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Blasting scheduled at Breidbach Interchange

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate

Blasting scheduled at Breidbach Interchange

Eastern Cape, 29 March 2023: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) wishes to advise travellers that controlled blasting is scheduled to take place at the Breidbach Interchange on the N2 near eQonce (formerly King Williams Town) at 3pm on Friday, 31 March 2023.

The N2, between eQonce and East London and Welkom Street, will be closed for approximately 30 minutes.

The alternative route for motorists coming from the East London side is to take the R102 at the Berlin Interchange and proceed through the Ilitha, Ndevana and Phakamisa townships to join the R346 to eQonce. The diversion is through Zwelitsha. Similarly, from eQonce to East London, motorists are advised to take the R346 towards Zwelitsha and then take the R102 towards Phakamisa, Ndevana and Ilitha townships and then join the N2 at the Berlin Interchange.

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

People with disabilities eager to ‘jump’ at SANRAL opportunities on Mpumalanga’s Moloto Road stretch

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MEDIA RELEASE

People with disabilities eager to ‘jump’ at SANRAL opportunities on Mpumalanga’s Moloto Road stretch

Mpumalanga, 27 March 2023 – Exuding confidence as he rolled into the Kwaggafontein Community Hall, in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, on his battery-powered wheelchair, dressed to the nines, Themba Sibisi cut a striking figure of a seasoned wheeler and dealer.

Like all the others seated in the hall, Sibisi – a qualified plumber, musician, and rapper – was eager to hear why the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) had sounded out a call to disabled people in the municipality.

When it comes to grabbing an opportunity, Sibisi said he was as quick as the next guy on his designer-shoe-clad feet.

“I am not disabled, just differently abled. I came here with the intention of striking a deal or two. But it seems I got the cart before the horse, because I can only achieve that after registering a company. I am going to do that right away.”

More than a dozen people, young and old, responded to SANRAL’s invitation to an information and social facilitation session in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.

Looking spiffy in their boleros, fedoras and Panama hats, to protect them from the scorching Mpumalanga sun, people with various forms of disabilities, listened attentively as SANRAL Stakeholder Coordinator Melba Geca explained that the engagement was in line with SANRAL’s fourth pillar of stakeholder relations, which requires participants to be informed about all project-related activities and opportunities on SANRAL projects.

“This engagement is aimed at empowering emerging SMMEs with knowledge regarding opportunities available on current and upcoming SANRAL projects on the R573 – popularly known as Moloto Road.

“However, SANRAL is deeply concerned about the lack of involvement of people with disabilities in this massive R573 project.

“We want to know why, of the 114 people already employed, there are only three with disabilities,” she said.

Nontobeko Mathenjwa, SANRAL project manager responsible for the Mpumalanga section of Moloto Road, said the work package discussed at the engagement starts from km 24.7 to 26.2 from the Big Tree Mall in Gauteng to Moteti in the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, located in the Nkangala District Municipality of Mpumalanga.

Mathenjwa said the Moloto Road routine road maintenance and upgrade project along the R573 has had positive impact and benefit on the local SMMEs community as it had given local businesses the opportunity to participate in the tender process for subcontracting work, affording them various income opportunities.

“But this is also an opportunity for people with disabilities to gain knowledge of the progress on the R573 Moloto Road upgrade, and how to participate in contracting and subcontracting opportunities on the project,” said Mathenjwa.

She added that there was a huge knowledge gap between SANRAL and people with disabilities, and such public engagement sessions allowed communities to learn more about SANRAL and its projects.

These interactions also make people aware of available opportunities, creating awareness of development projects, training for SMMEs and draws in local labour.

SANRAL Transformation Officer Tshegare Moletsane said the roads agency was willing to assist SMMEs to succeed in the construction industry as part of its Horizon 2030 strategy.

“A lot of SMMEs need training in running and managing their businesses. SANRAL offers them training from filling out a tender document to managing their finances once the business is up and running.

“On completion of the 22-day training, SMMEs can effectively and successfully bid for subcontracting opportunities on the SANRAL construction projects.

“Our aim is to ensure that previously marginalised sectors of our economy, including people with disabilities, play a meaningful role and succeed in a construction industry that has largely been non-transformative.

“We will continue to do this guided by our transformation policy and our Horizon 2030 strategy,” said Moletsane.

