Blog

LANE WIDTHS REDUCED TO ALLOW SPACE FOR FUTURE CONSTRUCTION ON N2 FROM KWAMASHU INTERCHANGE TO UMDLOTI RIVER BRIDGE

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1645views0comments

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

LANE WIDTHS REDUCED TO ALLOW SPACE FOR FUTURE CONSTRUCTION ON N2 FROM KWAMASHU INTERCHANGE TO UMDLOTI RIVER BRIDGE

Durban, 24 August 2022 – The number of lanes as well as the lane widths on both sides of the N2 between the KwaMashu and Mount Edgecombe Interchanges have been reduced to allow space for the future construction of an additional two lanes in either direction, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has said.

The resultant configuration will remain over this section for approximately the next 30 months. There will be three lanes heading north and two lanes heading south. Once complete however, there will be eight lanes heading north and five lanes heading south.

The long-term closures and/or lane width restrictions north of the Mount Edgecombe Interchange up to the Umdloti Interchange will continue into 2026. However, there will still be two lanes open in both directions, they have merely been narrowed slightly and the shoulders reduced in width, so disruption is expected to be minimal.

“For the next fortnight, there will be minor disruptions, if any, to the traffic flow at night between the Mount Edgecombe and KwaMashu Interchanges as concrete barriers are brought in and placed alongside the median, to protect the workforce,” said Trevor Zumani, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

Obliteration of the existing roadmarking will continue on both carriageways north of the Mount Edgecombe Interchange.

Work from Wednesday, 24 August, to Tuesday, 30 August

Daytime work: The stacking of the concrete barriers in the median will continue to the north of the Sibaya Interchange.

Night-time work: The semi-permanent closure of sections of the northbound and southbound carriageway will continue to the north of the Mount Edgecombe Interchange.

Obliteration of the existing roadmarking will continue on both carriageways north of the Mount Edgecombe Interchange.

“SANRAL would like to appeal to motorists to adhere to the warning signs, reduce their speed and have consideration for other road users. Fortunately, the resultant accidents have not yet caused any serious injury but they invariably result in an enormous amount of disruption to traffic, in turn leading to even further frustration to the other road users. Motorists are urged to continue to remain patient, to slow down and to drive defensively,” said Zumani.

RAL and SANRAL sign MoA to strengthen collaboration for the construction of the R71 Moria (St Engenas) Interchange

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor2614views0comments

PRESS RELEASE
RAL and SANRAL sign MoA to strengthen collaboration for the construction of the R71 Moria (St Engenas) Interchange

Limpopo, 23 August 2022 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Friday, 19 August 2022, for the construction of a new road interchange on the R71 national road and dualling of road D4020 up to the St Engenas Zion Christian Church intersection in Moria, Limpopo (the R71 national road Moria (St Engenas) Interchange).

Led by the Premier of Limpopo, Stanley Mathabatha, the event was graced by the Acting SANRAL CEO, Lehlohonolo Memeza; SANRAL Chairman of the Board, Themba Mhambi; MEC for Limpopo Department Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Nkakareng Rakgoale; MEC of Finance Seaparo Sekoati; Chairperson of the RAL Board , Matome Ralebipi; and the CEO of RAL, Gabriel Maluleke among other dignitaries.

The MoA formalises the mutual interaction and strengthens the existing relationship between the RAL and SANRAL, focusing on the construction of the interchange on the R71 national road and ensuring that the proper elements and commitments are in place for the successful execution of this project.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Chairperson of the SANRAL Board, Themba Mhambi, expressed SANRAL’s gratitude for the opportunity to carry out this project in partnership with the provincial government. Mr Mhambi also recognised the opportunity given to SANRAL to be associated with a project that makes a direct contribution to the St Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC).

“We are sincerely honoured to have a role to play in support of this critical infrastructural development project that is going to make a major change to the traffic flowing from and to the St Engenas ZCC church. SANRAL is a public institution under the elected government of South Africa, and, as part of our obligations, we respond to the challenges that the government sends our way in line with our mandate. That mandate is to finance, build and manage national roads,” said Mhambi.

