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MEDIA RELEASE
Mbokodweni River Bridge is open to traffic

Pietermaritzburg, 21 November 2024 – The Mbokodweni River Bridge on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has been reopened to traffic as of Thursday, 21 November 2024, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. The first phase of repairs has been made to the bridge after it was closed due to damage.
The bridge was closed on Monday, 4 November, following damage to some of its bearings, in particular the concrete rocker bearings supporting the fourth span of the southbound bridge.

President Cyril Ramaphosa inspected the damage to the bridge on 8 November 2024 and was briefed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa and SANRAL CEO Reginald Demana.
The first phase of repairs entailed the replacement of the failed concrete bearings with structural steel bearings. This will allow the opening of the bridge to normal traffic including heavy vehicles for the December to January period. However, the movement of abnormal loads and super loads over that bridge will be restricted for that period, in line with recommendations from the technical report certifying the repairs.

The second phase of repairs is due to commence by late January 2025 and will entail the replacement of all the bearings of the same design on the southbound bridge as a proactive precautionary measure. This work will be undertaken with minimal disturbance to traffic, using traffic accommodation measures that are already being implemented on the rest of the N2 and N3 upgrade projects.

SANRAL CEO said he was happy with the speed with which the roads agency has effected the repairs, saying that it was a priority for the roads agency to ensure that the bridge was operational before the start of the holiday season because of the importance of the N2.

“The reopening of the Mbokodweni River Bridge ahead of the festive season is very positive and significant for road users,” said Demana. “This demonstrates SANRAL’s commitment to delivering on what we had promised President Ramaphosa and our Minister when they visited the bridge about two weeks ago. Ultimately, it shows that SANRAL is determined to ensure that people who use that important route to go home for Christmas and holidaymakers alike are now able to use the N2 with minimal disruption.

It is also one of our country’s most important corridors for the movement of goods on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal and between KZN and the Eastern Cape,” he said. The contract for the upgrade of the N2 between Moss Kolnick Drive and Isipingo to a four- or five-lane carriageway is already in the procurement stage and is expected to be awarded in the first quarter of 2025. The project will include the upgrading and modernising of the bridge structure.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 4305 pressoffice@nra.co.za

UPDATE: TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Temporary fast-lane closures on N2 near Fort Jackson lifted

Gqeberha, 20 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise motorists that the temporary fast-lane closures on the N2 near Fort Jackson in the Eastern Cape have been lifted. The closures were undertaken between the Fort Jackson and Berlin interchanges to allow Eskom to install new overhead transmission powerlines over the N2.

The closures were implemented last weekend and two more closures were scheduled for Saturday, 23 November, and Sunday, 24 November 2024. However, the fast-lane closures scheduled to take place this weekend (23 and 24 November) will no longer happen and the road is open to normal traffic flow.

“We wish to thank motorists for their understanding and cooperation as their safety was of utmost importance during this critical operation,” said Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL’s Acting Regional Manager for the Southern Region.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
N1 Section 21 Sinkhole Rehabilitation Project

Gauteng, 20 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify travellers that the rehabilitation of the sinkhole on the N1 Section 21 at km 22.0, Southbound, has reached the next phase. This requires the closing of an additional lane on the Southbound Carriageway.

“The lane closure will reduce the current number of lanes on the N1 southbound past the N1 sinkhole works site (just south of the R21 Flying Saucer Interchange) from the current four lanes to three lanes. This closure will be erected on Friday evening the 22nd of November and will be in place until Sunday the 1st of December 2024,” said Progress Hlahla, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for the Northern Region.

Motorists are requested to strictly adhere to the traffic accommodation and signage provided.
SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Government steps in to ward off threats to SANRAL mega road project in KwaBhaca

Caption: Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha addresseing stakeholders in Mthatha

Mthatha, 20 November 2024 – The Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, has urged the leadership and community of the Alfred Nzo District to safeguard the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) mega road construction project near KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere).