Moletsane encouraged attendees to take advantage of opportunities that SANRAL offers on the Moloto Road project.

“We want you to understand the policies and procedures attached to doing business with SANRAL. Such understanding will enable you to present your businesses better and access the opportunities available in the SANRAL road network in our region.

“We have a structured training programme called the SMMEs pre-tender training, which is SAQA accredited. You will get a certificate on completion, know how to tender, break down rates and how to be an entrepreneur.

“We are not going to be discriminative, but this time around we only want those with disabilities,” he said.

Geca went on to reiterate that working together with local municipalities, SANRAL had also assisted in establishing Project Steering Committees that will ensure that people with disabilities would be involved in its projects, from upgrades to the general maintenance of the road.

“One of the key responsibilities of the Project Steering Committee is to create a database of local community members, such as people with disabilities, and ensure that they are employed on SANRAL projects,” said Geca.

The engagement was well received by the audience and many said they would “jump at the rare opportunity”.

“People with disabilities were discriminated against. I am happy SANRAL is recognising the potential and importance of involving people with disabilities,” said Bucie Nkambule, chairperson of People with Disabilities Forum in the Thembisile Hani Municipality.

“As a person with a disability, I welcome the move because I will be able to sustain myself economically and I will also be able to obtain more skills,” said wheel-chair-bound activist and local media personality Thomas Mashiya.

SANRAL said it had set aside about R130 million to develop SMMEs, with some contracts reserved strictly for people with disabilities.

Disability and Elderly Coordinator in the Thembisile Hani Municipality, Beauty Masuka, said a dearth of knowledge about opportunities available to them had resulted in disabled people steering away from involvement in such activities.

“Most of these people live from hand to mouth with very little left to register companies or apply for opportunities via the internet,” said Masuku, who expressed gratitude to SANRAL for coming directly to the people.

TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON N2 SARNIA ROAD BRIDGE

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON N2 SARNIA ROAD BRIDGE

Durban, 25 March 2023 – Barriers will be placed on the N2 south bound on Monday, 27 March 2023, as part of the ongoing infrastructure improvements on the Sarnia Road Bridge, the South African National Road Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) has said. This will require a temporary slow lane closure from 09h00 to 15h00 from 27 March to 28 March 2023.

“Additionally, for the safety of workers and the public, a 70m section of the emergency lane will be temporarily closed for two weeks from 27 March 2023 to 11 April 2023. We wish to advise motorists to plan their routes accordingly and to allow for extra travel time,” said Serisha Sukraj, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Engineer.

SANRAL apologises for the inconvenience caused to motorists and other road users.

 

Scholar transport operators block Eastern Cape roads

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate

Scholar transport operators block Eastern Cape roads

Eastern Cape, 23 March 2023: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) would like to notify motorists that several roads in parts of the Eastern Cape have been closed by protesting transport operators.

The protesting scholar transport operators say they have not been paid for transport services by the provincial government.

“The drivers have blocked national and provincial rods. These include the N2 towards Mount Frere, another section of the N2 between eMaxesibeni (formerly Mount Ayliff) and Kokstad, the R61 between Cofimvaba and Komani (formerly Queenstown), as well as the R56 near Mount Fletcher.

“It is unclear when the roads will be reopened,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

 

Blasting scheduled at Breidbach Interchange

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate

Blasting scheduled at Breidbach Interchange

Eastern Cape, 23 March 2023: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) wishes to advise travellers that controlled blasting is scheduled to take place at the Breidbach Interchange on the N2 near eQonce (formerly King Williams Town) at 3pm today, Thursday, 23 March 2023.

The N2, between eQonce and East London and Welkom Street, will be closed for approximately 30 minutes.

The alternative route for motorists coming from the East London side is to take the R102 at the Berlin Interchange and proceed through the Ilitha, Ndevana and Phakamisa townships to join the R346 to eQonce. The diversion is through Zwelitsha. Similarly, from eQonce to East London, motorists are advised to take the R346 towards Zwelitsha and then take the R102 towards Phakamisa, Ndevana and Ilitha townships and then join the N2 at the Berlin Interchange.

