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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL brings warmth and support to Makhanda community, Eastern Cape

Caption: Kuyusa Special Needs School accepting school supplies from SANRAL

Makhanda, 14 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has made a significant contribution to the Makhanda community in the Eastern Cape, by distributing blankets to elderly residents and providing essential school supplies like stoves and fridges to local schools. This was part of SANRAL’s contribution to doing good in honour of the late statesman, former President Nelson Mandela.

The day began at Samuel Ntsiko Primary School, where Principal Luluma Dyira expressed her heartfelt gratitude for SANRAL’s contribution. The second stop was Ntsika Senior Secondary School at Joza township.

In response to SANRAL’s support, Principal Thobile Ncula said, “As a school, we want to extend our thanks to SANRAL and the Makana Municipality. This gift couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s an opportune moment for us as we are expanding. This support will help us nurture our learners who can compete globally. The stove and chest freezers will greatly benefit our consumer studies and the laptops will assist in many of our subjects. We are very grateful to SANRAL for choosing us.”

Kuyusa Special Needs School warmly welcomed SANRAL with an opening choir and the beating of the drums, showing deep appreciation for the fulfillment of their wish list. School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Thobile Klei noted, “It takes a village to raise a child”.

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL’s Southern Region Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, emphasised the importance of the initiative, “This outreach is not just about providing material support, it’s about reaffirming our commitment to the communities we serve. By supporting the elderly and the youth, we are investing in the well-being and future of our society.”

Following the support given to the schools, SANRAL distributed blankets to three old age homes in the city McKaiser Old Age, Hayton House and Brookshaw Home.

“This initiative reflects SANRAL’s commitment to honouring the Mandela legacy by supporting the needy and vulnerable within our community. We believe in the power of collective action and community support to drive positive change,” Ndika added.

SANRAL’s contributions to the Makhanda community underline its dedication to social responsibility and the upliftment of vulnerable groups, reinforcing the agency’s role as a pillar of support for the communities within which it operates.

Makana Municipality Acting Mayor, Andile Hoyi, listed close to 10 internal roads where SANRAL is undertaking maintenance work, targeting taxi routes to Hlalani, Albany Road and Currie Street, and creating opportunities for small businesses.

“SANRAL is in Makana Municipality because there was an engagement by the mayor of Makana through the Office of the Premier, that we need intervention with Makana roads and the roads agency agreed to the request,” said Hoyi.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

SANRAL N2/N3 EB Cloete upgrades and road closures

Durban, 14 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the full closures of the N3 between St James Avenue/Harry Gwala Road Interchange and the EB Cloete Interchange for the demolition of the Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3.

The dates for the closures are as follows:

• Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3 will be closed from 17 August 2024 to the end of July 2025.
• N3, west-bound full closure from 18:00 on Saturday 24 August, to 04:00 on Monday, 26 August 2024.
• N3, east-bound lane closure from 18:00, on Saturday, 24 August, to 04:00 on Monday, 26 August 2024.

“This major road network is and has been under severe stress for a number of years, as traffic volumes have exceeded the original design capacity of the EB Cloete Interchange and its feeder roads. The Rockdale Road Bridge was built in the late 1960s and cannot accommodate the extra lanes on the N3 below it,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

These closures are to allow for the demolition of the current Rockdale Road Bridge and to enable the construction of a new Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3 as part of SANRAL’s major upgrade of the N3 east- and west-bound and the EB Cloete Interchange.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place.

Trucks and 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.

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

All road users are advised to plan their journeys ahead of time and where possible leave for their destinations earlier than usual.

N3, east-bound road will be fully closed from 18:00 on Saturday, 24 august 2024, to 04:00 Monday, 26 August 2024.

N3 East Bound Closures (Pinetown to Durban):

• N3 east-bound fully closed at St James Avenue/Harry Gwala Road Interchange – motorists can only off-ramp to Westville/Pavilion Shopping Centre.
• St James Avenue loop ramp is fully closed coming from the Pavilion going to Durban.
• St James Avenue left slip is fully closed coming from Westville going to Durban.

N3, west-bound road will be fully closed from 18:00 on Saturday, 24 August 2024, to 04:00 Monday, 26 August 2024.

N3 West Bound Closures (Durban to Pinetown):

• N3 west-bound fully closed at EB Cloete Interchange (AKA Spaghetti Junction) – motorists can only proceed to the N2 North or South.
• N2 north-bound off-ramp fully closed at Spaghetti Junction coming from Amanzimtoti going to Pinetown.
• N2 south-bound off-ramp fully closed at Spaghetti Junction coming from Umhlanga Rocks going to Pinetown.

