Road users should be in for a trouble-free drive when travelling on the N7 freeway linking the Western Cape to Namibia during the Easter holidays because there are no roadworks to cause major delays.
The Easter holiday, from 14 to 17 April, is usually when there is a spike in traffic on most major national and provincial highways. These will be the only peak travel times barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions.
Vusi Mona, communications manager of the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Ltd (SANRAL), called on road users to obey speed limits and slow down at demarcated areas where temporary construction might take place.
Mona said: “The national and provincial road network is a safe environment and if drivers stick to the rules of the road and display tolerance and courtesy towards fellow road users, we should be able to cut down on the unacceptably high rate of fatal crashes.
“Driving requires focus. If you are tired, take a break; do not text and drive. Know you’re WHOA!”
The agency is taking great care to prevent pedestrians or stray animals from entering the freeway network but road users are cautioned to adjust their speed especially during the night.
Road maintenance ahead
Road maintenance activities will, however, take place on the 198km stretch between the Melkbos turn-off and Clanwilliam as well as the Northern Cape border to Vioolsdrift.
Speed limits will be in place at various sections. Motorists can encounter day and night stop-go controls, so caution is advised due to slow-moving heavy vehicles as well as pedestrian activities within the area. Speed will be reduced to 60km/h.
There may be construction on the N7 from the Atlantis turn-off all the way to Clanwilliam. Stop-go controls may be in place during certain times of the day and speed will be reduced to 80km/h.
Framseby High School learners, from left, Juandre Gilbert, Donovan Jerling and Philip du Plessis, were crowned the winners of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Algoa Branch Aqualibrium Water competition.
The winner of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Algoa Branch Aqua Librium Water competition is Framesby High School in Port Elizabeth.
The event was supported by the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) and Labco, which provides materials testing in the fields of Soils, Asphalt, Bitumen, Concrete and Aggregates.
SAICE hosted the one-day competition at SANRAL’s offices in Port Elizabeth on 25 March 2017 to afford learners the opportunity of planning, designing, constructing and operating a water distribution network, whereby they encounter similar challenges that occur in managing an actual water distribution network of a town.
Framesby High learners Donovan Jerling, Juandre Gilbert and Philip du Plessis will compete in the SAICE 14th Annual Schools Water Competition, in July in Johannesburg.
The participating schools included Framesby High School, Alexander Road High, Loyiso Senior Secondary, Mfesane Senior Secondary School, Newton Technical High school, Pearson High School all from Port Elizabeth and Brandwag High School from Uitenhage.
Pieter Joubert, SAICE Algoa branch chairman, said: “This competition demonstrates the importance of managing water distribution systems which are important to supply safe and clean drinking water to people. It also exposes the learners to the field of civil engineering and provides a glimpse into why civil engineers play a critical part in our infrastructure management.”
SANRAL southern region’s marketing and communications manager, Michelle Ah Shene said participating in SAICE events is an extension of SANRAL’s commitment to the development of the field.
Ah Shene said: “SANRAL promotes the importance of civil engineering through supporting projects like the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) School of Engineering STEM Pipeline Project, bursary and scholarships and training civil engineering graduates in the SANRAL Southern Region Training Academy.”
Water distribution
The competing teams were tasked to design a model water distribution network to distribute three litres of water equally between three points on a grid using two different diameter pipes and various connection pieces.
They were then judged on how well they executed the task – working on a penalty point system.
The teams had about an hour to plan, design, build and operate a water distribution system, the same way qualified civil engineers would do in a municipality.
What started as a South African competition has grown over the past three years to include Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
“This is an adventure that all learners remember once they had been there to experience the challenge first-hand,” Joubert said.
He added that this competition exposes learners to the processes which influence their daily lives and are often taken for granted, such as providing water supply to homes. They are made aware of the intricacies involved in the design of water distribution networks and the actual water delivery to households.
Joubert explained that the grid used for the water distribution network is on a background that depicts the water cycle with all the major impacts affecting this scarce resource. This grid intrigues learners, as well as educators, who find it a very useful educational tool.
A precious commodity
The competition creates awareness regarding the issues surrounding water in South Africa. It spreads the message that water is a precious commodity, which should be recycled, re-used and respected.
Through this annual competition SAICE spreads awareness that water should be used wisely, that infrastructure should be maintained and that new infrastructure should be developed to provide portable water to all in South Africa.
Gilbert of Framesby High School said he enjoyed participating in the competition.