Mhambi said SANRAL was duty-bound to work with all spheres of government, from national to provincial and municipal level, to make sure that South Africa has a road infrastructure second to none.

“RAL is one of the best provincial agencies in South Africa. SANRAL has had the good fortune of working with RAL over the years, and together we have overseen a few projects of major importance to the economy of South Africa. It is a pleasure for us to work with RAL once again as our sister agency in the service of this province and the country at large through the R71 national Interchange.”

Piet Lekganyane from the St Engenas ZCC church welcomed the signing of the MoA. He expressed the gratitude from the church to the national and provincial government and their state-owned entities such as SANRAL and RAL, including other stakeholders who are part of this milestone.

“We are pleased that the deliberations among the stakeholders have led to this critical milestone being reached. The construction of the R71 Interchange will go a long way towards facilitating the safe movement of traffic into the holy City of Moria, a challenge we have been struggling with for a long time. The safety of the road users is paramount to us, and we are pleased as a church that the government through its relevant structures is demonstrating a commitment to deliver on the safety imperative of its citizens,” said Lekganyane.

“This project is another meaningful contribution by the government towards the Arrive Alive campaign, and the St Engenas ZCC church members will benefit immensely from this project for many years to come. Roads enable the connection of communities and facilitate economic development. As the church, we are hopeful that the construction will commence soon and will benefit local communities.”

Premier of Limpopo, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to SANRAL and RAL for a great partnership that is continuing. He noted that the MoA that was signed will breathe life into the commitments of the South African government to build a state-of-the-art road network which is a catalyst for socio-economic development.

“Today’s milestone should be a source of pride for SANRAL and RAL. The completion of this project will come as a huge relief to the motorists, pedestrians and all road users in the holy City of Moria. We firmly believe that infrastructure development of this magnitude will go a long way towards boosting an inclusive economic growth, creation of much-needed jobs, and above all the improvement of conditions of living for the people of Limpopo and the country at large.”

The Premier noted that a project of this nature makes freedom and democracy more meaningful to ordinary people.

“This road connects Polokwane and Tzaneen, the second biggest town in Limpopo. It is also a road to the much-visited Kruger National Park, the biggest game reserve in the SADC region. There is no doubt that this project has come in handy for the ongoing socio-economic development in our province. We are happy that the expansion of this road will lessen and ultimately do away with accidents. More importantly, it will reduce the travel time. Everyone in the Limpopo province has a reason to celebrate the signing of this MoA,” said Mathabatha.

The Premier concluded by encouraging SANRAL and the Department of Transport to go beyond their capabilities as they implement Operation Vala Zonke, the national campaign to fix potholes. He called on the municipality to leverage this massive project, as it will provide much-needed jobs and ensure that road travel in Limpopo is seamless.

Tendering opportunities shared with targeted enterprises in Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1783views0comments

PRESS RELEASE

Tendering opportunities shared with targeted enterprises in Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality

Mpumalanga, 23 August 2022 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has met with small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) during stakeholder-led information sharing sessions in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality on Thursday, 18 August 2022.

The information sharing sessions are part of SANRAL’s efforts to consult with its stakeholders and to find solutions that seek to ensure that the communication regarding project-related activities reaches the right local people and small businesses on time.

During the session SANRAL Project Manager, Kwanele Simelane, mapped out the strategies currently in place to ensure that there is inclusivity in SANRAL’s upcoming Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) project affecting the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.

“The purpose of the information sharing sessions is to promote joint planning and project delivery coordination. SANRAL and the appointed main contractor aims to create employment through the RRM project for targeted labour groups that include black women, youth and people with disabilities,” Simelane said.