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

 

SANRAL ready to resume toll fee collections at N2 oThongati and uMvoti following consultations

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MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL ready to resume toll fee collections at N2 oThongati and uMvoti following consultations

Durban, 22 March 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that it is ready to resume toll fee collections at the oThongathi Mainline and uMvoti toll plazas on the N2 after meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday, 7 March 2023.

“Access to the R102 has been fully restored while the M4 is opened, except near the Tongaat River Bridge. The contribution made to the people of KwaZulu Natal by SANRAL not charging for these two tolls is between R400 and R500 million to date. We need to start collecting these toll fees to be able to maintain national roads,” said Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL’s Eastern Regional Manager.

The resumption of toll collection was discussed at a consultation on Tuesday, 7 March 2023, between SANRAL, led by the Chairman of the Board, Mr Themba Mhambi and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, led by MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Siboniso Duma, and local government leaders, business chambers, SANTACO and members of traditional councils.

“SANRAL is committed to the province of KwaZulu-Natal and we are happy that we had fruitful and constructive discussion with the political leadership of the province and various provincial stakeholders. We would like to resume with the toll collection on uMvoti and oThongathi on 1 April 2023. We have embarked on all the relevant processes and procedures to make this possible,” said SANRAL CEO, Reginald Demana.

The Department of Transport issued the Government Gazette on 17 March 2023, which makes it known that the levying of tolls at N2 oThongathi Mainline and south ramps and N2 uMvoti Mainline and all ramps for all vehicles will be resumed from 00h00 on 1 April 2023, in terms of the SANRAL and National Roads Act. Tolls on the N2 oThongathi north ramps will remain suspended until such time that access along the M4 Tongaat River Bridge has been fully restored. This will ensure that the

local community affected by the M4 closure at the Tongaat River Bridge can continue to use the N2 toll road for the affected section at no cost.

FADING TEMPORARY LINE MARKINGS FROM KWAMASHU INTERCHANGE TO UMDLOTI RIVER BRIDGE TO BE RE-MARKED

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

FADING TEMPORARY LINE MARKINGS FROM KWAMASHU INTERCHANGE TO UMDLOTI RIVER BRIDGE TO BE RE-MARKED

Durban, 17 March 2023 – The existing temporary line markings within the road restriction from north of the KwaMashu Interchange to the Umdloti Interchange have faded badly and need to be re- marked, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has said.

Work will be carried out as follows:

Saturday 18 March 2023: Day-time work will start on the southbound carriageway, from the Umdloti Interchange heading south to the Mount Edgecombe Interchange, before turning around and marking the northbound carriageway. There may be some disruption to traffic flow, but it is expected to be minor.

Sunday 19 March 2023: Night-time work will be carried out to complete the above section, before moving to the section between KwaMashu and Mount Edgecombe. Work will only be carried out after the traffic has died down and is therefore unlikely to affect traffic flow.

Wednesday 22 March 2023: Night-time work will resume after the public holiday to complete the above section. If necessary, the line marking may continue on Thursday, 23 March 2023 in order to complete the work. There should be no impact on traffic flow.

“SANRAL would like to apologise to the motoring public for any inconvenience caused during the road closure. We appeal to road users to plan their trips accordingly, 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,” said Trevor Zumani, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

 

Malmesbury Community Development project benefits Swartland residents in more ways than one

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MEDIA RELEASE

Malmesbury Community Development project benefits Swartland residents in more ways than one

Western Cape, 16 March 2023 – Through a partnership between the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and the Swartland Local Municipality, the community of Malmesbury and surrounds is getting more than just pedestrian walkways and sidewalks, as the R12 million project also ensures skills development knowledge transfer and job creation.

The scope of works includes the construction of sidewalks and a recreational park in Ilingelethu and Wesbank in Malmesbury, with training for local labour already well underway.

“This project is a great example of the benefits of cooperative governance and what can be achieved when we collaborate in the best interest of our most marginalised communities. It speaks directly to our vision of hope and a dignified life for all people,” said Jonhill Spies, Manager for Public Services, at Swartland Local Municipality.

Some 49 residents have already been taken up in job creation opportunities that sees

participation prioritised for women, youth and persons with disabilities. Of the local labour pool, there are currently 12 women and 21 youth workers actively busy on site.

“It is indeed heart-warming to witness the change, particularly for young people who have the opportunity to learn new skills, contribute economically to their families and effectively carve a pathway out of poverty,” said David Le Cordeur, SANRAL Project Manager.

