Blog

Minister Mbalula marks the opening of N4 Karino Interchange in Mbombela

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1662views0comments

 

MEDIA RELEASE

Minister Mbalula marks the opening of N4 Karino Interchange in Mbombela

Mpumalanga, 7 November 2022 – Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula conducted the official opening of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) R375-million Karino Interchange project on the N4 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province, on Friday, 4 November 2022.

The successful completion of the Karino Interchange demonstrates how public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the public infrastructure development space benefit road users and local communities through the construction and expansion of the national road network.

Minister Mbalula said the completion of the Karino interchange on time and within budget, demonstrates the immense value of partnerships between the government, the private sector and local communities.

“These partnerships enable us as government to deliver world-class infrastructure that enables economic activity and mobility for our people, which promotes regional integration and seamless cross-border movement,” he said.

“SANRAL has long been a pioneer in pursuing and sustaining successful PPPs which have delivered substantial dividends for the country over the years. Two of these are with concessionaires in Mpumalanga: the N1-N4 Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire and the N4 Trans African Concessions (TRAC).”

The agency is committed to supporting the development and participation of businesses owned by people in designated categories including black people, women, youth and people with disabilities. A total of R116.24 million was spent on 44 local subcontractors, while R22.34 million went to local labour which included 236 males, 42 females, 143 youth and one person living with a disability.

Mbalula expressed support from the National Department of Transport for SANRAL’s policies and interventions that ensure that the lives of the people where its national road network traverses, are changed through project participation opportunities both for local labour and SMMEs.

“SANRAL commits to subcontracting at least 30% to SMMEs in all its projects. In the case of the Karino Interchange project, this target was vastly exceeded, with 46.6% of the contract value going to local SMMEs. SANRAL has committed to ensuring that

at least 6% of the contract value is spent on local labour. This project has achieved 9%, with R22.34 million spent on local labour. This is an achievement we must encourage,” he said.

“Infrastructure is central to the economic reconstruction and recovery plan of South Africa. The Karino Interchange is part of the N4 Maputo Development Corridor which improves trade and stimulates economic development between South Africa and Mozambique.”

In addition to the Karino interchange, SANRAL is implementing various projects in Mpumalanga, such as the Moloto Road that inter-connects Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces; the R23 national road in Lekwa District Municipality; and the R33 national road which crosses through Mkhondo and Msukaligwa Local Municipalities.

STOP/GO ZONES TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE N5

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor2040views0comments

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

STOP/GO ZONES TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE N5

KZN, 7 November 2022 – Stop and go traffic accommodation will be implemented on the National Route 5 (N5) from Paul Roux to Vals River from today, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has said.

“Speed restrictions of 60km per hour will be applied at the work zones and the repairs are expected to be completed by end of March 2023,” said Lwanda Sigaji, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager. Motorist may make use of alternative routes or allow extra time when travelling on the N5.

“SANRAL would like to appeal to motorists to adhere to the warning signs and reduce speed when approaching the construction sites. We appeal to road users to plan their trips accordingly,” said Sigaji.

SANRAL makes award on four of the five tenders cancelled five months ago

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor2073views0comments

MEDIA STATEMENT (correction)

SANRAL makes award on four of the five tenders cancelled five months ago

Pretoria, 6 November 2022 – The Board of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is pleased to announce that four of the five tenders cancelled in June this year, have been awarded this week, following an evaluation process by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

The following awards have been made:

  • N2 Mtentu Bridge Awarded to CCCC MECSA JV – R4,050,000.00
  • N3 Ashburton Awarded to CSC Base Major JV – R2,442,322,651.00
  • R56 Matatiele Awarded to Down Touch Investments – R1,230,678,837.07
  • N2/N3 EB Cloete Awarded to CSC Base Major JV – R5,023,458,797In light of the recent announcement by the Minister of Finance to scrap e-tolls, a decision on the Open Road Tolling tender (TCH Operator) has been put on hold pending clarity on key issues.“We wish to express our sincere thanks to the DBSA for undertaking the evaluation and adjudication of the tenders and indeed for the speedy manner in which the process was resolved. We are also deeply grateful to the industry for their patience in re- submitting tenders for these contracts and waiting for the adjudication process to be concluded,” said Mr Themba Mhambi, SANRAL Board Chairperson.

