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The plan that drives SANRAL’s transformation and procurement processes

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All of SANRAL’s projects are guided by a commitment to small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) development, a 14-Point Plan that prioritises community engagement, a Transformation Policy that seeks to advance black business, and an overall strategy aligned to the government’s National Development Plan.

The Transformation Policy sets clearly defined targets for black contractors, professionals, and suppliers to participate in all projects that SANRAL commissions. The aim is to ensure that those previously marginalised sectors – including women, young people, people with disabilities and black contractors – play a meaningful role and succeed in the construction industry.

SANRAL believes that it is time for black South Africans – African, Indian and Coloured persons – who were previously excluded from benefitting from massive infrastructure projects – to benefit alongside the well-established industry players.

The 14-Point Plan explained

 SANRAL’s 14-Point Plan puts its Transformation Policy into action in the following way:

  1. A Project Liaison Committee (PLC) is established for each project, as a platform for project communication, subcontracting, procurement, and facilitation of employment.
  2. The PLC includes SANRAL, contractors, engineers, community leaders, and other stakeholders, ensuring unbiased representation.
  3. A Project Liaison Officer (PLO), who is supported by the PLC, is appointed to facilitate communication and address project and community matters.
  4. Specific local areas are identified for the project to focus on, in consultation with the PLC.
  5. A database of contractors, subcontractors, consultants and suppliers is developed with the PLC’s input and approval, ensuring compliance with legislation.
  6. A local labour list is created that is agreed on and signed off by the PLC, and fair selection processes are established.
  7. The approved databases are handed over to the contractor to carry out recruitment of subcontractors following an open tender process, and for recruitment of local labour.
  8. Contractors conduct transparent tender processes following government guidelines, with public opening of received bids, announcement of bidders and prices. Bid details are shared in PLC meetings.
  9. Tender process appeals go to SANRAL for independent review by the Transformation Unit.
  10. Contractors and suppliers’ skills are evaluated with PLC input before subcontracting, ensuring quality. Local labour skills are assessed before recruitment.
  11. Training and support is provided for contractors before subcontracting, guided by the PLC.
  12. The PLC identifies deliverable areas of work for local service providers; for areas lacking local capability, opportunities are provided for locals to learn.
  13. Drawing up formal contracts between the main contractor and subcontractors is overseen by the PLC and consultants.
  14. The PLC facilitates transparent communication, managing the expectations of local businesses and communities, and ensuring inclusivity and

We hope that this gives insight into SANRAL’s 14-Point Plan and how SANRAL drives transformation in the construction industry through its procurement policy and practices.  

 

R573 Moloto Road upgrades forge ahead

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Spanning Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the 160km Moloto Road (R573) has a reputation as one of the country’s deadliest. It is used by over 60,000 commuters daily. SANRAL’s planned interventions to promote road safety include widening the current single-lane carriageway into a dual-lane carriageway in each direction, adding a shoulder, and closing off illegal access points. SANRAL has also introduced four traffic circles/roundabouts as speed-calming measures.

Construction has started on record-setting Mtentu Bridge

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The Mtentu mega-bridge, part of the N2 Wild Coast Road flagship project, is under construction. It includes upgrades to an 18km provincial road to link the future Mkhambati Interchange to the Flagstaff-Holy Cross road, providing a direct link between the future N2 and the town of Flagstaff. The project has a contract participation goal of 4% for local labour. Three community development projects of approximately R50 million apiece will each train and mentor 10 local Grade 1 SMMEs and construct community access roads in/between Makamela, Baleni-Jama and Mdatya-Xolobeni. Over 100 local residents will be employed on each of these.

SANRAL’s Mirriam Mosia appointed President of the South African Road Federation

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SANRAL project manager Mirriam Mosia was recently appointed President of the South African Road Federation (SARF). SANRAL is a member of SARF and Mosia will be actively spearheading the roll-out of a training programme that SANRAL developed with SARF, for skills development in the routine road maintenance space. This is the easiest area for accessing the sector, and every effort must be made to upskill emerging contractors coming into this arena.

 

Upgrade of the R336 route between Kirkwood and Addo Phase 2 has begun

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate

Upgrade of the R336 route between Kirkwood and Addo Phase 2 has begun

Eastern Cape, 11 December 2023: Road users are advised that the R336 road upgrade is in progress between Bezuidenhout River (13km out of Kirkwood Town) and Addo (Intersection of R336/ R335) until 4 August 2025. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) says once the upgrade is complete, motorists will have a safer and higher mobility road that will support local communities and industry.

The road has been in steady decline due to increased traffic volumes driven by the exponential growth of the citrus industry in the Sundays River Valley and tourists visiting the surrounding Addo National Park.

