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Traffic Advisory

Blasting cancelled on N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass in the Eastern Cape

Gqerberha, 28 March 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that the planned blasting activity scheduled for today 28 March 2024, happening on the N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass has been cancelled. As a result, there will be no Stop/Go procedure in effect, and the road is now fully accessible as all debris has been cleared.

Motorists will be kept informed of any rescheduled blasting dates and times.

The ongoing upgrades to this segment of the N2 entail enhancements to both horizontal and vertical alignments, as well as the introduction of climbing lanes. The project includes the construction of community access roads in three villages situated on the Peddie side.

“Temporary road closures are necessary, due to SANRAL’s continuous efforts to enhance the N2 infrastructure in the Eastern Cape and aims to benefit all road users in the region,” said

Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

The N2 between Izingolweni and Harding in KwaZulu-Natal open to traffic

Durban, 28 March 2024 – The repairs to the N2 between Izingolweni and Harding in KwaZulu-Natal have been partially completed and the road is now open to traffic, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“Following the closure of this route caused by the heavy rains earlier this year, we are pleased to announce that this part of the road is now open to the public in time for the Easter weekend. The contractor at times worked through the night to effect the repairs which included the installation of four large diameter pipe culverts (concrete pipes underneath a roadway); major earthworks to build up the high fill, which was then followed by a number of pavement layers and finally asphalt surfacing. This major intervention will address the drainage issues and prevent further deterioration of the road,” said Samantha Dladla, SANRAL’s Project Manager in the Eastern Region (KwaZulu-Natal and Free State).

The road has been opened to allow the traffic flow on the N2 to ease the congestion on the alternative routes. After the Easter weekend, work will continue with protection works and erecting of road signage. The road will however remain opened during this period.

“We understand that this closure has caused a major inconvenience to the public, and we apologise for any disruption. However, the safety of road users is our utmost priority, and we are committed to making sure that the repairs are done as swiftly and efficiently as possible,” said Dladla.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Road closure on N3 between Sherwood and EB Cloete interchanges in KZN

Durban, 28 March 2024 – The removal of gantries on the N3 westbound between the Sherwood and EB Cloete interchanges in Durban will take place from 20h00 Saturday, 6 April 2024, until 04h00 Sunday, 7 April 2024, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

“This current work forms part of a major national road network upgrade that is being undertaken throughout the province to relieve traffic congestion. The N3 westbound lanes will be closed for one night (eight hours) between the Sherwood and EB Cloete interchanges. Note that the N3 eastbound lanes will remain open to traffic,” said Jason Lowe, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The closure is to enable the removal of gantries on the N3 westbound, between the Sherwood and EB Cloete interchanges which will allow for the widening of the N3, as part of SANRAL’s major upgrade programme, which includes the upgrade of the EB Cloete interchange.

As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans are in place and people using this road will have noticed that signage, barriers and traffic calming measure are being installed.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to delay trips over this period, find suitable staging areas during this time to avoid major congestion or choose alternative routes.

Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of road closures and alternative routes affecting their commuter service.

Light motor vehicles as well as emergency services and traffic services are advised to make use of alternative routes.

All road users are advised to plan their journeys ahead of time and where possible leave for their destinations earlier than usual. Residents and businesses in the area are advised to expect noise while the gantries are being removed.

A full road closure of the N3 westbound will take place at Sherwood Interchange, where N3 traffic will be diverted onto the M13.

“SANRAL appeals to road users to note and comply with the advance warning signs and speed restrictions when travelling towards the construction work zones. To prioritise the safety of both the construction works and road users, the speed limit along the route will be reduced during construction,” said Lowe.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Stop/Go on N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass in the Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 26 March 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify road users that a Stop/Go system has been implemented on the N2 between Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass. The Stop/Go operation will be in effect during the day to facilitate one-way traffic flow on the eastbound carriage ways in this area. This measure ensures safe passage while the partially blocked half of the road on the westbound carriage ways is being cleared. Stop/Go intervals will be brief, with a maximum duration of five minutes, minimising disruption to traffic flow.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) may consider using the following alternative route:

• From East London, follow the R72 to Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea through to Nanaga and turn left onto the N2 and continue to Gqeberha.