As with all SANRAL projects, subcontracting opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are high on the agenda. This includes not only access to project participation, but capacity building, training and development.

I-xe I-xara Projects (Pty) Ltd is one of the targeted enterprises, who is contracted to do kerbing on the project. Khoi San owner, Daniel Smith, explains that the name means diversity. “I am incredibly grateful to the main contractor for all the support, mentoring, assistance and guidance I get. I can honestly say that they look out for me. I employ around 10 local labourers and when my workers are idle, the contractor points this out and reminds me, that that is money down the drain,” said Smith.

SANRAL is committed to meaningful transformation that is geared to not only give emerging black business access to economic opportunities, but also the tools, support and guidance to see them grow, develop and ultimately prosper.

The project, which kicked off in September 2022, is earmarked for completion towards the middle of 2023.

Delays expected due to routine maintenance on the R21 national road

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Delays expected due to routine maintenance on the R21 national road

Pretoria, 15 March 2023 – The South African National Road Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) wishes to notify road users to expect slight delays on the R21 national road between OR Tambo International Airport and Pomona Road, in the northern and southern directions, due to planned routine road maintenance.

Oakley van Eyk, SANRAL Project Manager in the Northern Region, said the appointed contractor will establish the site on Friday, 17 March 2023 and work will commence on Saturday, 18 March 2023 to meet the expected date of completion.

The following work is expected to be executed as part of the routine road maintenance:

  • Patching of the existing road surface;
  • Sweeping and cleaning of the road surface;
  • Deviation and control of traffic vehicles; and
  • Reinstatement of road markings.

    “The anticipated completion date is Saturday, 13 May 2023. The work will be executed from 09h00 until 15h00 every day during the week, including weekends,” he said.

    Van Eyk warns this may introduce disruptions to the normal travel times for motorists travelling in the morning and afternoons resulting in slight delays, particularly on the affected roads: Pomona Road southbound, up to OR Tambo International Airport southbound and OR Tambo International Airport northbound, up to Pomona Road northbound.

    “We kindly request motorists to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and use caution when making use of the roads. We appeal to road users for utmost caution, patience and compliance with road signage and speed adjustments in the affected areas,” said Van Eyk.

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SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period and will continue to provide updates to road users as information becomes available.

R14 billion for Northern Cape roads over the next three years

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MEDIA RELEASE
R14 billion for Northern Cape roads over the next three years

Northern Cape, 15 March 2023 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has allocated more than R14 billion to the Northern Cape over the next three years, which covers a wide spread of important road maintenance and construction projects.

“We welcome the commitments made during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) by the Northern Cape Premier. Dr Zamani Saul, and look forward to working with the provincial government in effecting a modern, growing and successful province,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Region Manager.

SANRAL currently has a footprint in the Northern Cape that spans 4 409km, of which 952km was recently incorporated from the Northern Cape Government. Budgets have been allocated for emergency repairs under Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) and more long-term repairs to roads in the Joe Morolong, Ga-Segonyana, Kgatelopele, Dikgatlong, Sol Plaatje, Renosterberg, Umsobomvu, Tsantsabane, Thembelihle, Richtersveld and Emthanjeni Local Municipalities.

“This will see ongoing road construction and its resultant economic opportunities for small businesses and local labour across the province over the next five years, with work kicking off as early as mid-2023,” said Cable.

In addition to the Routine and Periodic Maintenance projects, which cover all the major routes in the Northern Cape – such as the N1, N7, N8, N9, N10, N12, N14, N18 and R27 – some of the major construction projects on the cards, which will be out on tender for construction over the next one to three years, include:

• Improvement of the N14 section 2 between Alheit and Keimoes;
• Improvement of the N14 section 4 between Keimoes and Upington;
• Improvement of the N10 section 11 between Vaalkoppies and Upington;
• Special maintenance of the N10 section 11 between Uitkyk and Vaalkoppies;
• Special maintenance of the N14 section 5 between Upington and Adeisestad; and
• Upgrading the R380 section 2 between Santoy and McCarthy’s rest BP from gravel to a surfaced road. This project will shortly go out on tender for design consultants.

These SANRAL projects and investment in quality road infrastructure will not only bring with it improved mobility nationally, but will also bring meaningful economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for all Northern Cape communities.