the necessary road works.

“The benefit to the community goes beyond the new and safer road infrastructure. Through this project, SANRAL was able to create job opportunities for 376 general workers from the local community, with about R106 million spent on wages of targeted labour.”

“Over R194 million was spent on 100 targeted enterprises (SMMEs) who were subcontracted on the project. Furthermore, SANRAL invested over R4.6 million towards formal training of 614 locals by accredited training service providers to contribute to the skills development and capacitation of targeted enterprises. This was done to ensure that they can be self-sufficient beyond the SANRAL project,” said Peterson.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closures on N2 eNseleni in KwaZulu Natal

Empangeni, 24 July 2024 – Jacking of the bridge deck including bearing refurbishment work will take place on N2 on the Nseleni River Bridge (B2020) as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the South African National Road Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has announced.

“As part of the deck jacking process, temporary lane closures with stop-and-go control will be implemented,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager.

The dates for the closures are stated below:

29 July 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
30 July 2024 (Northbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
31 July 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
1 August 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00

Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as airports.

“We further appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and traveling through the construction site. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and ask for your understanding as they work to maintain their infrastructure assets,” said Sukraj.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL boosts science and engineering through 34th SAICE Bridge-Building Competition

Caption: Durban High School learners, winners of the 34th SAICE Bridge-Building Competition with SAICE and SANRAL representatives

eThekwini, 19 July 2024 – In keeping with the spirit of the late Nelson Mandela to empower children through education, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) sponsored the 34th South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Bridge-Building Competition held at Durban High School on Thursday, 18 July 2024.

Thirteen schools participated in the competition, which not only forms an integral part of several schools’ activity calendars recognised on the same level as academic or sports achievements, but also sees some schools incorporating it as part of their curriculum.

Durban High School won the Bridge-Building Competition for the second consecutive year for constructing the most robust timber sticks and glue bridge. Fairvale High School and Northmead Secondary School took second and third place and took these titles for the second year in a row.

In addition, Northmead Secondary School was awarded the Professor Leveritt Innovation Award. The winners from SAICE branches countrywide will compete for the
coveted shield and cash prizes for team members and schools at the national competition which will be held in Midrand, Johannesburg, on 23 August 2024.

The other competing schools included Durban Girls High School, Al Falaah College, St Henry’s Marist College, Umlazi Commercial High School, Centenary Secondary, Maris Stella School, Sastri College, Our Lady of Fatima School, Ganges Secondary School and Hillview Secondary School.

“SANRAL’s partnership with SAICE started three years ago through the common interest of giving learners practical engineering education. The annual bridge-building competition builds the learners’ confidence to forge on with engineering as a career and exposes them to the technical skills required for practicing professionals,” said Nomcebo Cebekhulu, SANRAL Eastern Region Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

Sam Pillay, Chairperson of SAICE Durban, thanked all the sponsors for their continued support of the annual Bridge-Building Competition and wished the winners good luck for the national finals.

SANRAL has planned a site visit for the top three schools to one of the N2/N3 projects ahead of the finals to further inform them about bridge-building principles and the civil engineering industry.

Seatides Secondary School, one of the worst schools affected by the tornado that hit Tongaat on 3 June 2024, was the guest of honour at the event. Ms Yeshvira Brijal, Head of the Department for Math and Science at the school, explained that the devastation caused by the tornado was traumatic to the community and schools.

“We had just bought equipment for our science and computer laboratories three days before the tornado. This was most devastating to the learners because our children would have new and modern materials in their labs for the first time in many years. Most of our kids still have not written the second term assessments due to the damage to our school and the lack of infrastructure to accommodate them at neighbouring schools. Some remain homeless and displaced,” she said.

SAICE and its industry partners collectively donated R11 000.00 to Seatides Combined School to address immediate needs, especially those related to specialist subjects. Seatides also received an award of encouragement during this difficult time. The school continues to welcome any aid available and can be contacted directly.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL takes career expos to three schools in Heidelberg, Gauteng, on Mandela Day

Learners at Khanya-Lesedi Secondary School

Gauteng, 19 July 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) hosted career expos with three schools in Lesedi Local Municipality: Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School, Khanya-Lesedi Secondary School and Ratanda Secondary School based in Heidelberg, Gauteng Province.

The agency presented opportunities offered through its bursary and scholarship programme, encouraging learners to apply. The application deadline is 30 September 2024.

SANRAL’s scholarship is open to high school learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12, irrespective of their chosen subjects. Learners who are currently in Grade 7 and will be in Grade 8 in 2025, are also encouraged to apply. The minimum overall academic average to qualify is 60%.

The bursary programme, which previously centred on funding civil engineering studies, is available to Grade 12 students pursuing various tertiary qualifications at public institutions of higher learning nationwide. This includes Supply Chain and Procurement Management, Human Resources, Finance, Civil and Electronic Engineering.

Itumeleng Segone, SANRAL’s Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, emphasised the importance of prioritising funding support, noting that it contributes to creating a more equitable society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

“Bursaries and scholarships offered by SANRAL are shaping a brighter future for South Africa, fostering a culture of learning, and driving the nation’s progress toward economic prosperity,” said Segone.

The heads of schools welcomed SANRAL’s visit, highlighting the impact of the agency’s bursaries and scholarships on students and communities, and reinforcing the importance of the government’s involvement in educational initiatives.

Learners at Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School

“We are grateful to SANRAL for their commitment to education and the future of our learners,” said Obed Selamolela, Principal of Kgoro Ya Thuto Secondary School. “The bursaries and scholarships provided by SANRAL open doors for our learners, allowing them to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. This kind of support makes a difference in the lives of our students.”

James Totetsi, Deputy Principal of Khanya-Lesedi Secondary School, said, “SANRAL’s investment in our learners is a testament to their dedication to community development. By offering these bursaries, SANRAL not only empowers individual students but also uplifts entire communities.”

Ramalao Ntlatleng, Principal of Ratanda Secondary School, said, “As educators, we strive to provide our students with the best opportunities for success. SANRAL’s bursaries and scholarships are a beacon of hope for many of our learners, ensuring they have access to higher education and the chance to build a brighter future.”

The Executive Mayor of Lesedi Local Municipality, Mluleki Nkosi, participated in the programme and expressed his appreciation to SANRAL, highlighting the agency’s role in creating a promising future for learners.

“As the municipality, we applaud SANRAL for this impactful initiative and anticipate seeing learners flourish with their support. Given the current challenge of high unemployment in South Africa, the bursaries will enhance learners’ chances of receiving quality education and securing employment after completing their studies,” Nkosi said.

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