“SANRAL has identified strategies that will address the need to promote the growth of small businesses within the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality. 50% of the contract value will be sub-let to targeted enterprises. In terms of the contract, the targeted area for the RRM project is Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality for the Grades 1 and 2 targeted enterprises, and Gert Sibande District Municipality for the Grades 3 and 4 targeted enterprises.”

A minimum of 10% of the contract value will be advertised for Grades 1 to 2 targeted enterprises for the maximum package duration of 15 months without the option to extend. A minimum of 20% of the contract value will be advertised for Grades 3 to 4 targeted enterprises for the maximum package duration of 30 months.

Councillor for Ward 8 in the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, Zamokuhle Methula, welcomed SANRAL’s initiative to engage stakeholders. He called on the local community and small businesses to support the road agency’s projects and work together with the appointed contractor and the Project Liaison Committees (PLCs) to achieve successful project execution without delays.

“Effective and reliable service delivery is one of the challenges South Africa faces. SANRAL being here today to conduct an information sharing session shows that it is willing to accept the responsibility to fulfil the delivery of road maintenance services to communities within which it operates,” said Methula.

During a robust question and answer session, SMMEs expressed their appreciation of SANRAL’s transparency and its efforts to ensure that no one is left behind when projects are being implemented.

A small business owner and a member of the Vulindlela Disability Forum, Sibusiso Mhlongo, was one of the small business owners who attended the information-sharing sessions, and he also welcomed the RRM project that SANRAL is bringing to the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.

“The scope of work for this contract shows how serious SANRAL is about promoting the growth of small businesses. Litter picking, cleaning of road signs and guardrails, accommodation of traffic, road markings, and removal of wrecks and abandoned vehicles are suitable contracts for SMMEs in our municipality with limited resources and experience. Working on this RRM project is a good start and will equip small businesses with training to expand and tender for bigger contracts in the future,” said Mhlongo.

The following RRM project has been earmarked for execution:

RRM for R33 national road from Msukaligwa Municipal Boundary near Warburton over Carolina to Belfast, R38 national road from Steve Tshwete Municipal Boundary over Carolina to Mbombela Municipal Boundary, and N17 national road From Msukaligwa Municipal Boundary near Warburton to Oshoek border post.

  • Main contractor: Rainbow Civils
  • Contract value: R 70 955 968.88
  • Opening date of tender submissions to be advertised in local newspapers and on localmunicipality notice boards: Friday, 19 August 2022
  • Tender briefing and tender training: Monday, 29 August 2022
  • Closing date of tender submissions: Friday, 16 September 2022
  • Appointment of the subcontractors for the RRM project: Tuesday, 1 November 2022.

Opening of N1 Musina Ring Road to Traffic

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor26423views0comments


Traffic Advisory
Opening of N1 Musina Ring Road to Traffic

 

Pretoria, 16 August 2022 – The South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify the public and road users that a new section of N1 national road, west of Musina in Limpopo province, will be open to traffic on Friday, 19 August 2022.

This project, known as the Musina Ring Road, was undertaken to divert traffic around Musina to the west and will significantly reduce the traveling time between South Africa and Zimbabwe. It will also alleviate the current congestion in the CBD of Musina. Motorists who travel to Musina or who wish to access Musina will be able to do so from the N1 national road at the Nancefield and Musina Interchanges, on the northern and southern sides of the town, respectively.

“We would like to thank motorists and the public for their patience and understanding during the construction period. We wish motorists safe driving on this new road section,” said Mr Hennie Kotze, Project Engineer at SANRAL’s Northern Region.

 

Women empowerment takes centre stage at SANRAL Dialogue

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor2879views0comments

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator, spoke about the numerous opportunities for women on SANRAL projects.

MEDIA RELEASE

Women empowerment takes centre stage at SANRAL Dialogue

Eastern Cape, 22 August 2022 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) plays a significant role in contributing to South Africa’s transformation through the development of infrastructure, job creation and socio-economic development, said Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Executive Mayor Eugene Johnson.