Motorists travelling eastwards between Gqeberha and Qonce or East London may consider using the following alternative route:

• From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga and turn right onto the R72 at the junction at Nanaga and travel on via Alexandria and Port Alfred to East London.
• From East London, turn left onto the N2 and travel westwards through to Qonce.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and exercise caution when making use of the roads,” said Mr Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Road Closure on the N2 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass in the Eastern Cape

Gqeberha, 25 March 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify road users that the N2 between Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) and the Fish River Pass is intermittently closed due to debris resulting from blasting activities conducted today.

The contractor is diligently working to clear the obstruction. However, due to the extensive nature of the debris, we anticipate that the road will remain closed until approximately 21:00pm tonight.

The blast site is located approximately 1km on the Makhanda side of the Fish River.

“We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause and assure you that every effort is being made to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible. We kindly ask for your patience and cooperation during this time,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) may consider using the following alternative route:

• From East London, follow the R72 to Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea through to Nanaga and turn left onto the N2 and continue to Gqeberha.

Motorists travelling eastwards between Gqeberha and Qonce or East London may consider using the following alternative route:

• From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga and turn right onto the R72 at the junction at Nanaga and travel on via Alexandria and Port Alfred to East London.
• From East London, turn left onto the N2 and travel westwards through to Qonce.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and use caution when making use of the roads,” said Peterson. “SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.”

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Upgrade of the R336 route between Kirkwood and Addo Phase 2

Gqeberha,22 March 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to advise road users of the current road upgrade taking place on the R336, phase 2 between Bezuidenhout’s River, 13km out of Kirkwood and Addo (intersection of R336/R335), until 4 August 2025.

A Stop/Go system will be implemented in three segments on the R336:

• The first Stop/Go section is at Bezuidenhout’s River, on the Kirkwood side (at Serfontein Citrus Farm), 30.5km, and Dunbrody settlement, 31.6km.
• The second Stop/Go is at Sunland, 35.0km, and Sundays River Bridge (on the Addo side), 39km.
• The third Stop/Go is at Sundays River Citrus Company, 45.7km, and Vusumzi School, 46.7km.

Motorists can expect 10-minute delays at each stop and go.

Motorist travelling from Motherwell to Kirkwood may consider using the alternative route via the R336, which connects to the R75 and turns onto the R336 Kirkwood. There is no alternative route from Addo to Kirkwood.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly, and to consider using alternative route and use caution when making use of the roads,” said Mr Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s Southern Regional Manager.

SANRAL appealed to motorists to adhere to the warning signs, and to reduce speed when approaching the construction zones.

SANRAL apologised for any inconvenience caused.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga launches the 2024 National Easter Roads Safety Campaign and raises road user responsibility in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga (right) and Walter Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left), at the launch of the 2024 National Easter Road Safety Campaign at Mandla Magudulela Stadium in Mkhondo Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.

Mpumalanga, 21 March 2024 – Road safety is the responsibility of everyone, said Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga as she launched the 2024 National Easter Roads Safety Campaign at the Mandla Magudulela Stadium in Mkhondo Local Municipality in Mpumalanga on Wednesday (20 March 2024).

The campaign aims to reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities during Easter and beyond. Local priests and traditional healers delivered a prayer at a major accident hotspot, Ajax Truck Stop, to prevent accidents, especially those that claim lives.

The launch was supported by the Road Traffic Management Agency, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Mr Vusi Shongwe Minister, traditional leadership and industry bodies, including the Truck Drivers Association, The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA).

Speaking at the launch after the prayer sessions, Minister Chikunga said this is not a campaign for the considerable holiday period, but is should be an everyday responsibility for all of us. She said roads are a shared space for which we are all responsible, reiterating the Road Safety Starts With You campaign message.