The project comprises of the upgrading of 17.7 km of the R336 between Kirkwood and Addo: Phase 2 from km 30.5 to km 48.2 road markers.

There are currently two stop-and-go sections on the R336 and will be operational until tomorrow, Tuesday, 12 December 2023. The first stop-and-go section is at Sunland between km 35 and km 37 route marker and the second is at Hermitage between km 46 and km 48 (R336/R335 intersection, Addo). Motorists using the R336 and travelling between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Addo using the R335 can expect to wait approximately 10 minutes per closure.

Once the upgrade is complete, the road will feature improved mobility with wider lanes and shoulders, improved intersections, as well as improved pedestrian facilities where appropriate. This will create a safe mobility environment as well as improving the socio-economic environment as noted below:

  • The new improved roads will mean reduced travel time and less maintenance requirements for the citrus farm trucks, transportation industry vehicles and private vehicles.
  • The new road construction will also promote public safety through the provision of pedestrian crossings, road marking as well as approved standard warning and regulatory signage.
  • It will assist in the alleviation of poverty as there will be job creation for the local community in the maintenance of the road and associated ancillary works.
  •  There will be an expected growth and increase in profit margins of the local businesses consequently results in job creation in the local municipality.
  •  There will also be growth of the local targeted enterprises (TEs) in terms of the Construction Industry Development Grading (CIDB), which will lead to increased chances of getting work elsewhere.
  •  The project will assist with the development and participation of businesses owned by people in designated categories, including black people, women, youth, people with disabilities and military veterans.
  •  It will also help with skills development though the internship programme to grow the pool of young professionals locally.

There will be no Stop/Go signs on the section of the road under the Phase 2 contract from tomorrow, Tuesday, 12 December 2023 to Monday, 8 January 2024. However, travellers should note the following:

  • Phase 2 starts from Bezuidenhout bridge to the R335/R336 intersection in Addo.
  • There will be a step with a difference in height between the two lanes of 150mm due to the ongoing construction process. The step will be from the intersection between the R335 and R336 for 1.5 km towards Kirkwood. Delineators will be maintained over the shutdown period to warn motorists of the height difference. Motorists are urged to abide by the speed limit and not to overtake.
  • The road is still a construction site, and motorists are advised to observe the temporary signs and speed limit of 60Km per hour. No overtaking is permitted.
  • Motorists travelling from Addo and Kirkwood are advised to familiarise themselves with the Phase 1 traffic advisory.

Alternative Routes:

  • Motorists travelling from Motherwell to Kirkwood may take the R334 towards Kariega (Uitenhage), turn North onto the R75 and then take the R336 to Kirkwood.
  • There are no alternative routes for motorists travelling from Addo to Kirkwood or from Gqeberha to Addo.

“Motorists are requested to plan their trips accordingly and be cautious when using the roads. SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

 

SANRAL and Northern Cape Government work together, all year round, for safer roads

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MEDIA RELEASE
SANRAL and Northern Cape Government work together, all year round, for safer roads


Northern Cape, 10 December 2023 – While the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) pledges to keep roads safe during the festive season, its commitment to safer roads, in collaboration with the Northern Cape Government, goes way beyond the end of the year.

“There is a marked increase in long-distance traffic over the festive season, warranting more resources deployed to road safety. However, our joint operations and road safety initiatives are in place all year long,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Region Manager.

To accommodate increased holiday traffic volumes, all conventional construction work will cease on Thursday, 14 December, until the second week in January 2024. The Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams will however remain on standby throughout the holiday period, as they are part of the first responders in the event of any incidents on the national road network.

“Through the Road Incident Management System (RIMS), our RRM teams will be working throughout the festive season to respond to any incident on the roads, assist with road closures and reopening of the road once an incident is cleared,” said Cable.
Some of the RIMS in the Northern Cape is managed through Centralised Communication Centres (CCCs), from where information is dispatched to the relevant unit, to ensure a coordinated and highly effective response, based on the nature of the incident.
• Kimberley (053 833 9264/9290)
• De Aar (053 631 0860/0088 or 073 996 8036)
• Kuruman (053 712 0457/0599 or 087 759 2154)
• Upington (054 337 9700 or 087 759 2153)

Road users may also make use of the South African Police Service (SAPS) emergency number, 10111 or the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) number, 10177.

Location marker boards (or blue marker boards, as they are commonly called) are located every 200m on national routes. These boards give the name of the route, i.e. N7, N10 or N12, the particular section of the road, and the kilometer distance.

“Find your closest board and note the details so that the operator is able to direct the response team to an accurate location,” said Cable.
The road is a shared space to be used responsibly by all road users. SANRAL urges all road users to adhere to the rules of the road and to also ensure that their vehicles are fit for the journey.