Johnson spoke at a dialogue convened by SANRAL to address pertinent issues relating to women empowerment and creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton, Gqeberha last week Friday.

“In the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, we have varying degrees of road infrastructure quality, but many require considerable maintenance and expansion. SANRAL remains relevant and central to our mission to fix these deteriorating road conditions and the Roads Agency has done so much work towards developing skills and improving road safety.”

“Through SANRAL projects in the Nelson Mandela Bay we have been able to address the dire shortage of skills in our Metro, and address some of our road safety challenges. By working together with SANRAL in improving the Metro’s road network, our roads have become an enabler for increased access to markets and investment, which in turn takes communities along this road network into account and assist with their development,” said Johnson.

Johnson thanked SANRAL for its continuing contribution in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator, spoke about the numerous opportunities women can tap into, working on SANRAL projects. “I encourage women to participate in Project Liaison Committees (PLCs) and engage constructively on our projects. This will help greatly in getting an understanding of our projects and you will also be able to see how you can actively participate on these projects. I also encourage women to start up their own consortiums, work together and empower themselves,” said Ndika.

Ndika shared information about SANRAL’s current and upcoming projects in both the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Eastern Cape, and how women entrepreneurs can benefit from them.

She also mentioned that SANRAL’s Freeway Management System (FMS) will be rolled out in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Through FMS, SANRAL can manage congestion on the country’s freeways by using various intelligent tools. The Roads Agency is also able to respond speedily when there is an accident or crime scene on the freeways. The pilot project on FMS started in October 2006 and it is already implemented in the City of Cape Town, eThekwini Metro and the City of Johannesburg.

Nomfuneko Bojana-Matshoba is a Grade 6 contractor and has immensely benefitted from SANRAL projects. Armed with an N4 Civil Engineering qualification from Ikhala College in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, she has made strides in the male dominated construction industry over the years. She got her first break through a SANRAL learnership programme in 2008, working on the road rehabilitation project between Queenstown and Madeira. Through her company, she also participated in a consortium with other women emerging contractors on one of SANRAL’s community development projects in Whittlesea in 2015.

A mother of two, Bojana-Matshoba has participated in various training opportunities offered by SANRAL. “I stand here today to attest that I would not have been where I am today if it was not for SANRAL’s assistance. SANRAL continues to provide many training opportunities for women contractors. I implore all of you to take part in these training programmes. In the construction industry it is important that you equip yourself in skills such as tender documentation, understanding procurement processes, tendering, and costing,” said Bojana-Matshoba.

In addition to her civil engineering qualification and being a Grade 6 contractor, Bojana-Matshoba also has a Level 4 certificate in Construction Supervisor Bitumen Binder Technology, she has Level 5 in labour intensive construction and a certificate in Health and Safety Construction Management. She is also a member of the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (SAIOSH).

SANRAL shares bursary and scholarship information with Alexandria High School learners

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor3471views0comments

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator addressed learners during the bursaries and scholarships drive in Alexandria.

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL shares bursary and scholarship information with Alexandria High School learners

Eastern Cape, 19 August 2022: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has encouraged high school learners from Alexandria in the Eastern Cape to apply for its scholarships and bursaries programmes before the closing date at the end of September.

SANRAL hosted about 200 Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners from Alexandria High School, Ukhanyo Senior Secondary School and Nompucuko Combined School at its Bursary and Scholarship Drive in Alexandria.

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator shared information about the scholarship and bursary opportunities that SANRAL offers.

“I encourage you all to make use of the opportunities presented to you and to focus on your education. We have made a deliberate effort at SANRAL to ensure that learners from previously disadvantaged communities, like yourselves, are equipped with the necessary information needed in order to gain access to the opportunities that we offer,” said Ndika.

Councillor Asanda Nyumka, representing the Mayor of Ndlambe Local Municipality, thanked SANRAL for sharing the information with the learners.