    When the tenders were cancelled there was understandably a concern by the Executive on the impact this would have on the country’s infrastructure development agenda, Mhambi said.

    “We accordingly undertook to both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula that we would do everything possible to ensure that we mitigate the impact on the construction industry and the economy. And that meant re-advertising, evaluating and awarding the tenders within four months after they were cancelled. We are happy that we have lived up to that commitment and in the process learnt valuable lessons about how to handle tenders with speed to keep the country’s economic development on the boil,” he said.

    SANRAL will continue to prioritise infrastructure development in driving South Africa’s economic recovery. While this process has delayed the implementation of critical infrastructure upgrades, it has to be balanced against healthy governance and the need to ensure compliance with all relevant procurement and legal prescripts when SANRAL awards any and all tenders going forward.

“Our congratulations go out to the successful bidders, and we look forward to seeing the true impact of these projects in the lives of the road users and communities we serve,” said Mhambi.

WORK BETWEEN SANCTUARY ROAD AND LINK ROAD TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1294views0comments

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

WORK BETWEEN SANCTUARY ROAD AND LINK ROAD TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER

Pietermaritzburg, 3 November 2022 – The repairs to the middle and fast lanes on the northbound carriageway on the N3 between Sanctuary Road and Link Road will be completed in December 2022, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has said.

“The works to repair the slow lane, which have been underway for the last 18 months, are nearing completion. While we are happy to report that this lane will be opening to traffic soon, repairs are however, required to the middle and fast lanes. The contractor had planned to undertake these repairs starting on 12 October 2022 but, due to circumstances beyond their control, the work started on 24 October 2022,” said Thabiso Dladla, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Due to the site conditions and safety concerns, this work will result in the road being reduced to only one lane at night. The work will be undertaken between 19h30 and 04h00 daily for approximately five weeks.

“Traffic will be severely hampered, and motorists should plan their trips accordingly and add additional time for their travels. Officials from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will be present to assist in controlling the traffic. Motorists are warned that the repairs could result in an uneven surface and the motorists are asked to adhere strictly to all the speed restrictions while driving on the construction site,” said Dladla.

The alternate route for possible use by light motor vehicles only during this period is as follows:
Old Howick Road (R103)
Motorists travelling to Howick can take the Armitage turn-off and drive along the R103 to join the N3 at the Cedara on-ramp.

All vehicles above 8-ton MAY NOT use the R103 and will have to allow extra time for the delays.

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

SANRAL shares its plans for Potchefstroom with locals and SMMEs

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1602views0comments

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL shares its plans for Potchefstroom with locals and SMMEs

North West, 31 October 2022 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) recently hosted a stakeholder-led engagement meeting with residents and SMMEs at The Trim Park in Potchefstroom to share information regarding opportunities available from the current routine road maintenance and upgrade projects.

Stakeholder relations co-ordinator for SANRAL’s northern region, Jullecsia Saul, said ‘Taking SANRAL to the People’ was in line with SANRAL’s fourth pillar of stakeholder relations, meaning this engagement was important for stakeholders to be consulted about all project-related activities that affected communities.

“SANRAL’s mandate is not only focused on building roads but to also empower local enterprises and create job opportunities for ordinary members of the communities, especially in the areas where the national road network traverses,” she said.

During the engagement, the SANRAL project management team presented an update on the routine road maintenance project on national roads R53, R54, R500, R501 and N12 that would include clearing side drains and culverts, vegetation control, line-marking, road signs repairs and guard rail repairs.

SANRAL’s project manager in the Northern Region, Gertrude Soko, said the contract was worth a combined R56 million. The work started in November 2020 for three years, and 50% of the contract value would be allocated to targeted enterprises for subcontracting.

“In November 2021, we appointed subcontractors with Grade 1 and 2 CIDB for 12 months. That period is almost over and it’s time to appoint new subcontractors for another 12 months to do maintenance work on the roads mentioned,” said Soko.