MEC Nqatha hosted a stakeholder engagement session at Dan’s Country Lodge near Mthatha recently, to address community grievances that threaten the construction of SANRAL’s R1.2 billion rehabilitation of the N2 section between KwaBhaca and Ngcweleni River, near Emaxesibeni (formerly Mount Ayliff). The project commended in April 2024 and is due for completion in November 2026.

The session was intended to resolve issues that have the potential to disrupt the implementation of the project, which presents major socio-economic benefits for the Eastern Cape. The meeting was attended by political and traditional leadership in the affected areas, aggrieved members of the communities, the contractor Rumdel Construction Cape (Pty) Ltd, the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) and SANRAL.

Central to the dispute is the contractor’s commercial source of crushed material, the employment of local labour and packages for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). In recent weeks, residents from Sugarbush village blockaded the N2 with rocks and burning tyres over the alleged sourcing of illegal materials on the basis that the mining permit used was invalid.

MEC Nqatha decried the stoppage as they have cost implications for the government.

“The matter is of great concern to all spheres of government as it is costly to government and the taxpayers themselves. The matter is now in the courts and while there is a stoppage, the company charges standing time. This is economic sabotage,” he said.

Construction manager for Rumdel Construction, Mduduzi Mdletshe, alleges that people from Bizana were bused to block the N2 despite the existence of a PLC that oversees the employment of local labour.

“We have employed more than 300 people on the project,” he said. “When everyone from the villages wants to be employed, this is unattainable. More than 70 SMMEs are employed here with over R400 million set aside for them. We will employ people for packages still to come as we are still in early project stages.”

Unathi Ximbi, legal representative for Mjelweni village, informed the meeting about the crucial meetings held with the contractor over a mining permit.

“The community has no problem with Rumdel and employment, but the issue is over Rumdel and licence holder, Bismarck, mining without consultation with the community. The contractor went to court, but their application failed. We expect judgement on it soon,” said Ximbi.

He said the permit was invalid on the grounds that there was no consultation and the matter will come before the high court to adjudicate.

As a way forward, Nqatha noted that no developments should be stopped and they should unite communities rather than be a source of antagonism. The parties should leave any dispute to the courts and the police will have to enforce an interdict when granted.

“It is the communities and workers alike who lose out whenever development is halted. Rumdel needs to convene a meeting with business and Speakers of local municipalities to explain the available packages and benefits flowing to labour and targeted enterprises,” said Nqatha.

The session heard about complaints over damage to houses in villages closer to the quarry, with the MEC pleading with the contractor not to distance itself from the queries while SANRAL, as a government entity should supervise the process.

An audio clip with English sound is available here: https://we.tl/t-LMuISEvQSd

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Lane and shoulder closures on the N2 between Linton Grange interchange and

St Albans interchange, Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 20 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users about the lane and shoulder closures being implemented on the N2 between Linton Grange and St Albans, where periodic road maintenance is currently underway.

The lane and shoulder closures will be in place until 15 December 2024.

There will be a minimum of two 24-hour lane closures on both the eastbound and westbound carriageways.

Mandatory speed reduction will be enforced to ensure safety and road users should be mindful of moving construction equipment along these closures.

“SANRAL appeals to all road users to adhere to warning signs, to reduce speed when approaching construction zones and to plan their trips accordingly,” said Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL’s Acting Southern Region Manager.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Changes to traffic flow at N2 Beacon Way intersection in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay, 19 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced changes to the traffic flow through the construction works area at the Beacon Way Intersection on the N2 in Plettenberg Bay, for the last two weeks of November 2024. For the contractor to create a functioning circle ahead of the festive season, he needs to complete the laying of the asphalt road surface material on the newly constructed areas. To do so, the right-turn movement from Beacon Way onto the N2 will be closed intermittently. Road users affected in this way must exit Beacon Way, turning left and going uphill to the Marine Drive traffic circle where they can turn around and travel back on the N2 in an easterly directly. This disruption to the traffic flow will last for three to four days.