“We all have the right to life, and no one has the right to threaten and claim that life. Drivers need to adhere to traffic signs and general rules of the road, never drink and drive, and always respect pedestrians. Likewise, pedestrians should respect the road. Parents need to teach children about safe ways of using the road like walking on the side facing oncoming traffic, checking if it is safe to cross the road by looking both ways before crossing and never playing on the road, even when there are no cars.”

Speaking about the reduced fatalities from 14 000 to 12 000 last year, the minister noted that a lack of respect for the road perpetuated this poor progress. “We note that the government has a big part to play in ensuring the safety of the roads. We have Operation Vala Zonke [to fix potholes] and SANRAL, as the leader of the Vala Zonke War Room, has been key in eradicating potholes on our roads. The N2 is one of the roads requiring stringent attention, but SANRAL is in the process of refurbishing this road.

“Likewise, motorists, especially public transport owners, must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before using our roads. About 69% of buses that have been tested are not roadworthy. As a government, we recognise that good roads help to grow the economy, and that is why we are spending billions of rands to improve our infrastructure and build new roads to move people and goods, also why we have the Vala Zonke campaign, to ensure that our roads are repaired and maintained,” said Chikunga.

In line with the Easter Roads Safety Campaign launched by Minister Chikunga, SANRAL unveiled its partnership with Renault SA, Bakwena, the concessionaire to SANRAL (which falls under the Department of Transport), and the Road Transport Management Corporation. The partnership focuses on road safety, especially on the N1 and N4 that cross through Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces over the Easter period.

This road safety initiative is in its twelfth year and SANRAL is proud to be on board as a new partner, said Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing.

“Road safety is one of SANRAL’s core pillars that underpin its operations and increasingly, we prioritise the use of technology and innovation to improve road safety. This partnership with Bakwena, Renault and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) speaks to the importance of public private partnerships to collectively achieve more. Thanks to Renault, these additional vehicles that will be on the road during the Easter holidays, will significantly aid increased visible policing and the presence of law enforcement,” said Mona.

“As we prepare for the major influx of traffic on our roads during the Easter holidays, we want to remind road users that the road is a shared space and as individuals, we have a responsibility to use that space with the safety and wellbeing and all other road users in mind. It takes one good decision to save a life. So, buckle up, obey the speed limits and make sure both drivers and vehicles are fit for the journey,” said Mona.

Renault South Africa’s commitment to road safety is evident from the high safety standards they apply to all their vehicles. Their Human First Programme is aimed at improving safety of all road users and reducing the number and severity of daily crashes.

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MEDIA RELEASE

Over 3 000 local jobs created, 2 900 people trained on SANRAL’s R20 bn N2 Wild Coast Road project

                         Caption: The Msikaba Bridge pylons have exceeded the 80% completion mark

Bizana, Eastern Cape 20 March 2024: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has reported that its flagship N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) project has generated more than 3 000 local jobs to date.

SANRAL provided the report during a two-day N2WCR Political Oversight Committee (POC) session held with traditional leadership and local stakeholders at the Wild Coast Sun in Bizana.

SANRAL’s regional manager, Mbulelo Peterson, said that 3 069 jobs had been created for locals, excluding the site staff and team of professionals working on the project. Peterson said that 2 906 locals had undergone various skills development training programmes, including welding, brick and block laying, computer skills, catering, community training and crop production. Additionally, Construction Skills Development Goals (CSDG) training has been provided to more than 53 beneficiaries.

“The N2 Wild Coast Road project has created opportunities for participation by more than 418 emerging enterprises and, over and above this, we have realised indirect benefits from the provision of accommodation, supply of fuel, catering and hardware to many other economic spinoffs,” said Peterson.

The project is progressing well with the construction of the Mtentu Bridge having recently commenced and the Msikaba Bridge pylons having exceeded the 80% mark at 86.2 metres out of a 126.7 metre height. With the Msikaba Bridge at an advanced construction stage and the launching of the bridge deck anticipated later in the year, more than R106,4 million in wages have been paid to targeted labour to date, while more than R629,8 million has been spent on targeted small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha who chairs the POC, said the construction of the two bridges in Pondoland is set make history in Africa and beyond. He said the current government leadership should lead by example as it is tasked with ensuring that the project succeeds as part of its legacy and for the benefit of future generations.