Residents of Westville and Chesterville are to be advised of the following:

Rockdale Road Bridge over the N3 will be closed from 17 August 2024 to the end of July 2025.

• Alternate access will be available via Bristol Road Bridge.

“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.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Closure of N3 Southbound fast lane between Alan Paton on ramp and Gladys Manzi Road Overpass Bridge

Pietermaritzburg, 12 August 2024 – The fast lane of the N3 southbound will be closed to traffic between the Alan Paton on-ramp and Gladys Manzi Road overpass bridge to facilitate construction work at the Market Road overpass and related roadworks in the N3 median, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

This work will be undertaken as part of the major N3 upgrade project from Gladys Manzi Road to New England Road Interchange.

“The lane closure will take effect on 19 August 2024 and be in place for a period of eight months. Two lanes will remain open on southbound traffic,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Motorists using the Market Road southbound on-ramp are advised that the on-ramp will no longer operate as a merge over this period, but instead a yield. Minor delays are expected daily; thus all motorists are urged to remain patient during the lane closure and to be courteous to other drivers.

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

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closures on N2 in Nseleni KwaZulu Natal

Empangeni, 10 August 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:

13 August 2024 (Northbound) from 09h00 to 15h00
14 August 2024 (Northbound) from 09h00 to 15h00
15 August 2024 (Northbound) from 09h00 to 15h00
16 August 2024 (Northbound) from 09h00 to 15h00

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. This is a temporary inconvenience,” said Sukraj.

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Media Release

SANRAL Celebrates women’s day by honouring women’s contributions to road infrastructure

Pretoria, 8 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) proudly celebrates Women’s Day by highlighting the significant strides made by women in the construction industry.

“SANRAL’s transformation agenda, which is intended to foster inclusivity and diversity, recognises women as a crucial designated group within the construction sector,” said Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing. “It is our transformation imperative to ensure that women are not only represented but thrive in an industry historically dominated by men.”

SANRAL continues to actively support women in construction by setting contract participation goals (CPG) to facilitate participation of woman-owned businesses in its road infrastructure development programme. Our preferential procurement framework enables equitable opportunities for the participation of women in all SANRAL’s infrastructure projects across South Africa.

In terms of SANRAL’s contract participation goals, 30% is reserved for targeted enterprises, 5% of which is allocated to businesses owned by women alongside other designated groups. By empowering women, SANRAL is contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and representative construction industry.

In the 2021/22 financial year, of the 9 129 jobs created by SANRAL, 2 482 were filled by women and 1 339 by young women. This saw an increase in the 2022/23 financial year where of the 11 366 jobs created, 3 231 positions were filled by women and 1 701 by young women.

Despite a number of challenges, SANRAL remains committed to its transformation goals and is proud to have attracted talented individuals in line with its Employment Equity Plan (EE Plan). The success of our efforts in this area can be seen in the increasing representation of women in management and senior management.

SANRAL is equally committed to nurturing the next generation of women leaders in engineering and construction through its comprehensive bursary programmes. These are designed to support talented young women in pursuing their studies in fields related to civil engineering, human resources, finance and supply chain. By investing in education, SANRAL is assured of a pipeline of skilled female professionals ready to lead the industry into the future.

“Women’s Day is a reminder of the incredible contributions women make to our society, and SANRAL is dedicated to creating opportunities enabling women to excel,” said Mona. “Our transformation policies and programmes are not just about compliance; they are about fostering real change and empowering women to take on leadership within our industry.”

SANRAL remains steadfast in its mission to promote gender equality and drive meaningful transformation within the construction sector.

Mona said, “As we reflect on 30 years of democracy, we acknowledge the progress made by empowering women and transforming our society. And as we celebrate Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and uplifting women, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed.”

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
SANRAL N2/N3 EB Cloete upgrades and road closures

Durban, 8 August 2024 – The placing of concrete beams for the new Wandsbeck Bridge over the N2 will result in road closures, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“These closures are to enable safe working area for the cranes and other machinery required for the placing of concrete beams for the new Wandsbeck Bridge over the N2. This forms part of SANRAL’s major upgrade of the N2 North and South bound, and the EB Cloete Interchange,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The dates for the closures are:

• N2, North Bound Road Fully Closed: 20:00, Sat 10 August 2024 to 04:00 Sunday 11 August 2024.
• N2, South Bound Road Fully Closed: 20:00, Sun 11 August 2024 to 04:00 Mon 12 August 2024.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period and/or find suitable staging areas to avoid major congestion. 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.