Apart from closing the right turn movement, some intermittent short-term lane closures on the N2 will be implemented during the next two weeks. “The aim is to have the traffic circle, although not completed in all respects, functioning as intended before the onset of the festive season,” said Renaldo Lorio, SANRAL Project Manager. The temporary road restraint systems, temporary signage and speed calming strips will remain on the N2 to reduce travelling speeds.

Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly and use alternative routes wherever possible.

Alternative Routes

• Road users going to Plettenberg Bay from Knysna should use the Marine Way entrance to move in and out.
• All road users leaving Plettenberg Bay, going to the malls in Beacon Way or moving in and out of Poortjies, should use Bowtie or other routes to get on to the N2.
• Heavy motor vehicles that supply the mall in Beacon Way should use Marine Drive for deliveries.

All road users are requested to be mindful of the impact of the construction, to reduce speed and obey temporary signage when travelling through the construction area. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N2 EB Cloete upgrades and road closures

Durban, 15 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced temporary road closures on the N2, allowing for the removal of bridge beams used in the King Cetshwayo (M13) Bridge construction over the N2.

Closure of the N2 southbound and N2 northbound carriageways between the EB Cloete Interchange (Spaghetti Junction) and the Umgeni Road Interchange will be as follows:

• Closure 1: N2 South Bound Closure – Saturday, 23 November 2024, at 20:00 to Sunday, 24 November 2024, at 04:00.
• Closure 2: N2 North Bound Closure – Sunday, 24 November 2024, at 20:00 to Monday, 25 November 2024, at 04:00.
• Closure 3: N2 South Bound Closure – Saturday, 30 November 2024, at 20:00 to Sunday, 1 December 2024, at 04:00.
• Closure 4: N2 North Bound Closure – Sunday, 1 December 2024, at 20:00 to Monday, 2 December 2024, at 04:00.

“This work is part of SANRAL’s major national road network upgrade to relieve traffic congestion across the province, enhancing the N2 North and South Bound and the EB Cloete Interchange,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Project Manager in the Eastern Region.

To ensure safety for both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place, with signage, barriers and traffic-calming measures already installed.

“Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to delay trips over these times or use staging areas to minimise congestion. Public transport operators should ensure drivers are aware of route closures and alternative routes affecting their schedules. Light vehicles and emergency services are encouraged to use alternative routes,” said Lowe.

A detailed alternative route guide is included below and can be found on this link: https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern

All road users are strongly advised to plan routes in advance and leave for destinations earlier than usual to avoid delays.

More details about closures

Closure 1: N2 South Bound Closure – Saturday, 23 November 2024, at 20:00 to Sunday, 24 November 2024, at 04:00.

Closure 3: N2 South Bound Closure – Saturday, 30 November 2024, at 20:00 to Sunday, 1 December 2024, at 04:00.

N2 closed as follows:

• Umgeni Road (M19)/N2 Interchange: No access to N2 South (towards Amanzimtoti). N2 North (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport) and M19 fully open.
• Inanda Road Interchange: No access to N2 South (to Amanzimtoti). N2 North (towards Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport) and Inanda Road fully open.

Closure 2: N2 Noth Bound Closure – Sunday, 24 November 2024, at 20:00 to Monday, 25 November 2024, at 04:00.

Closure 4: N2 North Bound Closure – Sunday, 1 December 2024, at 20:00 to Monday, 2 December 2024, at 04:00.

N2 closed as follows:

• N3 West Bound (Durban to Pinetown): Ramp to N2 North (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport) closed.
• N3 East Bound (Pinetown to Durban): Ramp to N2 North (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport) closed.
• N2 North Bound at EB Cloete Interchange (aka Spaghetti Junction): N2 North closed between EB Cloete and Umgeni Interchanges. Access only to N3 East or West bound at EB Cloete.