“I want to encouraged learners to grab the opportunity SANRAL is presenting. The information SANRAL is sharing with you will change your lives.

“The aim is to empower and to capacitate our learners and communities with information that will assist them to transform their lives and that of their communities entirely. You are the future leaders

of the country and our communities. Study very hard to meet the minimum requirements of this bursary and make use of everything that is shared with you,” said Councillor Nyumka.

Alexandria High School Deputy Principal Jayshree Rajkaran thanked SANRAL for sharing the bursary and scholarship information. She encouraged learners not to be discouraged by where they come from. They need to work hard in order to have a brighter future. “No matter where you come from you can set the foundation for your family to be great. Think about the future of your family. Learn from other people’s experiences and work hard to improve yourselves and your communities,” said Rajkaran.

Ukhanyo Senior Secondary School principal Mtutuzeli Jonas told learners to consider themselves lucky. “You must grab this opportunity with both hands. For you to succeed, you must work hard. You have a bright future ahead of you. I see in you, future professionals and leaders. These days you are getting all the chances and encouragement to do good. For SANRAL to share its bursary and scholarship opportunities with you is enough motivation and encouragement before this year’s trial exams start. Discipline is key. Without it you are going nowhere. This is the beginning of hard work and hard work pays. Once more I would like to thank SANRAL for affording these learners with such a wonderful opportunity. I wish you all the best,” said Jonas.

Anesipho Zweni, a grade 12 learner from Nompucuko Combined School, said she wants to be a teacher or a lawyer. “I want learners in lower grades to know that they must study hard. If they want to change the situation at home, they must work hard to do so. They must work hard to achieve their goals,” said Zweni.

Sindiswa Dili, a grade 12 learner at Alexandria High School, said she was happy to learn about the SANRAL scholarships and bursaries programme. “Before I only knew SANRAL built roads. I am happy to know about the bursary programme and will gladly share the information with others,” said Dili.

SANRAL scholarships are available to all high school learners who are South African citizens and are from Grade 8 to Grade 12, irrespective of their subject choice. The requirement is for learners to have an overall aggregate of 60%. The scholarship is based on academic merit and financial need, considering the background of learners.

New policy provisions from SANRAL have allowed the roads agency to extend awards to students outside of the Built Environment, therefore expanding the reach further than Civil Engineering. Funding for external bursary for the 2023 academy year is for full-time studies in Civil Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Human Resources and Environmental Science. A minimum requirement for matriculant is 70% overall average.

The applications are open and will close on 30 September. The bursary and scholarship applications forms are available on the SANRAL website, www.nra.co.za

The video is available here: https://we.tl/t-1LrED1K531

SANRAL’s pre-tender training programme shared with SMMEs

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor5105views0comments

SANRAL Southern Region project manager Athi Kiviet shared road construction project plans for the Nyandeni Local Municipality.

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL’s pre-tender training programme shared with SMMEs

Eastern Cape, 18 August 2022: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) shared its extensive training programme planned for SMMEs who are appointed to work on sub-contracting packages across its projects.

SANRAL shared the pre-tender training details with business stakeholders during the Roundtable Discussion with the Nyandeni Local Municipality in Libode on Tuesday, 16 August 2022.

ACS Tjeka JV, the appointed service provider to conduct the training, shared details of the course which will also include assignments and practical application of the theory before moving from one phase to the next. The three weeks of accredited training will include numeracy skills where required, understanding how to run a successful contracting business and how to develop and submit competitive, yet profitable and compliant tenders.

The training and development of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) is for the CIDB CE 1 to 4 categories. The training will include accredited modules which will be presented to the SMMEs to enhance their business acumen and tendering skills.

Once they successfully completed the three weeks of training, participants will receive a NQF 2 National Certificate in Construction Contracting.

All SMMEs will be required to undertake assessment and class activities during the training. They will also have to do homework which they have to submit on time. The SMMEs will have to demonstrate competence to be awarded the unit standard.