“It was extremely fun to do the experiment. When we arrived here we had no idea what to expect and what to do. We can go back to school and share what we have learned with fellow classmates,” said Gilbert.
Steyn Williams of Brandwag High School said he was happy to have participated in the competition. “I am glad to be here. This was quite a learning experience.”
Morgan Moss of Alexander Road High School won second place.
He said: “This was exciting. I was nervous because I was not sure if they would let me participate because I was alone from my school and the competition entries call for a three member team.
“Maths and science are my favourite subjects. I also enjoy doing experiments and building things.”
Brandwag High Grade 9 to 12 science teacher, Peter Baxter, said the children enjoyed participating in the competition.
“This was exciting and challenging for them. They looked forward to this experiment,” said Baxter.
Baxter added that learners from his school also participated in the SANRAL and STEM PP projects.
Tarisai Seven, a Grade 8 and 9 Science and Technology teacher at Loyiso Senior Secondary, said the school had two teams participate during the competition.
Seven said: “Competitions like this one is very important to open the minds of the learners. Today was important for the learners who gained knowledge about the working of water systems. At school there are not many experiments that take place because resources at the school are little.”
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) is in talks with the George Municipality to upgrade the Thembalethu Interchange at the entrance to the township.
This is after motorists complained that the traffic jams nearing the bridge over the N2 cause delays of up to an hour. Vehicles often come to a standstill from the Thembalethu Police Station all the way to the N2 Bridge.
The busiest time is from 06:30 to 08:00. While traffic officials have been placed at two points to reduce the congestion, this does not seem to help.
According to Kobus van der Walt, SANRAL’s regional manager, the agency has appointed a consultant to handle the design phase related to the upgrade of the interchange.
“Currently, we are in discussions with the municipality of George to provide 50% of the funding relating to this interchange upgrade as it does not only pertain to the upgrade of the bridge but also the main road crossing the interchange and other roads in the area,” said Van der Walt.
He noted that the reason for the congestion can be contributed to the increase in traffic to and from Thembalethu. “Once the negotiations have been concluded, a joint decision will be taken regarding the future of the project.”
It is believed the upgrade of the bridge will amount to R100 million.
Your travels on the N1 freeway between Gauteng and Cape Town should be mostly trouble-free during the Easter holiday – Friday 14 to Monday 17 April.
According to the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), this is traditionally a period when there is a rapid spike in traffic on most major national and provincial highways.
Historically, peak traffic times are mostly on the Thursday before the long weekend or Easter Monday. Thus, going toward Cape Town on the N1 congestion will be experienced at the Huguenot Tunnel on the day before Good Friday and, going northwards, again on Easter Monday.
These are the expected peak travel times barring any unforeseen major traffic incidents or weather conditions.
The introduction of automated pay systems at toll plazas on the busiest national highways connecting Gauteng with the rest of the country is improving traffic flows and contributing to safer journeys.
Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s communications manager, said: “One tag lifts all booms at plazas where the automated payment system is already in place.”
It enables motorists to plan their travel in advance, cuts down on waiting time at plazas and reduces the levels of driver fatigue and frustrations during long journeys.
“This, again, demonstrates how SANRAL’s investments in cutting-edge technology and smart road systems are contributing to a safer road environment,” said Mona.
Expected road works
Construction work during peak hour traffic will be limited and no journeys on any of the major highways will be delayed by more than 20 minutes due to road building activities.
Major construction on the N1 is being undertaken in the Free State. Parts of the road are being upgraded between Bloemfontein and Kroonstad.
Upgrades along Sydenham Interchange and Glen Lyon are in progress until May 2017. No stop-go is in place.
Upgrades between Winburg and Winburg Station have commenced. As a result, road closures will be experienced due to blasting operations.
Construction works between Ventersburg and Holfontein as well as Holfontein and Kroonstad are in progress. Traffic is free-flowing; however, motorists are advised to proceed with caution while obeying posted traffic signs.
Upgrades of a section between Trompsburg and Fonteintjie are in progress along the N1 from the Orange River to Bloemfontein. Traffic will be diverted onto deviations with no stop-go controls at both ends of the project. These upgrades are expected to continue until June 2017.
A rehabilitation contract between Kroonstad South and Westleigh is in progress. Traffic is free-flowing with a lane open in each direction.