“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,” said Lowe.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Gladys Manzi to New England Road upgrades and road closures

Pietermaritzburg, 14 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) regrets to inform road users that due to the forecast for adverse weather, the previously published proposed temporary road closures for the installation of bridge beams as part of construction of the new Market Road overpass bridge have had to be postponed.

The temporary road closures will now take place on:

• N3 Northbound closure: From 21:00 on Saturday, 16 November 2024, to 05:00 on Sunday, 17 November 2024
• N3 Southbound closure: From 21:00 on Sunday, 17 November 2024, to 05:00 on Monday, 18 November 2024

The construction is weather dependant and should operations be unable to take place on the above dates, the following dates are reserved as alternative:

• N3 Northbound closure: From 21:00 on Saturday, 23 November 2024, to 05:00 on Sunday, 24 November 2024
• N3 Southbound closure: From 21:00 on Sunday, 24 November 2024, to 05:00 on Monday, 25 November 2024

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will manage and monitor the closures for their full duration,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

“Increased traffic volumes can be expected at the Market Road interchange, as well as the roads leading to the interchange. Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period and/or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion,” Lowe added.

“Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routings. Light vehicle traffic, as well as emergency services and traffic management, are advised to make use of alternative routing,” he said.

“SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience during the ongoing major road enhancements.”

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Temporary Fast Lane Closures on N2 Near Fort Jackson for Essential Power Line Installation

Gqeberha, 13 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises motorists of temporary fast lane closures in both directions (eastbound and westbound) on the N2, Section 15, near Fort Jackson in the Eastern Cape. These closures will take place over two consecutive weekends to allow Eskom to install new overhead transmission power lines.
Closure Schedule

First Weekend:
• Saturday, 16 November 2024 – 06:00 to 18:00
• Sunday, 17 November 2024 – 06:00 to 18:00

Second Weekend:
• Saturday, 23 November 2024 – 06:00 to 18:00
• Sunday, 24 November 2024 – 06:00 to 18:00

The fast lane closures are necessary to allow for safe installation of overhead power lines. To ensure the safety of workers and motorists, traffic in both directions may be briefly halted for up to 30 minutes when cables are pulled across the road.

Local Traffic Officials will be on-site to manage traffic flow and minimise delays. Motorists are advised to:
• Plan their trips accordingly, allowing extra travel time, or consider alternate routes.
• Drive with caution, follow posted speed limits, and be attentive to all signage and instructions from traffic officials.
• Check real-time traffic updates and road status information during these dates.

Weather conditions on the day may require adjustments to the lane closure schedule. Should any changes be necessary, SANRAL will issue updated information.

“These essential fast lane closures will enable critical power infrastructure to be installed, enhancing service reliability in the area. We urge motorists to be patient and cooperative throughout this period, as every effort is being made to ensure minimal disruption to their journeys,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for the Southern Region.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact: Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL statement on financial transparency

Pretoria, 11 November 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) says there is no truth to a series of claims about transparency in relation to its finances, made by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA). The national roads agency has dismissed OUTA’s claims as being baseless, demonstrating a complete disregard for information which is readily available in the public domain, as well as established oversight mechanisms.

SANRAL spokesman Vusi Mona said: “Once again, OUTA is making unfounded allegations which defy logic and point to a disturbing trend of throwing mud in the hope that something will stick. We want to state categorically that SANRAL maintains an impeccable record of financial accountability and transparency in public sector management. Since its establishment in 1998, SANRAL’s financial statements have undergone rigorous annual audits, initially through independent auditors and in recent years by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). SANRAL has consistently received unqualified audit opinions, confirming that its financial statements fairly represent our accounts and financial position.”

Mona said SANRAL’s commitment to transparency was demonstrated by its comprehensive reporting to multiple oversight bodies, including:

• Regular appearances before Parliament;
• Detailed submissions to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA); and
• Consistent reporting to the relevant committees of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.

“While the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) funding model is complex, it is useful to explain the model so that the public understands how the debt increased over time,” said Mona. “We trust that the following explanation will assist both members of the public and OUTA to understand the detail.”