“It is important for the local business fraternity and community to unite and speak with one voice. Your unity and collective power are important to the success of this project,” said Nqatha.

The traditional leadership, business sector, municipalities and Project Liaison Committees took turns applauding the work of SANRAL while registering challenges presented by the project.

Belekazi Sikutshwa Thole, Secretary of the Bizana Business Chamber, expressed her appreciation for the engagement and emphasised the strong representation achieved. In a poignant statement, she remarked, “SANRAL has put women on the map. I am so passionate because I am one of them. It is really difficult to be in this space, and we need support, but women must make a difference.”

Port St Johns Business Chamber chairperson, Nzamela Ncoyini, said that 30 years into the country’s democracy, the 30 percent share must change. “We are previously disadvantaged. It seems we continue to be disadvantaged because there is no advantage in putting aside 30% for the majority of the people. This is a policy matter that government should look at addressing,” said Ncoyini.

The business stakeholders said that it was important for SANRAL to prioritise mentorship and skills development on the project and that they were happy with the recent appointment of an independent SMME mentor. They also condemned the vandalising of infrastructure by aggrieved parties as it reversed the gains of local development.

OR Tambo District Executive Mayor, Mesuli Ngqondwana, articulated his appreciation for the collaboration exhibited by the three spheres of government to ensure the smooth implementation of the project and acknowledged the valuable concerns raised by stakeholders. “It is clear, though, that there are areas that still need focus to ensure that we fight the misrepresentation of stakeholders by minority groups, who sometimes exploit legal authorities to undermine the will of the majority,” said Ngqondwana.

Traditional leaders welcomed the work being done by SANRAL to develop the Pondoland area and appreciated the open channels of communication availed by the roads agency to engage on any contentious matters. They said that although there are challenges from time to time, traditional leaders should make use of the available platforms to express them and not hold projects up.

Chief Gcinizizwe Mkwedini, of Qaukeni village near Lusikisiki, pleaded with SANRAL to expedite the resolution of the issue halting implementation of the R2.2 billion road construction between Lingeni and Msikaba that has been interdicted.

Chief Lunga Baleni, of the Amadiba village, said that there is room for improvement in the communication around the progress and project updates, so as to ensure that all parties are on the same page and to dispel any misinformation.

The R20-billion-rand N2WCR project is strategically positioned on the N2, which connects four provinces: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, and traversing the major towns of Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mthatha, Durban and Ermelo.

It entails construction of the two mega bridges at Msikaba and Mtentu and is set to reduce travel time between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal by about two hours. One of the upcoming milestones for Msikaba Bridge is the launch of the deck anticipated by the end of June 2024.

The socio-economic impact of the N2WCR project offers a significant economic injection for local communities. The minimum 30% expenditure earmarked for targeted enterprise subcontractors and suppliers will result in more than R4 billion flowing to SMMEs, the majority of which will be from the OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo district municipalities. Construction work will create approximately 8 000 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, with a wage bill of roughly R750 million, and between 21 300 and 28 100 indirect jobs. Once the road is completed, ongoing operational work is anticipated to create 900 direct jobs and up to 18 900 indirect jobs.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Stop/Go on N2 Section 16 from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction, Eastern Cape

Gqerberha, 20 March 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that a Stop/Go system will be implemented on the N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (formerly Komga), in the Eastern Cape, where a periodic road maintenance project is currently underway.

The one-way Stop/Go system dates are as follows:

• Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (63-67kms): 25 to 27 March 2024.

Motorists can expect 10- to 20-minute delays at the Stop/Go.