SANRAL will also implement a R800 million upgrade on the R501 national road, from Potchefstroom to Carletonville that will include the upgrade of the road from single carriageway to a dual carriageway with a median in between, the widening of bridges and the construction of new bridges where there is a need.

Tenders will be advertised on local media platforms such as community newspapers. Information regarding the tender advertisements will also be published on municipality notice boards and through the Public Liaison Committee (PLC) structures.

SANRAL will also engage stakeholders through information sessions to communicate the dates for tender advertisements, dates for the tender briefing, list of returnable documents, SANRAL tender evaluation process, and common errors when bidding such as not attending the compulsory tender briefing or submission of expired or non-compliant documents.

Zinikele Mboshane, Director of CSI Roads and Civils, one of the SMMEs who attended the meeting, was grateful that SANRAL engaged the SMMEs.

“The scope of work for the projects which were presented by SANRAL shows how serious the agency is about transformation and promoting the development of small enterprises. Moving forward, we encourage joint planning and project delivery co-ordination between SANRAL, the municipality and PLC structures for the successful implementation of these projects, and to ensure that those who qualify are not left behind,” he said.

The Acting Executive Mayor of JB Marks Local Municipality, Councillor Lorreal Abrahams, welcomed SANRAL’s initiative to engage stakeholders.

“This initiative presents an opportunity for stakeholders within the local municipality to be well informed about SANRAL’s current and future projects and it assists targeted enterprises to prepare themselves for tendering opportunities that are to come. We welcome the projects and express our gratitude to SANRAL for carrying their mandate in an open, transparent, and fair manner. We look forward to the impact that these projects will make on our municipality,” she said.

Blasting scheduled at Breidbach Interchange

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor995views0comments

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate

Blasting scheduled at Breidbach Interchange

Eastern Cape, 2 November 2022: 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 King Williams Town at 3pm on Thursday, 3 November 2022.

The N2, between King Williams Town 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 Qonce (formerly King Williams Town). The diversion is through Zwelitsha. Similarly, from Qonce 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 WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S DECISION REGARDING THE GAUTENG FREEWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (GFIP)

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1972views0comments

MEDIA STATEMENT
SANRAL WELCOMES GOVERNMENT’S DECISION REGARDING THE GAUTENG FREEWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (GFIP)

Pretoria, 26 October 2022 – The Board of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has welcomed the announcement regarding the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) made this afternoon by the Government of South Africa.

Delivering his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) to the National Assembly, Minister Godongwana said the uncertainty surrounding the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project had continued to have negative implications for road construction in the country.

He said it was time to move beyond the debates of previous years and find a resolution to the funding impasse. In this regard, Minister Godongwana announced that “the Gauteng provincial government has agreed to contribute 30 percent to settling SANRAL’s debt and interest obligations, while national government covers 70 percent.”

The Chairperson of the SANRAL Board, Mr Themba Mhambi, said the announcement by government provided certainty regarding the SANRAL GFIP debt and the e-tolling scheme in general. “SANRAL welcomes the announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, as to the future of tolls on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP). The government has lived up to its promise to provide us with a clear direction about this important issue as undertaken by the Minister of Transport this past June,” said Mr. Mhambi.

“Not only does Government’s decision provide clarity for the road-using public at large but it also means that SANRAL has significantly greater financial stability. We are particularly grateful that both the national and provincial governments have committed to take responsibility for the debt and its interest. That is a great relief to our balance sheet. SANRAL’s toll portfolio will ultimately be as healthy, financially speaking, as our non-toll portfolio. That translates into greater investment in our roads, with a concomitant positive impact on business opportunities and jobs.

“SANRAL trusts that the decision taken by government will be welcomed by the markets and will allow for certainty and predictability, which is as important for investors as it is for SANRAL and its financial stability.

“The full details of the implications of the announcement by government will be considered by the SANRAL Board and Management, under the leadership of the Minister of Transport. A comprehensive announcement on the implications of the decision communicated during the MTBPS will be made at a media briefing next week.