Misgund Soweto to Grand Central/ Olifantsfontein Interchange is undergoing routine maintenance, but there should be no stoppages. In addition, the route between the Grand Central/Olifantsfontein Interchange to the Proefplaas N4 Interchange will undergo routine maintenance, while bridge repairs along the N1/N4 Proefplaas Interchange will result in lane reductions.
Motorist are warned that there is heavy pedestrian activity from the Vaal River on the N1 to Misgund Soweto. Additional street lighting has been installed at the Ennerdale Interchange.
Further south on the N1, a compulsory stop will be in place about five kilometres to the south of Touws River on the stretch between Rawsonville and Laingsburg. Minor construction work is also undertaken at various other locations in the Karoo. In addition, an unmanned compulsory stop for heavy vehicles is in operation on the south-bound carriageway in the Hex River Pass.
Mona calls on road users to obey speed limits and slow down at demarcated areas where temporary construction might take place.
SANRAL is taking great care to prevent pedestrians or stray animals from entering the freeway network but road users are cautioned to adjust their speed especially during night times.
He said: “The national and provincial road network is a safe environment and if drivers stick to the rules of the road and display tolerance and courtesy towards fellow road users, we should be able to cut down on the unacceptably high rate of fatal crashes.
“Driving requires focus. If you are tired, take a break; do not text and drive. Know your WHOA!”
SMME owner Sipelele Msindwana wants to grow his Nkungu Investments CC business in the construction industry, expand to plant hire company and business rental properties.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) is rolling out an integrated community development programme valued at R120-million for the N2 Wild Coast Toll Road Project (N2WCTR).
This initiative aims to develop, upskill and empower youth and women-owned SMME’s and start-ups in construction industries in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Mbizana Local Municipality and Port St. Johns Local Municipality and simultaneously provide safer roads.
Learners in the programme will be provided with National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 3, 4 and 5 training, leading to a full learnership which is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Upon completion of theoretical training in 2017, each SMME will have an opportunity to tender for work packages on the community access roads and learn how to apply their theoretical training into practical application. Community access road upgrades are strategic projects linked to the N2WCTR with the aim to improve road safety.
SMME owner speaks
Sipelele Msindwana (37), a small business owner of a construction company in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, plans to grow his career and take his business to new heights through the N2WCTR.
Msindwana is a co-founder and co-partner of Nkungu Investments CC. He and business partner Khayakazi Nkungu started the company in 2004.
He is one of 30 business owners who have received a full scholarship from SANRAL.
Msindwana has ambitions to grow their business in the construction industry and expand to be a plant hire company with business rental properties.
He has 13 years’ experience working in the construction industry, which include eight years managing construction sites. SANRAL’s community development and skills training programme will give him an additional boost to be successful.
Msindwana said: “Since starting our company we have on average provided work for 25-45 people. But working in the construction industry is not easy. It is difficult to find work in the construction industry especially if your company is a CIDB level 1, so we have to supplement our income with finding other work.”
The construction mogul in the making studied civil engineering at Walter Sisulu University and has also completed a road works supervisory SETA NQF4 accredited course, and labour intensive construction management NQF 5 course.
Msindwana believes one of the challenges working in the construction industry is that some SMMEs under price for project on tenders which leads to projects being left incomplete.
He said: “For me the difficult part in road construction is the admin work. It is important to keep proper records of the jobs that was done. Paperwork must be kept in order for future reference when applying for other tenders.
“SANRAL’s programme is unique. The information we are taught is new to my existing knowledge of managing a business. We learn about managing an enterprise, business plans, gain training we essentially need.”
He is optimistic about the N2WCTR project and believes if they implement what they are taught, there will be no place for failure.
Msindwana said: “The N2 Wild Coast project will turn around the whole town in terms of an economic boost. People here will have work. Businesses from outside our area don’t invest here because there is no infrastructure development. I think the N2WCTR will attract people to come here and invest.
“The programme provides us with an opportunity to also look for work opportunities elsewhere. Working on this community road will also help build a good name for my company.”
The existing Van Reenen’s Pass Route was built in 1961 and is no longer able to effectively handle the growth in traffic volumes.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) is investigating alternative options to increase the capacity of the N3 route across the Drakensberg following the decision by government to scrap the proposed De Beers Pass project.
The 614km long N3 is the primary road from Johannesburg, through the Free State and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to Durban. The toll road is managed by the N3 Toll Concession.
The N3 is an important road freight corridor and, despite efforts to move large volumes of freight to rail, expectations are that at least 60% of movement between Gauteng and Durban will still remain on the road network.