“The extensive scope of this project includes periodic road maintenance, surface patches, minor rehabilitation, resealing existing road surfaces and texture correction. Although these activities may result in temporary inconveniences, the substantial long-term benefits primarily revolve around preserving infrastructure. The preservation and improvement of road infrastructure not only guarantees smoother travel experiences, but also play a crucial role in enhancing the economic and social well-being of the community,” said 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 as there are no surfaced alternative routes available.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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Media Release

SANRAL to invest close to R2 billion towards improvement of roads in Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality

               Caption: Cllr Siyabulela Zangqa, Mayor of Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality

 

Engcobo, Eastern Cape, 15 March 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will inject close to two billion of rands into the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape when it implements its road maintenance projects over the next three years.

SANRAL announced this investment during a Taking SANRAL to the People stakeholder engagement session held at the Indoor Sport Centre in eNgcobo.

Local leaders from the municipality, business forums, SMMEs, organised taxi associations and local community members – including youth, women, military veterans and people with disabilities – were some of the key stakeholders that attended.

“As the municipality, we want to invest heavily in bulk infrastructure, including developing, improving and maintaining our national road network, and we are happy to work together with SANRAL to ensure that this happens,” said Councillor Siyabulela Zangqa, Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor.

“We continue to work closely with the different spheres of government as part of our ongoing efforts to unlock investments and economic development in our municipality and ensuring that we bring employment opportunities. Working together with SANRAL, we are certain that we are going to ensure that those commitments happen,” said Zangqa.

SANRAL will implement two road infrastructure development projects in the municipality, and these will include the road improvements of the R61 National Road between All Saints to Bayiza, as well as road improvements of the R61 National Road between Qumanco and eNgcobo. The scope of work on these projects will entail the upgrading of roads, bridges and culverts, and improving road safety in the area.

SANRAL has set aside a minimum of 30% of the project value to be subcontracted to SMMEs and a minimum of 8% of the project value will be set aside for local labour. The construction tender closed on 8 March this year, and the projects are envisaged to take place over three years once a contractor is appointed.

Outlining SANRAL’s 14 Point Plan, which is the roads agency’s guide to facilitate better project-level liaison with local communities and structures that are affected by its projects, Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator, said PLCs are established to ensure better communication and transparency on SANRAL projects, as well as ensuring that work done on projects is done seamlessly.

“PLCs will assist in creating a platform for project liaison, works execution, subcontracting and facilitating employment opportunities for local community members. These include young people, women, people with disabilities and military veterans. Local subcontractors and communities must benefit from our projects, and we value transparency with communities on these contracts,” said Ndika. Ndika also highlighted the country’s high unemployment rate among the youth, and she implored the youth to participate in PLC structures.

Presenting SANRAL’s pre-tender training endeavours, Zenande Mpondo from SANRAL Southern Region’s Transformation Unit, said that SANRAL will train and develop SMME contractors to enhance their business acumen and tendering skills.

“All SMMEs will be required to undertake assessment and class activities during the training, and they will have to demonstrate competence to be awarded the unit standard. The unit standards are from the National Certificate: Construction Contracting NQF 2. These unit standards are a skills programme that will have a credit value towards the National Certificate,” said Mpondo.

She also added that it is SANRAL’s commitment to ensure that SMMEs are assisted with information on tenders, as well as on development opportunities, ensuring that they can participate in SANRAL projects.

“Through our Supplier Development Desk at SANRAL, we are available to manage incoming queries from our Transformation Portal, telephonic queries, emails, as well as walk-ins. The Desk also advises on upcoming training, workshops and transformation sessions that we host. We also offer guidelines for SMMEs on how to tender on the portal. This is just one of our ongoing efforts to ensure that we improve interaction with SMMEs,” said Mpondo.

SANRAL currently manages a road network of 5 334km in the Eastern Cape. The roads agency has recently taken over several roads in the province, and this will increase its road network to 5 600km in the Eastern Cape.

Between 2014 and 2022, SANRAL invested over R28 billion in the Eastern Cape, significantly boosting economic development and job creation. In line with its strategic intent to ensure sustainability of the construction industry, SANRAL intends to spend just over R55 billion between April this year and March 2027.

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