“We wish to thank the Minister of Transport as the shareholder representative, the Premier of Gauteng Province, the Minister of Finance and President Cyril Ramaphosa for the respective roles that they have played in bringing this matter to finality. We also want to thank the Cabinet for their guidance on this important issue over the past few years.

“The SANRAL Board also understands very clearly the Minister of Finance’s pronouncement that any financial support for state owned entities will now be accompanied by stricter pre- and post- conditions. As SANRAL we shall abide by all the conditions government will set in respect of the funding to be advanced to us. We sincerely hope that all South Africans affected by the GFIP e-tolls can now move forward and support SANRAL in developing the best possible national road infrastructure for our country,” said Mr Mhambi.

West Coasters eagerly grab SANRAL’s helping hand during SMME training sessions

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1006views0comments

MEDIA RELEASE

West Coasters eagerly grab SANRAL’s helping hand during SMME training sessions

Western Cape, 25 October 2022 – Small-business owners in the Western Cape towns of Piketberg and Malmesbury were champing at the bit recently to seize a training offer by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) aimed at helping them access opportunities within the construction industry.

SANRAL held information sessions with small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the two towns as part of its national training plan.
The events were well timed – many SMMES in the region are facing a losing battle to stay afloat in an economy decimated by the global COVID- 19 pandemic.

The savage consequences of COVID-19 are often compounded by a lack of business acumen, and many attendees were eager for the chance to engage with the content of the training session.

SANRAL Western Region Transformation Officer, Morne? Windvogel, said: “In our previous engagements with business owners we realised that people aren’t fully equipped or compliant for SANRAL projects, specifically. We offer this training for the benefit of such businesses.”

Piketberg businesswoman Mercia Scheepers was first in line: “This is such a huge opportunity. Why would I not grab it with both hands?” She has been running Pison Hawila Construction with her husband for six years.

“During COVID-19 there was absolutely no business and we struggled. Things are a bit better now, but there is room for improvement. Upgrading skills is so important because there are many areas of our business that I just don’t have knowledge about.
“This training will definitely help me expand my business and make me better at my job.”

Not only is this training a boon for those who fit the criteria, it’s also proving to be a good starting point for people who want to venture into construction.
Roslyn Marcus, who runs a vehicle spares shop, said she has long wanted to go into the construction business. “News of this training has made me even more determined to become compliant, and when I have done so, I will make the most of this opportunity,” she said.

In Malmesbury, news of the SMME training was also met with enthusiasm. Nomakhwezi Yedwa has been a project manager at Sodwa Construction for 18 years, but feels she still has lots to learn.

“What SANRAL is offering is a chance for me to improve and equip
myself with skills I don’t yet have. It will not only be good for me as an individual, but also for the company.

“If the company is run properly, it will have great benefits for the community at large. We will be able to employ more people if we can secure more work. “That’s why we need to learn things like how to tender properly,” Yedwa said.

The Swartland Local Municipality welcomed SANRAL’s initiative and encouraged those gathered to take full advantage of the opportunity. Said Hilary Balie, Swartland’s Strategic Services Manager: “We see the effects that COVID-19 has had on businesses and people in general. Lots of SMMEs are struggling. Grasp the opportunity you are being given to improve yourselves with both hands.

“I know that this is just the start of an ongoing relationship with SANRAL, so give it a go.”

The initiative is a three-year programme, with the main focus being on educating and bringing out the full potential of businesses.

SANRAL aims to train 48 000 people countrywide and the SMME training will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

To qualify for the training, applicants need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be a registered company;
  • Have a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading of 1-4CE;
  • Be tax compliant;
  • Must be 50% black-owned and
  • Registered on the central supplier database (CSD)

    Trainees will undergo 15 days of intensive tutoring, followed by assessments. They will receive CETA-approved certificates. Business owners will also be able to nominate an employee to attend.