Vusi Mona, spokesperson of SANRAL, said: “We have to plan pro-actively for the expected growth in road traffic volumes between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal and to find workable solutions that will provide road users with safe, comfortable and congestion-free journeys.”
The De Beers Pass project has been cancelled by government and will not be implemented in terms of the concession agreement.
However, SANRAL has been asked to investigate an alternative option along the existing N3 which would address the safety and mobility issues.
Mona said: “We have started to conduct detailed investigations and the costing of an alternative option and the findings of our study will be presented to the Minister of Transport.”
Government will then consider all the engineering and financial considerations before taking a decision on how to proceed with the project.
The existing Van Reenen’s Pass Route was built in 1961 and is no longer able to effectively handle the growth in traffic volumes. SANRAL has, through the years, added many safety features to the road but is still concerned about the number of crashes on the road and the inconvenience caused for road users through sporadic road closures.
New developments will have to address current safety issues related to the alignment of the current road through Van Reenen’s Pass including the steep gradients, sharp curves and bottle necks that will require extensive engineering solutions.
Mona said: “Decisions on funding will be taken once an alternative route has been finalised. SANRAL will continue to communicate with all stakeholders, including provincial governments, local councils, communities and road users as decisions are taken and the project unfolds.”
Nare’s role at the lab is a link between academia and industry.
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has appointed its first research associate at its Southern Region.
Keith Nare is a doctoral candidate who also volunteers as a maths and science and homework club mentor.
Nare, a PhD candidate at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) is pursuing his doctorate in physical and polymer chemistry and has been appointed the research associate at SANRAL’s materials lab in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.
His relationship with SANRAL in 2016 while still working as a visiting student at the SANRAL Training Academy for Candidate Engineers. He officially joined the lab on 10 January 2017.
Education is his life
Education plays a very important role in Nare’s life as he volunteers with Masifunde Learner Development at Walmer High School in Walmer in Port Elizabeth.
He said: “I am a homework club mentor as well as a Mathematics and Science tutor. Honestly I love teaching, it is a response to an outer call from within to give back to the community especially where there is need for me. It brings joy to see other young people grow and get to realise that their birthplace shouldn’t determine their future.
“The future of the country is in the hands of the youth and how far they are willing to spread the ripple effect of extended responsibility for community development in the spirit of Ubuntu.”
Nare encourages high school learners and other tertiary students to continue studying.
He said: “Perseverance, humility and the willingness to go the extra mile will make a big difference. I encourage them to get mentors that can help them grow. Always remember that it takes a village to raise a child, so everyone in your path is important. You must be willing to learn and grow for it is in those lessons that you become a better you.”
When he has free time he enjoys playing tennis and go on nature walks.
Getting the research position
He became aware of the research associate position during his interactions with SANRAL and Labco (Labco is the tendered and appointed laboratory service provider for the SANRAL Training Academy in Port Elizabeth) while still working on his MSc.
Nare said: “SANRAL and Labco helped me with other tests I couldn’t do at the University. The whole idea was to partner with SANRAL in fostering an industry-academia partnership to address the current challenges faced by industry in understanding the intricate details to the chemistry behind polymer modified bitumen though emphasis for me was crumb rubber modified bitumen.”
Sean Strydom, SANRAL Southern Region materials specialist explained that Nare’s position at SANRAL involves Rheological testing which is a highly specialised testing using high end testing equipment of which there is only a handful of in the country.
Strydom said: “The training of the persons who operate the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) is done by the international suppliers of the equipment. We were lucky that Keith during his studies had already received in depth training in the use of the testing equipment.
“The test data Keith is generating will assist us in ensuring our new Performance Specification of bitumen is best suited to South African road conditions. The data is being generated by testing bitumen samples from SANRAL’s construction sites from across the entire Eastern Cape.”
Linking academia and industry
Nare’s role at the lab is a link between academia and industry with responsibilities spanning from internal research on bituminous binders emphasis on implementation of the South African Performance Grade Bitumen Specifications, taking responsibility for the performing and monitoring of tests and ensuring time frames are adhered to, presentation on findings mostly at workshops and conferences, present training and guidance to technicians and graduate engineers, ensure the equipment used has been maintained, verified and calibrated and propose improvements where necessary.
Nare has a BSc (Biochemistry and Chemistry), Bsc Honors (Chemistry), MSc (Physical and Polymer Chemistry) all from the Nelson Mandela University (NMU).
