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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
SANRAL warns motorists to take caution as heavy rains persist in the Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 2 June 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) urges road users to take caution on the roads as heavy floods have affected its road network in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality over the weekend.
In the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, there are mudslides on the N2 Beacon Bay on ramp, as well as a slip failure on the N2 Section 16, Km28.6 near the Brakfontein Interchange located 10km outside of East London towards Mthatha. SANRAL’s routine road maintenance team is clearing the road and monitoring the situation.

“We urge motorists to approach this section of the N2 with caution as the road is slippery from the mudslides and the heavy rain that is anticipated to continue for the next couple of days,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Regional Manager for the Southern Region

Meanwhile, in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, a mini bus taxi that was stuck in the median on the N2 near Baywest Mall has since been recovered and traffic is flowing freely though the road is still slippery from the heavy rains.

Furthermore, a road sign has collapsed on the N2, Section 11, Km31 between the Bramlin Interchange and the R75/Commercial Road Interchange due to strong winds in Gqeberha. SANRAL’s routine road maintenance team will erect the sign once the strong winds have subsided.

“We urge motorists and all road users to take the necessary precautions when on the roads as the conditions are not conducive. SANRAL will continue to monitor the situation on our network and our road maintenance teams are on standby to attend to any incidences that might arise,” said Peterson.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf (SANRAL). For editorial content or additional information contact Buli Mgojo on 078 007 5787 OR pressoffice@nra.co.za

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
M13 westbound lane closure to place concrete barriers from the N3 to Stapleton Road off-ramps In KwaZulu Natal

Durban, 31 May 2024 – The M13 will have a lane closure from 10 to 15 June 2024 between 20h00 to 04h30, to facilitate the placing of concrete barriers as part of the road upgrades from Westville Viaduct to Paradise Valley Interchange, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“The lane closure will take place on the slow lane of the M13 from the N3 off- ramp to Stapleton Road off-ramp in the westbound direction. The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), with the assistance of the contractor’s traffic accommodation team will manage and monitor the diversion of traffic during this period,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Motorists are urged to be patient during the lane closure periods and to plan and adjust their routes accordingly, to ensure that they arrive at their destinations on time, while adhering to sign-posted speed limits.

“SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused to the motoring public and thanks them for their patience during this period,” said Lowe.
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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Zenzele Bam on 072 891 5290 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Temporary lane closures on N2 in Nseleni in KZN

Empangeni, 28 May 2024 – Jacking of the bridge deck including bearing refurbishment work will take place on the N2 on the Nseleni River Bridge (B2020) as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (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’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The lane closures will take place as follows:
4 June 2024 from 08:00 to 14:00
5 June 2024 from 08:00 to 14:00
6 June 2024 from 08:00 to 14:00.

Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly and allow for extra travel time, especially when accessing travel hubs such as the airports.
“We further appeal to road users to adhere to the road signs and speed limit when approaching and travelling through the construction site. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and asks for your understanding as we work to maintain our infrastructure assets,” said Sukraj.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Zenzele Bam on 072 891 5290 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

R364-million investment in road infrastructure empowers local businesses in Mpumalanga

In a significant move to enhance rural road infrastructure in Mpumalanga, the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) has invested R364 million in the resurfacing and restoration of the N17 section 5 near the Oshoek border post and Chrissiesmeer.

This substantial investment was unveiled during a Ministerial Imbizo held at Nhlazatshe on 22 May 2024. Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, began the day by assessing the state of the road and engaging with the local community at Elukwatini Stadium.

Chikunga also interacted with public transport operators who use the N17 daily. They expressed their appreciation for the improved road conditions.
As part of SANRAL’s transformation policy, R60 million was allocated to local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) for this project, with R10 million dedicated to labour costs. The initiative brings opportunities closer to village-based SMMEs, empowering them to participate in the development of their communities.

Mpolokeng Luthuli, a local woman SMME owner, expressed her gratitude to SANRAL for the opportunity to work on this project.
“As a black woman in construction, it’s not easy to get opportunities like these. SANRAL opened its doors to us, provided pre-tender training, and boosted our confidence. We’ve moved from one grade to the next,” she said.

Obed Monare, another local SMME beneficiary, thanked SANRAL for the chance to gain practical experience on the project.
“I’m a civil engineer by profession, but I’ve learned a lot from this project. The experienced engineers and project managers are passionate about teaching, and we’re grateful for the opportunity,” Monare said.

Local political leader, Derrick Mdluli from the South African Communist Party (SACP), praised the minister for delivering essential services to the people.
“We thank the minister for closing the potholes in this area,” said Mdluli. “We’ve been crying for a long time, and we’re happy she’s heard our cries. This intervention stemmed from meetings we held with her office long ago because we were worried about the condition of the road, which placed scores of motorists at risk.”

