Blog - Page 162 of 199 - SANRAL Stop Over

Balancing the needs of communities and the environment

26Sep2017

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Road construction and maintenance projects across the world inevitably impact the environment.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) prides itself on its ability to strike a careful balance between the socio-economic benefits that a road or upgraded bridge will bring to a community and the need for sustainable environmental practices.

Management of the environment is at the core of decisions taken by SANRAL on every project – from conception and design to construction, delivery and ongoing maintenance.

Caring for the environment

The modern concept of caring for the environment goes way beyond looking after nature. It includes the long-term impact of the road on surrounding communities, the future of plant and animal species and issues relating to climate change.

Each SANRAL project is accompanied by a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. World-class experts from both SANRAL and independent companies assess the project, taking into account location, proximity to natural resources and the unique character of the region and communities who live close to the road.

One example is the N17 from Springs to Ermelo, which is of vital economic importance to Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as South Africa’s neighbours in Swaziland.

The planning of this road required the combined expertise of independent environmentalists, economists and experts in the fields of tourism, trade and commerce.

In the North West, the construction of a bridge on the N14 near Delareyville had implications for the Barberspan bird sanctuary – an internationally recognised conservation area that is home to more than 365 different bird species. During the construction, special care was taken not to disturb a rare colony of cliff swallows, while a range of other measures were introduced to mitigate the impact of the building activities on the sensitive ecosystem.

Then there’s the N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway. This project has attracted attention from both environmental activists and community organisations.

The original environmental assessment was referred back for more detailed studies, which resulted in a much-improved plan for the road. A survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council now shows that there is overwhelming public support for the project, which has the potential to unlock the tourism and agricultural potential of a region that has been neglected in the past.

During construction on the N2 between Grahamstown and the Fish River, SANRAL worked closely with a postgraduate student at Rhodes University to study a population of the Suurberg cushion bush (Oldenburgia grandis). This research resulted in the preservation of a very important plant species.

When planning started on the new Polokwane Eastern Ring Road in Limpopo, heritage experts expressed concerns about its potential impact on the rich archaeological history of the region.

When a few graves were discovered during construction, SANRAL halted its activities, brought in experts and worked with local communities to apply for the exhumation of the remains.

Climate change

Global concerns about climate change – and local concerns about power shortages – are important factors when the energy-efficiency of transport networks is considered. Again, SANRAL is taking the lead in innovation. On a section of the busy N2 in KwaZulu-Natal, a lighting management system was installed that enables an operator to control the overhead lighting and adjust it according to the time of day and traffic volume.

This system will lead to energy savings of up to 40% and has the potential to be rolled out to other sections of the national road network.

These examples all show that SANRAL takes its stewardship of the environment very seriously. The South African public can be assured that the agency is committed to sound environmental principles and that its decisions are based on the latest global research and practices.

This is an opinion piece by Mpati Mokoa, SANRAL’s Environmental Manager.

Arbour Month puts the spotlight on SANRAL’s role in conservation

21Sep2017

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Baobabs-relocated — A number of baobab relocated in 2002 are thriving.

Proactive steps taken by SANRAL’s environmental experts are preserving rare plant species and sensitive habitats during road-building programmes throughout South Africa.

Mpati Makoa, the Environmental Manager of the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), said the coming Arbour Month activities will focus on the need to protect indigenous trees and forests, while presenting an opportunity to focus attention on SANRAL’s excellent track record in conservation.

SANRAL’s conservation activities at the Mtentu Bridge construction site, along the N2 Wild Coast road project, demonstrate its commitment to work with experts, other government departments and local communities to protect rare plants and rehabilitate the environment after construction activities are completed.

The Minister of Transport, Joe Maswanganyi, announced in early September that work on South Africa’s longest main span bridge will start as part of road development designed to unlock the economic potential of the Eastern Cape and provide residents with easier access to health care, education and employment opportunities.

Rescue and preservation

In preparation for the construction, environmentalists are “rescuing” thousands of plants from roads reserves of the Mtentu Bridge and from the Msikaba Bridge site, and relocating them to specially-constructed temporary holding areas within the construction areas.

At these holding areas the plants will be maintained, nurtured and replanted when construction finishes. Rarer species will be moved to protected areas and seeds from selected plants are harvested and stored to be planted over the next few growing seasons.

Makoa said the tree and plant conservation activities in the Eastern Cape are not new to SANRAL, as over the years, similar efforts have been undertaken on several other construction and maintenance sites across the 22 200km primary road network.

SANRAL recognises that road building often has an impact on the environment and there are stringent policies and procedures in place to mitigate this.

Limpopo

Between Makhado and the Beit Bridge border in Limpopo, the N1 passes through one of the world’s largest baobab reserves. This remarkable tree that grows predominantly in the bushveld climate is singled out for special mention during this year’s Arbour Month activities.

During the design of the road, great care was taken to ensure only a minimum number of trees were affected. A few of the giant trees were, however, successfully relocated close to the edges of the road reserve.

The relocations took place under the supervision of authorities, with the cooperation of land owners and local communities. The health of the trees is constantly monitored and inspections show that all the baobabs are in good condition.

KwaZulu-Natal

In KwaZulu-Natal, SANRAL took extraordinary steps to protect the plants that were disturbed during the construction of the Kwambonambi interchange in the northern part of the province. The N2 passes through a swamp forest which contained rare types of vegetation.

Swamp-rehab-1 — Andrew Booth stands at the site shortly after plants were rehabilitated during the construction of the Kwambonambi Interchange.