A detailed alternative routing guide is included below and can be found on this link: www.nra.co.za

All road-users are advised to plan their routes ahead of time and where possible leave for destinations earlier than usual.

N2, NORTH BOUND ROAD FULLY CLOSED: 20:00, SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2024 TO 04:00 SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2024.

N2 and N3 ramps closed as follows at EB Cloete Interchange (AKA Spaghetti Junction) N3/N2 Interchange:

N2 North Bound (Amanzimtoti to Umhlanga):

• N2 fully closed North bound at EB Cloete interchange – can only proceed to N3 East bound (towards Durban) or West bound (towards Pinetown)

N3 West bound (Durban to Pinetown):

• Ramp closed to N2 North (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport) – can only proceed to N2 South or N3 towards Pinetown

N3 East bound (Pinetown to Durban):

• Ramp closed to N2 North (to Umhlanga/King Shaka International Airport) – can only proceed to N2 South or N3 towards Durban

N2, SOUTH BOUND LANE CLOSURES: 20:00, SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2024 TO 04:00 MONDAY 12 AUGUST 2024.

N2 and M19 ramps closed as follows:

N2/Umgeni Road (M19) Interchange

• M19: No access to N2 South (towards Durban)

Inanda Road Interchange

• N2 South Bound: No access to N2 South

“SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling towards and through 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.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL warns of a job scam targeting Facebook users following several cases reported at its Eastern Region offices

Pietermaritzburg, 6 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) warns the public to be alert to a job scam targeting Facebook users following several cases reported at its Eastern Region offices.

The perpetrators are posing as job recruitment agents for construction jobs. Once they have found their targets, they solicit money from them, ranging from R250 to R1000 payable into a Capitec account.

The money is said to be used to produce “access cards” for entry to the construction site(s).

Once the money is paid into the account, they provide the SANRAL Eastern Region office address as the employment office where instructions for work, start dates and access cards will be received.

Shortly after that, they block your number and also block you on Facebook.

Various profiles are being used to operate this scam, but the most common is the one shared above.

SANRAL would like to reiterate that all credible information relating to SANRAL job vacancies will always be posted on SANRAL-owned platforms, including digital platforms.

SANRAL understands the current flood of applications in the job market and the desperation that may arise with an adverse result.

However, we appeal for caution when engaging on social media platforms to avoid being scammed.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

N2 night-time lane closure at Pacaltsdorp Bridge and M12 exit in George

Western Cape, 5 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that a night-time lane closure from 19h00 to 20h00 will be in place on the N2 at the Pacaltsdorp Bridge and the M12 exit onto the N2 in George on Tuesday, 6 August 2024. These closures are required as part of the ongoing construction of the new bridge at the Thembalethu interchange across the N2.

“During the road closures, motorists will be diverted at the Pacaltsdorp Bridge and at the M12 exit onto the N2,” said Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Full closure on the N3 to facilitate blasting activities at the Market Road Overpass Bridge

Pietermaritzburg, 3 August 2024 – The N3 will be fully closed on 15 and 19 August 2024 between the hours of 14h30 and 15h00 and not on 5 and 7 August as previously reported. This is to facilitate blasting next to the N3 Market Road Overpass Bridge, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“This work forms part of the N3 Section 3 upgrade project from Gladys Manzi Road to New England Road Interchange. The rolling closure from both sides of the N3 north and southbound will take place between the Ashburton and New England Road Interchanges,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Closures will also be necessary on Market Road at Van Eck Place and Alan Paton Ave at Blackburrow Road in the vicinity of the blasting activities.

“Our traffic accommodation team, with the assistance of the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), will monitor the diversion of traffic during all sessions,” Lowe added.

The R103, which is accessed via the New England Road Interchange then Washington Road, will be available as an alternative route during the blasting. Substantial delays are likely as the R103 is unable to handle the same volume of traffic as the N3.

The closure may need to be adjusted depending on weather conditions on the day. If that happens, a second notice with information on the new time will be issued.

Lowe said, “Motorists are urged to remain patient during the closure and are advised to plan and adjust their routes while adhering to speed limits. 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 lane closures on N2 in eNseleni KwaZulu Natal

Empangeni, 02 August 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:

5 August 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
6 August 2024 (Southbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
7 August 2024 (Northbound) from 09:00 to 14:00
8 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. This is a temporary inconvenience,” said Sukraj.

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