What was the original GFIP debt?

SANRAL started borrowing in 2008 to fund the construction of GFIP and the roads were completed in time for the 2010 World Cup. The cost of GFIP was estimated at R21 billion for the construction of the roads and the related toll systems. However, from the operational inception of GFIP the revenue collected was inadequate to cover operational costs and interest on debt, resulting in growing debt as SANRAL had to borrow to service interest on debt or refinance maturing debt. In addition, the National Treasury made allocations from time to time to cover operational shortfalls and interest payments as explained below. It is also important to note that funding for the GFIP was raised as part of the toll portfolio as a whole.

What was the interest of that debt?

On 11 April 2024, when the memorandum of agreement (MOA ) to end e-tolls was signed between National Government (National Treasury and the Department of Transport) and the Gauteng Provincial Government, the total GFIP-related nominal debt amount was R29,031 billion, and the estimated interest on this debt until the last bond is redeemed in 2036 is R20,011 billion (assuming that there will be no acceleration or early settlement of debt and that debt will be repaid as it matures) – this figure fluctuates due to Consumer Price Index (CPI) for CPI-linked bonds.

Before the announcement by the Minister of Finance to end e-tolls in October 2022, all treasury grants given to the toll portfolio were used to pay operational shortfalls and interest on debt. No grants were used to repay or settle any maturing debt. The only time that National Treasury (NT) mentioned providing funds specific for maturing debt settlement was in October 2022 where R23,756 billion was provided. Of that, R20,557 billion was used for the settlement of bonds and interest payments.

At the time the three parties signed the MOA, the estimated interest was R21,011 billion while the nominal debt value stood at R29, 031 billion.

The R5,1billion allocated by NT in October 2024 is aimed at 2024/25 settlement of maturing bonds and backlog road maintenance in line with the MOA between NT, Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the National Department of Transport (NDoT). SANRAL will use the funds to settle a maturing bond in December 2024 and interest payments until 31 March 2025. The funds relating to backlog road maintenance (R546 million) will be used to maintain GFIP roads identified in the MOA. The R5,1 billion is inclusive of the amount paid by GPG to the National Revenue Fund in terms of the MOA.

“Any funding for infrastructure projects, whether for GFIP or any other major road infrastructure project across the country, is governed and managed by a rigorous

oversight framework. Whether we are talking about the massive construction sites to upgrade the notoriously dangerous Moloto Road, or the N2-N3 corridors in KwaZulu-Natal, or the proposed upgrade of the Huguenot Tunnel in the Western Cape, or the N2 Wild Coast Road in the Eastern Cape, every rand is carefully managed and accounted for,” said Mona.

“SANRAL’s audited reports are publicly accessible at www.sanral.co.za and it is important for the public to know that these documents provide comprehensive insights into our financial management and expenditure since inception”.

SANRAL remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial stewardship and public accountability in service of the people of South Africa.

In response to OUTA’s questions, Mona also explained the importance of SANRAL’s Marketing and Communications Unit.

“The budget allocated to marketing and communications is a strategic investment to improve engagement with South Africans, build trust and foster public participation. Effective outreach minimises misunderstandings and ensures smoother project implementation,” Mona said.

As the road network expands under SANRAL, stakeholder engagements, communication and consultation with communities, public awareness campaigns and other related communications operations have exponentially impacted on the marketing and communications budget.

Stakeholder engagements via every platform, including today’s all important digital and social media platforms, are a significant portion of work which goes toward fostering collaboration and engagement with stakeholders, from communities affected by projects to government entities, contractors and international partners. The absence or minimum disruption on SANRAL projects testifies to SANRAL’s stakeholder engagement and communication endeavours.

SANRAL’s communication goes beyond just informing road users but ensuring that its projects are not disrupted – even by the so-called construction mafia. And in this regard SANRAL is seeing the return on the investment it is making in its communication and stakeholder engagement efforts, said Mona.

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