Acting Mayor, Councillor Ndumiso Jim, encouraged SMMEs to work together and promote unity. He emphasised that only a united business structure will bring real change and growth. “SMMEs are a critical stakeholder. We have to work together so we may all benefit from the projects. SANRAL is a critical stakeholder when we deal with infrastructure development. The road infrastructure network is key in promoting tourism sector and economic development,” said Councillor Jim.

SANRAL Southern Region project manager Athi Kiviet shared road construction project plans for the Nyandeni Local Municipality.

The road improvement of the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) Section 19 between Ngqeleni Interchange (km 6.70) and Libode East (km 30.00) will include community development (CD) projects. It is estimated that about 200 jobs will be created and about 60 SMMEs will benefit. The project is in the design phase.

The road improvement of the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) Section 19 between Libode East (km 30.00) and Majola T-Junction (km 51) is still in the tender stage for a consultant. There will be community development (CD) projects.
The Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) of the National Route, N2X Section 19 (km 0.00) to Section 20 (km 69.35) and National Route R396 Section 6 (km 39.31) to (km 61.18), traverses four local municipalities namely, King Sabata Dalinyebo, Nyandeni, Mhlontlo and Umzimvubu. The project is in the tender evaluation phase.

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region’s Stakeholder Coordinator, spoke about the SANRAL’s 14 Point Plan, and the formation of the Project Liaison Committees (PLC). She also spoke about the tender process for targeted enterprises, the tender evaluation process, training and skills development and community development (CD) projects.

The video can be found here: https://we.tl/t-lbB3k31FZL

Bridge-building competition inspires learners to study civil engineering

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1578views0comments

The winning team, from left, Lunar Dakada, a grade 11 learner at Lawson Brown High School, Asemahle Beyi, a grade 11 learner at Sanctor High School and Lonwabo Xalanga, a grade 12 learner at Marymount High School – who all form part of the iGEMS education-to-employment programme – were crowned the winners of the annual iGEMs bridge- building competition hosted at the SANRAL Lab in Struandale, Gqeberha.

MEDIA RELEASE

Bridge-building competition inspires learners to study civil engineering

Eastern Cape, 17 August 2022: Grade 11 and 12 learners who participated in a bridge-building competition have been inspired to pursue careers in Civil Engineering. The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) the Unity in Africa Foundation and Labco hosted learners at the 7th annual bridge-building competition in Struandale in Gqeberha (Port Elizabberth)

The learners all form part of the Unity in Africa Foundation’s Incubating Great Engineering Minds (iGEMs) programme.

“SANRAL remains passionate and committed to the development of the learners’ education,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.

The competition is based on the format and rules of the South African Institute of Civil Engineering’s bridge-building competition. The learners had to design and then build model bridges using only wooden sticks, glue, sewing pins, and rope in two hours and forty-five minutes, following functional specifications and construction methods.

The key objective of the iGEMs programme is to increase the number of technical and engineering graduates from disadvantaged communities in Nelson Mandela Bay and then to place them in permanent employment.

“Our students are selected from the ongoing relationships we have built with various schools over the years. Working together with industry partners, students are placed in industry to do a learnership year before entering their chosen field of study,” explained Berenice Rose, Director of the Unity in Africa Foundation.

“We start with roadshows at various schools in and around Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) focused on grade 10 students who take core maths and physical science as school subjects with a strong interest in the engineering and IT spaces.”

Lunar Dakada, 16 years old, who is in Grade 11 at Lawson Brown High School, said: “I am extremely happy. I wanted to study mechatronics engineering or civil engineering. After today’s competition I am inspired to study civil engineering.”

Lonwabo Xalanga, 17 years old, who is in Grade 12 at Marymount High School, said: “I am thrilled that we won because I did not expect this. I am inspired to study civil engineering or mechatronic engineering.”