Meanwhile, Chikunga expressed deep concern over the ongoing use of unsafe vehicles for learner transport, following a bus crash in Nhlazatshe on the same day. The crash involved a learner transport bus carrying high school learners to the Imbizo.
Most of the children were treated for shock, trauma and mild injuries, with 50 learners taken to Embhuleni Provincial Hospital. Forty-nine were reportedly discharged, while the remaining learner was kept overnight for observation due to an underlying medical condition.

Changing her plans, to respond to the emergency, Chikunga visited the scene of the crash and the injured learner at the hospital, emphasising the need for safe and roadworthy vehicles for learner transport.

“Unsafe vehicles will not be tolerated, and every effort must be made to ensure that schools contract with service providers who prioritise safety over profits,” she said.
The Minister also donated 694 Shovakalula bicycles to underprivileged learners, demonstrating the government’s commitment to empowering the next generation.

Community member and teacher, Lindiwe Sibiya, welcomed the minister’s visit and the donation of bicycles, saying, “We’re happy the children now have bicycles for transport to school. This has brought joy to the entire community. The minister’s visit and career guidance have shown that the government truly cares about our children’s future.”

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information, please contact pressoffice@nra.co.za

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Temporary lane closures on N2 in Nseleni in KZN

Empangeni, 28 May 2024 – Jacking of the bridge deck including bearing refurbishment work will take place on the N2 on the Nseleni River Bridge (B2020) as part of ongoing infrastructure maintenance, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (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’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The lane closures will take place as follows:

4 June 2024 from 08:00 to 14:00
5 June 2024 from 08:00 to 14:00
6 June 2024 from 08:00 to 14:00.

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

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

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UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Traffic flowing on N2 and R61 around Mthatha following blockade

Eastern Cape, 27 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that the N2 and R61 roads around Mthatha in the Eastern Cape have been reopened.

Mbulelo Peterson, Regional Manager for the Southern Region, confirms that traffic on these roads is now flowing smoothly.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL RESPONSE TO SUNDAY TIMES QUERY ON DISPUTE BETWEEN SANRAL AND NZK FOOTPRINT ENGINEERING

Pretoria, 27 May 2024 – Ordinarily, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) does not litigate through the media and, therefore, would not respond to each and every question you have asked. Suffice to point out the following:

• NZK did work for SANRAL and raised a dispute on an outstanding amount.
• NZK served SANRAL summons and SANRAL missed the deadline to file a notice to defend and as such NZK obtained a default judgment. SANRAL then applied for a rescission of the judgment which was unopposed.
• On the day of the hearing of the unopposed rescission application, NZK showed up in court and stated they want to oppose our application.
• The judge granted them the opportunity to file opposing papers.
• To date, we have not seen the opposing papers. Instead, what we have seen from NZK is litigation through the media combined with enlisting political pressure groups as an arbiter on a matter that is before court.
• SANRAL awaits the hearing date from the judge and will not argue its case outside the judicial process. We, like the media, uphold the subjudice principle.

So, from SANRAL perspective the matter is sub judice and only the court can pronounce on it as NZK is duly represented by its Legal team in court.

The other allegations of black suppliers not paid: He who alleges must prove. We are not aware of any matter except the NZK court matter. In fact, all our suppliers (bar NZK) would be amused at this allegation as our track record on paying suppliers speaks for itself.

On the bribery allegation against the CEO, Mr Reginald Demana, we state as follows:

The CEO rejects this spurious allegation with the contempt it deserves and reserves his rights. His lawyers have made contact with NZK to prove or retract the allegation.

Further, the Board of SANRAL has itself asked the accusers to bring forward any evidence to back up their allegation or, better still, to take the matter up with the Public Protector and/or law enforcement agencies. To date, those who are making the allegation have not responded to the Board.

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UPDATED TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Blockade of N2 and R61 around Mthatha disrupting schools, work and travel

Eastern Cape, 27 May 2024 – A blockade of the N2 and R61 roads entering Mthatha in the Eastern Cape – allegedly by taxi operators – has disrupted traffic going into, out of and through Mthatha. Trucks and minibus taxis have been used to block all entrances to the city since the early hours of today near Fortgale, Payne village, Ngolo village and Corhana village.

It has been reported that the protest stems from the confiscation of firearms belonging to a taxi body by police at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha last week. This followed the killing of three taxi operators on the grounds of Maclear Hospital during a shootout between taxi drivers.

Provincial Transport spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, says law enforcement officials are dealing with the matter with reinforcements from the defence force.

“Both sides of the N2 and R61 have been blockaded using heavy duty trucks and taxis as well as burning tyres. This has affected operations at the Mthatha Airport. Those who may be flying to Mthatha are advised to delay their travel time until the situation is brought under control.”

Mbulelo Peterson, Regional Manager of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL’s) Southern Region has urged motorists to take caution and use alternative routes until law enforcement has brought the situation under control.

