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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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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Lane and shoulder closures on N2 Section 11 from Linton Grange to St Albans in Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 23 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that lane closures and shoulder closures have been implemented on the N2 Section 11, from Linton Grange to St Albans where the road maintenance project is currently underway.

These lane and shoulder closures are effective date from 13 May 2024 and will continue until 31 July 2024.

There will be a minimum of two 24-hour lane closures and two-day closures, and two shoulder closures which can be expected throughout the project length from St Albans to Linton Grange on the west bound and east bound carriage ways.

Motorists can expect the movement of construction plant along the temporary lane closures.

“This project involves texture and rut corrections, recycling the base with bituminous emulsion, base patches, and resealing the road surface. While these activities may cause temporary inconveniences, they offer significant long-term benefits by preserving infrastructure,” said Mr Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL appeals to motorists to adhere to the warning signs, to reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and to plan their trips accordingly.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL R364 million investment towards major road upgrades in Mpumalanga

Pretoria, 23 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has invested over R364 million for developing critical road infrastructure in the Gert Sibande District Municipality in Mpumalanga.

SANRAL has set aside about R191 million for the restoration of the national road N17 section 5 from Km 85.0 to Oshoek (Km 122,7) near Oshoek border post. A further R173 million will go towards resurfacing a section of the N17 near Chrissiesmeer.

This is investment is part of the roads agency’s plan to roll out new infrastructure projects worth R9 billion in the Gert Sibande District Municipality which will include, the upgrading of the N2 national route – a total of about 150,7km from the KwaZulu-Natal/Mpumalanga border to Camden, near Ermelo (Msukaligwa). Other projects entail upgrading of the Pan Bult Interchange and construction of a Ring Road in Mkhondo Local Municipality.

In line with SANRAL’s transformation objectives, 30% of the contract value is earmarked for subcontracting to smaller black contractors, in particular those owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities. About 30% (R56 million) has been allocated to targeted enterprises for the Oshoek section and 6% (R10,4 million) for local labour. Around R53 million was allocated for SMMEs for Chrissiesmeer and R10 million for labour.

With the unemployment rate currently sitting at 32.9%, SANRAL is confident that this investment will boost the local economy, through the creation of jobs, training and development of local small businesses, empowerment of women and youth-owned businesses, including opportunities for people with disabilities.

Transport Minister Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga was in the area to conduct an oversight visit of the work being done on the projects, including the patching of potholes through the national Vala Zonke campaign.

Chikunga said roads are a crucial component of South Africa’s economy and the delivery of road infrastructure has a direct bearing on the ease of movement of goods and people across South Africa, which impacts on overall economic growth.

“We have placed infrastructure development at the heart of its Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to secure an economy where there is dignified work for all, inclusive growth and social protection for those in need. South Africa is on a path to unlock more than R1-trillion in infrastructure investment over the next few

years as part of our massive infrastructure investment drive to revitalise the economy and create employment. SANRAL, as an organ of the state under the Department of Transport, is a major contributor to this drive,” she said.

Progress Hlahla, SANRAL’s Northern Regional Manager, said good roads require constant maintenance and to this end, there are currently 12 routine road maintenance (RRM) projects servicing the province.

“Maintenance of the road is an ongoing exercise and is the only consistent activity within the SANRAL road network that is critical for creating jobs for local communities and subcontracting opportunities for targeted businesses on an ongoing basis,” he said.

The current RRM projects in the region include,

• The R33 from Msukaligwa Municipal boundary, near Waburton over Carolina to Belfast.
• The R38 from Steve Tshwete Municipal boundary over Carolina to Mbombela Municipal boundary.
• Maintenance of N17 from Msukaligwa Municipal boundary near Warburton to Oshoek border post.

Hlahla said it will require everyone to work together to help build the economy and to ensure that more people can share in the wealth of the country. The opportunities created by these road upgrade projects in Mpumalanga will help to make that a reality.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expresses concern over bus crash in Nhlazatshe, Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, 22 May 2024 – Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed deepconcern over the ongoing use of unsafe vehicles for learner transport.

Minister Chikunga said: “Unsafe vehicles will not be tolerated and every effort must bemade to ensure that schools contract with service providers who prioritise safety overprofits,” Minister Chikunga said.

She was speaking earlier today at the scene of a bus crash in Nhlazatshe, Mpumalanga,involving a learner transport bus carrying high school learners to a career expo hosted by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL).
Most of the children were treated for shock, trauma and mild injuries. Of the eight learners who were taken to Embhuleni Provincial Hospital, seven have been discharged. The remaining learner is being kept overnight for observation, as she has underlying medical
conditions.

“It is a relief that there were no fatalities, but this relief should also be a wake-up call for all schools, parents, transport operators and authorities,” said Chikunga.
Early reports indicate that the brakes of a bus failed but detailed investigations will be conducted to establish the exact cause and circumstances behind the crash, which involved two other vehicles.

“More must be done to ensure the vehicles used to transport our children are safe and roadworthy. It cannot be that transport owners risk the lives of our children and get away with it,” said Chikunga.

“These local operators know the road, its curves and condition and we expect them to not only drive safely but also use roadworthy vehicles,” she added.

The Minister visited the learner who sustained serious injuries at the Nhlazatshe hospital this afternoon.

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Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Melany
Kühn on 078 8877 004 or pressoffice@nra.co.za

MEDIA ALERT

SANRAL Stakeholder Engagement with SMMEs in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 22 May 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency Limited SOC (SANRAL) will host a stakeholder engagement with small, medium and micro enterprises SMMEs owned by women, youth, people with disabilities, military veterans and people in the affected community on Thursday 23 May 2024 in Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality.

This engagement aims to introduce SANRAL’s recently appointed contractor for the R335 Motherwell to Addo road infrastructure project. The session will also outline the various economic opportunities this project will create for local and emerging contractors, suppliers and the community at large.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Thursday, 23 May 2024
Time: 10:00 – 13:00
Venue: Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre, Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality

RSVP: Jenay Petrus on 081 746 79 OR Jenay.Petrus@fticonsulting.com

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