“We are still seeing too many serious and fatal crashes caused mainly by poor driver behaviour and choices. These include drunk driving and walking, distracted drivers, speeding, dangerous overtaking and driver fatigue. I do believe that with every individual making a conscious decision to do the right thing, and being the change that we want to see on our roads, we can have a chain reaction of becoming more conscious and more vigilant road users, all committed to putting an end to unnecessary loss of lives on our roads,” said Cable.

SANRAL will work with all roads agencies to promote safer roads in the Western Cape this festive season

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL will work with all roads agencies to promote safer roads in the Western Cape this festive season

 

Western Cape, 8 December 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has joined hands with provincial and municipal road authorities to collectively work towards safer roads this holiday season.

Multi-disciplinary teams will be deployed around the clock to improve safety and to respond to any calls for assistance from road users.

“To accommodate increased holiday traffic volumes, all conventional construction work will cease on Thursday 14 December, until the second week in January 2024,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Region Manager.

The Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams will however remain on standby throughout the holiday period, as they are part of the first responders in the event of any incidents on the national road network.

In partnership with the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town, SANRAL, through the Freeway Management System (FMS), monitors more than 500km of the busiest freeways.

“Our operators are able to identify and activate the appropriate response to any incident on the FMS freeway network in under three minutes, and the teams works round the clock to assist and keep traffic flowing seamlessly.

Any incident on the road should be reported to the various Central Communication Centres, from where the most appropriate response is dispatched.

  • Cape Town Metro 021 480 7700/107
  • Cape Winelands 023 346 6000
  • Central Karoo 023 449 8000/449 8250
  • Garden Route 044 805 5071
  • Overberg 028 212 9111
  • West Coast 022 433 8700

Location marker boards (or blue marker boards, as they are commonly called) are located every 200m on national routes. These boards give the name of the route, i.e. N1, N2 or N7, the particular section of the road, and the kilometer distance.

“Find your closest board and note the details so that the operator is able to direct the response team to an accurate location,” said Cable.

SANRAL urges all road users to adhere to the rules of the road and to remember that roads are a shared space where the responsibility for road safety is also shared.

“While SANRAL is committed to engineering safer roads, the cooperation of each road user is critical if we are to curb the spate of lives lost on our roads every year. As road users, we need to take individual responsibility to make better road safety choices. From a road authority perspective, we can continue to create an environment that is more forgiving and self-explaining, as well as one which is more conducive to road user compliance. Together we can reduce the carnage on our roads,” said Cable.

Stop/Go traffic accommodation on the N8 between Griekwastad and Campbell

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Stop/Go traffic accommodation on the N8 between Griekwastad and Campbell

Northern Cape, 8 December 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users that Stop/Go traffic accommodation will be implemented on the N8 between Griekwastad and Campbell, from 11 December
2023.

To accommodate holiday traffic, work will be suspended on Thursday 14 December 2023, and there will be no further Stop/Go operations, until 9 January 2024, when works
will resume.

The scope of work will involve the Periodic Maintenance (pre-treatment and re-seal of the existing road surface) of the N8 Section 7 as well as the improvement or replacement of ancillary works infrastructure.

“Speed restrictions of 60 km per hour will be applied at the work zones and the repairs are expected to be completed by end of September 2024,” said Ms Jabulile Nyatela,

SANRAL’s Western Region Project Manager. Motorists may make use of alternative routes or allow extra time when travelling on this section of the road.
SANRAL appeals to motorists to adhere to the warning signs, to reduce speed when approaching the construction zones and to plan their trips accordingly.

Stop/Go traffic accommodation on the N8 between Volop and Griekwastad

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY 

Stop/Go traffic accommodation on the N8 between Volop and Griekwastad 

Northern Cape, 4 December 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to inform road users that Stop/Go traffic accommodation will be implemented on the N8 Section 6 between Volop and Griekwastad, fromtoday (4 December 2023). 

In order to accommodate holiday traffic, works will be suspended on Thursday 14 December 2023, and there will be no further Stop/Go operations until 9 January 2024, when works will resume. 

The scope of work will involve the Periodic Maintenance (pre-treatment and re-seal of the existing road surface) of the N8 Section 6 as well as the improvement or replacement of existing drainage and ancillary works infrastructure. 

“Speed restrictions of 60km per hour will be applied at the work zones and the repairs are expected to be completed by the end of September 2024,” said Ms Jabulile Nyatela, SANRAL’s Western Region Project Manager. Motorists may choose to make use of alternative routes or allow extra time when travelling on this section of the road. 

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