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MEDIA RELEASE

The R335 upgrade from Motherwell to Addo in the Eastern Cape set to improve mobility

Caption: Engineers, project managers, the contractor and PLC members at the stakeholder engagement session in Motherwell

Gqeberha, Friday, 24 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Ltd (SANRAL) has reassured the Motherwell community in the Nelson Mandela Metro, and Addo in the Sundays River Valley Municipality, of the socio-economic benefits associated with the upcoming 25km-long improvement to the R335 road.

A contractor for Phase 1 of the project was introduced during a recent stakeholder engagement session held at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre in Motherwell.

The project value is R874-million, with the estimated completion date being March 2027. The scope of work includes upgrading the urban section in Motherwell to a four-lane dual carriageway, divided by a median from Maku Street to the R334 Kariega junction.

The lane width will be increased from 6m to 12m. Single traffic lanes in both directions will be widened by three metres and a shoulder lane will be added. The speed limit of 80km/h will be increased to 120km/h.

The road connects Motherwell to the citrus towns of Addo and Kirkwood in the Sundays River Valley Municipality. It is used mainly by trucks ferrying produce to markets in the ports of Ngqurha in Gqeberha. Over the years, due to minimum maintenance being carried out it has suffered structurally.

Project manager, Iqbal Hoosen, said the R335 project would be massive with upgrades to stormwater drainage and widening or replacement of bridges and culverts.

“A minimum 8% of the project value has been set aside for targeted labour – which will be prioritised for people with disabilities, women, military veterans, and youth – with the remainder set aside for previously disadvantaged individuals,” Hoosen said.

He cautioned against using work stoppages to try and enforce community needs.

“Bring anything you are unhappy with to the attention of the engineers or project manager,” he advised. “Community issues should not stop the project because it costs money, that comes from National Treasury through taxes. The security of the expensive equipment used is also paramount and residents should bring any theft or vandalism to the attention of the police,” he added.

SANRAL Stakeholder Relations Coordinator, Welekazi Ndika, said communication would be key and it was crucial that Project Liaison Committee members shared every piece of information.

“This will help in the smooth running of the project. Reporting channels to your constituency must be clearly defined and meetings must be called within a reasonable time,” said Ndika.

Contractor Victor Ngcobo said all the work would be done through a tendering process and the statutory minimum wage rate will be applicable.

“A minimum of 30% of the project value, which is equivalent to R262-million, will be for targeted enterprises owned by designated groups. Eight percent will be set aside for local labour, amounting to R69-million. A minimum of 47 work packages will be subcontracted to targeted enterprises,” he said.

To address safety aspects, the improved road will have dedicated walkways and bus bays, pedestrian crossings, two roundabouts, and new street lighting will be installed.

Formal training by accredited training service providers will be provided to the targeted enterprises, while all labourers employed will receive informal training.

Residents called for transparency during the project, as lack of it often resulted in protests.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Youth of Kwa-Nzimakwe celebrated for record-time completion of training programmes

SANRAL sponsored graduates of the various programmes show off their hard-earned certificates

Port Edward, 24 May 2024 – SANRAL and its contractor, SMART Civils and PT Systems, this week awarded several young people in the Kwa-Nzimakwe community certificates for graduating from the various training programmes they undertook as part of the upgrades to the uMtamvuna (CH Mitchell) Bridge.

The programmes were part of the community development focus for the bridge upgrades project in Kwa-Nzimande, which is on the border of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. Funded by SANRAL, the training was done through third-party suppliers. 26 youth were trained for the security programme through Mzansi Security & Training, 10 for basic computer studies through Asabed IT Solution, while 15 undertook the learners and drivers licence training which was done through Mfana Omuhle Trading.

Speaking at the event, SMART Civils and PT Systems’ Ayanda Jula, who is the project engineer for the upgrades project, said: “There is always light at the end of the tunnel. I started with my current employer as a student trainee and was later absorbed permanently. I encourage you to keep upskilling yourselves and grabbing opportunities granted to you. This is not only to the unemployed youth but the local businesses as well.”

“In line with SANRAL’s 14-point plan, which places transformation at the centre of the organisation, we recognised the need to launch a programme that would directly benefit the youth to transform their future. Our goal with these programmes was to uplift the community. Without the Project Liaison Committee’s assistance in advising and informing the youth about this opportunity, it would not have been possible,” said Siphesihle Mthembu, SANRAL Junior Project Engineer.

Project Liaison Committee (PLC) member, Sbonelo Shusha, reiterated the importance of grabbing opportunities and spoke at length about fighting for one’s future. “It is better to always be ready for opportunities than to expect to improve once the opportunities are available. Among you are graduates from top universities, but due to unemployment, you are here. Thank you for not looking down on the little that is being offered. Thank you for grabbing this opportunity because you don’t know if this is your key to opening the right door to kickstart your career,” he said.

The top-performing student in the computer training programme, Asanda Nzimakwe, said she works hard in everything she does.

“I make sure I do not waste opportunities because I want a better future. I want to get proper employment to enable me to take care of my family. That is why I work hard,” she said.

SANRAL is proud of these graduates and wishes them all the best for the future.

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