SANRAL puts commuter safety and convenience first, with a single ticket solution to public transportation

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1625views0comments

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL puts commuter safety and convenience first, with a single ticket solution to public transportation

Western Cape, 25 October 2022 – With a staggering number of households in South Africa, relying on public transport, imagine the convenience of each person having a single mobility account that covers trips on several modes of transport – hassle-free and user-friendly. Most importantly, there is no need to carry cash, a huge safety benefit.

This is the initiative the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), in conjunction with the National Department of Transport, recently revealed to the 7th South African Roads Federation (SARF) Regional Conference for Africa.

Called the Integrated Fare Management System, SANRAL Northern Region project manager Siveshni Pillay spelled out details of the innovative plan to the Cape Town gathering of African and global road experts and decision-makers.

The principle aim of the integrated ticketing solution is to eliminate the use of cash, reduce operating costs and improve fare collection efficiency.

While the country’s public transport system needs improvement, the integrated ticketing solution option will make for smoother, efficient travelling.

The safety element of travelling without carrying cash is also a huge motivating factor.

“Despite high public transport usage and reliance, there exists huge disparities in service delivery and integration between various modes of transport,” said Pillay.

The system will allow a commuter to use the same “prepaid” card to pay for a ride on a taxi, bus or train, forming an Integrated Public Transport Network.

Said Pillay: “The administration and management of cash fares, with the concomitant security issues make fare collection onerous. The National Department of Transport’s account-based ticketing solution solves this.”

The ticket value balance will be stored on the card, enabling a top-up option. The cardholder can remain anonymous or choose to register a personalised account and this system is fully auditable.

The provision of the service that can be provided by the Transaction Clearing House (TCH) is multi-layered. The first phase is the implementation of the mobility account for use on various modes of transport.

Pillay said future integration development could include fare structuring based on the different modes of transport such as flat fare, distance based etc.) and eventually the ability to charge a commuter once for a journey that uses the services from more than one transport operator.

For example, if a commuter travels by bus to a train station where she transfers to a train to complete the journey, she would only pay once for the combined journey from start to finish.

Thembalethu Bridge upgrade making steady progress

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1881views0comments

MEDIA RELEASE

Thembalethu Bridge upgrade making steady progress

Western Cape, 26 October 2022 – Progress on the construction of the Thembalethu Bridge in George is steadily gaining momentum, with 31 local labourers actively working on site and around 20% of the work already being completed.

The scope of works involves the widening of the Thembalethu Bridge across the N2 from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists.

This is a joint project with the George Municipality and is directly geared to contribute to economic development of the Southern Cape, through local labour and project participation opportunities for small businesses.

“We are however concerned about road safety, not only with regard to pedestrians cutting across the construction site, but overall pedestrian behaviour, particularly for learners of Mzoxolo Primary School situated at the interchange. We will be engaging the school to facilitate a road safety education engagement with the learners,” said Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.

“Notwithstanding challenges of economic inclusion for as many subcontractors as possible, we continue to make strides in breaking down monopolies and prioritising meaningful transformation in the sector,“ said Theron

Bongani Tonisi of Creamillion (Pty) Ltd, a local construction company in George, who attended the information sessions that were held in various communities in George, and fiercely interrogated the processes and opportunities, was one of the subcontractors who successfully tendered and was awarded a package to supply truck tippers to the main contractor. “We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project, and we look forward to seeing what more can be done to pave the way for small contractors to grow and develop,” said Tonisi.

As the second round of tender packages nears completion, the Project Liaison Committee (PLC) remains ever vigilant and present, to ensure fair practices and also to communicate opportunities for project participation to the various communities they represent.

Capacity development of SMMEs remain high on the agenda and through its Transformation Unit, SANRAL is determined to reach 48 000 SMMEs over the next three years. ACS/Tjeka JV has been appointed to facilitate training with interested and qualifying businesses.

To qualify for the training, applicants need to meet the following criteria:

  • Be a registered company;
  • Have a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading of 1-4CE;
  • Be tax compliant;
  • Must be 50% black-owned and
  • Registered on the central supplier database (CSD)Trainees will undergo 15 days of intensive tutoring, followed by assessments. They will receive CETA-approved certificates. Business owners will also be able to nominate an employee to attend.