He said: “In my MSc and as part of the Centre for Rubber Science and Technology at the NMU I was focusing on the Formulation Development and Theromorheological Properties of CrumbRubber/EVA modified bitumen. It involved combination of rubber crumbs from used tyres and plastomer EVA in bitumen to come up with an optimised blend for application as road materials.
“I also focused on the energy-sustainability nexus of use of Fischer-Tropsch wax as a warm mix additive in the optimised blends. Another area of interest in the study was investigating the use of antioxidants hydrated lime, carbon black, Irganox 1010, Irgafos 168 to improve the short term aging behaviour of 70/100 bitumen. Finally I looked at the costing implications of each section of work to come up with summative view of different areas of research based on the current trends in costing in the industry as a whole.”
Nare’s roots
Nare hails from Rusape, a very small town on the Eastern side of Zimbabwe and has been living in Port Elizabeth since 2011. He is the eldest of four brothers and the first in his family to study in the field of civil engineering. His second oldest brother studies at university, the second youngest is in Grade 12 and the youngest brother is a Grade 8 pupil.
He has always had to be the leading example in every aspect which is good pressure and motivation at the same time.
Nare said: “I love South Africa it offers me an opportunity for growth, career development and my roots from my father’s side are here.”
Apart from having goals to feed into the pool of knowledge in South Africa and as a scholar learn from the gurus of the industry partnering with industry players to solve the current problems faced in the roads industry by improving road materials product development based on need in the vast areas of the country, he also has a keen interest in improving solid waste management and increasing awareness on recycling in different waste streams.
“I love to work for SANRAL – it is very empowering to be in the company with mentors that are always willing to help and groom upcoming young people. I also want to be an ambassador for education and empowering youth to see you beyond their current situations,” he said.
Nare did not always consider a career in civil engineering. When he was a child he wanted to be a lawyer but then he enjoyed environmental sciences and solid waste management and ended up in Chemistry.
He said: “It was during the Research Proposal part of my MSc that I decided to merge the Chemistry and the Civil Engineering. Honestly what came to mind was recycling of used tyres and where they could be utilized more without being taken to the land fill.
“Among other technologies was use of rubber crumbs to improve the thermorheological behaviour of bitumen so that was my grand entry into Civil Engineering and I must say I love it and am willing to grow as it is a very interesting field with so much areas of growth especially from a sustainability point of view.”
Nare said SANRAL does amazing work and names the Uitenhage Industrial Zone slope stabilization project as an example of the magnitude of projects delivered by the agency.
The ultimate solution of the issue of e-tolling on the inner Gauteng highway network can only come from the national level. Initiatives such as the establishment of an advisory panel have not led to the resolution of concerns of Gauteng motorists regarding affordability, said Premier David Makhura in his State of the Province address in February. He said there will be no e-tolls on the province’s new roads.
Notable issues raised in the state of the province addresses in Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo:
In Mpumalanga, Premier David Mabuza said that the reconstruction of 16 provincial road projects totalling 284km was completed.
In North West, Premier Supra Mahumapelo is raising the issue of toll fees on the Platinum Highway, including those at the Swartruggens Plaza, and said that public-private partnerships are being explored.
In Limpopo, Premier Chupu Mathabatha said that over the next three years the provincial road agency will upgrade some 296km of gravel roads to asphalt.
In the state of the province addresses in the Western and Northern Cape roads received scant attention:
Premier Helen Zille of the Western Cape said that major new housing developments will add pressure to transport infrastructure. Top of the list is the upgrading of informal settlements along the N2 near Cape Town International Airport, known as the Southern Corridor. Work has started in Forest Village and Ithemba and will expand into Gugulethu, Nyanga and Philippi in 2018.
Premier Sylvia Lucas of the Northern Cape said that the main economic drivers are foreign investment in mining and energy. Inadequate road infrastructure will be addressed through the upgrading and resealing of some roads, mainly in the more rural areas.
In the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal state of the province addresses there were little references to roads:
Premier Ace Magashule of the Free State stressed the need for building and upgrading of infrastructure. This not only improves access but creates jobs and transforms the economic landscape. He did point to the completion of some roads and noted new road works.
Premier Willies Mchunu of KwaZulu-Natal pointed to the growth of the Dube Trade Port as a key to the economic growth in the province and noted that a feasibility study on the establishment of an oil and gas hub at Richards Bay will be completed later this year.