Makoa said: “SANRAL saw the opportunity to revive the swamp forest on the downstream side of the new interchange. A botanist identified 91 plant species – of which 20 are considered to be rare – to be relocated. Over 90% of the replanted species have survived and are growing well despite the drought.”

North West

In the North West, SANRAL took proactive measures to plant indigenous trees at traffic circles on the R24. More than 30 different species that thrive in the water-scarce climate were selected, including the mountain aloe, the white stinkwood and the forest bushwillow.

Western Cape

In the Western Cape, SANRAL’s upgrades to the N7 meant that special precautions were taken to mitigate environmental damage.

During the first quarter of 2016, the agency carefully removed nearly 60 varieties of plant species, which were temporarily housed in nurseries while construction was underway.

As construction is now complete, plants of which the majority are fynbos and bulb species, are systematically re-introduced to their natural environment. In the past two months, over 20 000 plants have been re-planted and are thriving.

With the Cape’s low rainfall and prevailing drought conditions, many of the plants may be kept in nurseries until there has been more rain and will therefore likely be re-planted in time for next winter.

“Through our conservation activities we are contributing to the aims of Arbour Month and making a significant contribution to ensure South Africa’s natural heritage can co-exist with the need for modern road infrastructure,” said Makoa.

The exceptional Wiseman

19Sep2017

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Wiseman-1 — Wisemen Mavuso’s interest in civil engineering began when he noticed that a new road in Mpumalanga had massive potholes less than three months after it had been completed.

Wiseman Mavuso was one of the 39 students, across three universities in the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited’s Western Region, to be awarded a bursary in 2015/16.

Mavuso is tackling his dreams head-on and has some advice for other young people: “Work hard.”

Good grades

From grades one to seven, Mavuso emerged and maintained his position as the top student in his school. Upon starting high school, learners from other areas meant new and tougher competition and Mavuso realised that he would have to up his game.

He earned the status of maths fundi and was most disappointed when he did not achieve 100% in his final maths exam. He had to be satisfied with 93%.

But his achievements came despite having no maths and science teachers at his school. Saturday programmes he attended at other schools had helped.

Seeing opportunity

His interest in civil engineering began when he noticed that a new road in Mpumalanga had massive potholes less than three months after it had been completed.

Mavuso started wondering how this had happened. Who was responsible? What materials were used? How could this be avoided in future?

So at the tender age of 18, Mavuso, who had never ventured beyond KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, set off on a bus to the Mother City to enrol at the University of Cape Town for an engineering degree.

With no friends and no financial support from family, this tenacious young man put one foot in front of the other and started building his dream, one brick at a time.

SANRAL bursary

He had applied for several bursaries and was delighted to be offered an interview by SANRAL, making sure he arrived thoroughly prepared. His preparation paid off – he was awarded the coveted bursary.

“Being awarded a SANRAL bursary has taken enormous strain off my shoulders and I can now channel 100% of my energy into striving for academic excellence,” said the humble Mavuso.

If the 94% he achieved for engineering mechanics in his first year is anything to go by, academic excellence is most certainly what this young man is all about.

His mother’s role

Asked about the family he left back home, he said his mother is undoubtedly his rock. She supported him and encouraged him to dream, work and persevere. Her years of nurturing have also instilled in him the desire to help others.

Even with a heavy workload, he finds the time to mentor and tutor other students in maths.

Now in his second year of study, Mavuso’s scope of interest is already widening and his new fascination is exceptionally tall structures, the likes of which are found in opulent cities like Dubai.

He has no immediate plans to set off beyond the borders of South Africa, though.

Instead, he said, he’d like to take lessons from the rest of the world’s engineering and apply them to new developments in South Africa.

“Who knows? I may just be involved in the design of multi-level tunnels in the future,” he said.

N3 improvement vital

18Sep2017

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N3-South-Africa-1 — More than 40-million tons of freight are carried on the N3 corridor per year, with approximately 9 000 heavy vehicles using this national road per day.

Upgrading the N3 is essential if one of government’s strategic integrated projects linking the Port of Durban with Gauteng, South Africa’s economic heartland, is to succeed.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) divisional manager of construction and design, Ravi Ronny, said that more than 40-million tons of freight are carried on the N3 corridor per year, with approximately 9 000 heavy vehicles using this national road per day.

“Durban is by far South Africa’s busiest port, with over 80% of goods moving along this corridor by road.

“An economic analysis of the N3 has indicated that within the next 10 years it will cost the public R775-million per annum in lost time if the N3 is not upgraded. The closure of the N3 due to accidents currently results in a loss of about R275 000 per hour to the public in lost time,” he said.

Therefore, SANRAL is considering, among others, the following projects to upgrade the N3:

Pietermaritzburg Ring Road – a realignment around Pietermaritzburg with a number of options being considered
Key Ridge realignment – a three kilometre realignment
Two to three additional lanes per carriageway between Durban and Cedara

During Phase 1, the upgrade between Durban and Pietermaritzburg is estimated to cost approximately R15-billion.

Phase 2 will include the Pietermaritzburg Ring Road upgrade and will be required within the next 10-15 years.

SANRAL hosts workshop for telecommunications industry

15Sep2017

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solomon-kganyago-1 — 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.”

Kwambonambi swamp rehab deemed a success

13Sep2017

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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).

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.

Learners graduate from SANRAL and NMU maths and science programme

11Sep2017

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Learners-graduate-1 — 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.

Restoring the dignity of young women

8Sep2017

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Restoring-1 — 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.”

Cause of N3 bridge collapse revealed

6Sep2017

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n3-bridge-collapse-1 — 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.

SANRAL KZN manager finalist for property award

6Sep2017

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Logashri-Sewnarain-2 — 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.