Asemahle Beyi, a Grade 11 learner at Sanctor High School, said the exposure to civil engineering was inspiring. “Now that I have helped build a bridge, I want to add civil engineering to my list of potential careers to pursue. I am excited that we won.”

The bridges were judged on aesthetics, weight and structural strength. Strength testing was done using suspended weights that stretched the bridges to breaking point in an ultimate showdown between the four teams.

 

SANRAL enriches the lives of candidate engineers

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor1529views0comments

SANRAL candidate engineer Thabang Motedi assembles the compaction machine that is used to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture for soil or gravel layers in road construction. He is supervised by Zolani Sinukela, a senior materials tester of soil.

MEDIA RELEASE

SANRAL enriches the lives of candidate engineers

Eastern Cape, 17 August 2022: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is contributing to the growth of the civil engineering skills pool with 15 candidate engineers and four candidate technologists who started their training at the Technical Excellence Academy (TEA) in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).

The candidates are from various provinces and have been placed among colleagues and peers who have an abundance of experience and advice to offer. Of the 19 candidates, eight will remain in Gqeberha for two years, working either at the design academy or the materials testing laboratory, and 11 have been assigned to work on construction sites.

Since its establishment in 2014, 30 female and 79 male candidate engineers have completed at least one year of training at the Academy.

“The candidates receive much-needed training that will allow them to achieve the training outcomes required by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) sooner than candidates who are not as privileged to be in such an enabling environment,” said Andrew van Gruting, SANRAL TEA Senior Mentor.

Ntokozo Ndinisa is a candidate engineer in the design academy.

The candidates joined the TEA in June this year. He said SANRAL benefits from the programme by having access to an increasing pool of highly talented candidate engineers and technologists who are establishing themselves in the industry early in their careers.

The participants undergo intensive training in the design aspects of SANRAL’s national road projects. The training includes geometric design, traffic analysis and capacity assessment, materials investigation and utilisation, pavement evaluations and materials designs, and storm water drainage assessments, including sub-surface drainage considerations.

Ntokozo Ndinisa, who graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 2019 with his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree, is a former SANRAL bursary recipient and started as a candidate engineer working on the R81 project in Limpopo. “As an assistant resident engineer, my key roles were site-based work and supervision of roads and bridge construction,” said Ndinisa.

“After two years on site, I joined the design academy in March 2022. I am currently working on a design of upgrades from gravel to surfaced roads with a drainage project,” said Ndinisa.

Lisakhanya Wali, who graduated with his BEng Tech degree in Civil Engineering from the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) this year (2022), joined the materials testing laboratory in June.

“From a very young age I have always been fascinated with the design and construction of buildings and bridges, so I knew I’d end up working in one of these industries,” said Wali.

Lisakhanya Wali tests the effects of water content in soil using the Atterberg Limits method. He is supervised by Xoliswa Mnyaka, a senior material tester for soils.

Wali is currently based at the materials testing lab. “I’m stationed in the Seal Lab where we do various tests on aggregates. So far, my experience in the department has been very insightful. I enjoy getting my hands dirty, doing the actual tests and obtaining the results so that we can analyse them”.

“I’m looking forward to getting as much experience as I can which will help me register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technologist. I also appreciate learning from the mentors and being exposed to different aspects of civil engineering, such as structures, geometric design and pavements,” said Wali.

Thabang Motedi received a SANRAL bursary in 2017 during his first year of studies until he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Civil) from the University of Witwatersrand in 2022. He joined the materials testing lab in June this year.

“My experience has been amazing. My colleagues have been amazing, welcoming and very willing to share their experience with us youngsters. I am currently working with compaction and classifying the appropriate material for road layers. What I love about this department is that it gives you the fundamentals, from the beginning. It builds up your understanding of roads in general and you get to learn more about what is under the black stuff we drive over, and how certain material will behave, and most importantly what the specification says about that material. All the theory and calculations Wits made me do are now being turned into reality,” said Motedi.

The TEA video can be found here: https://we.tl/t-57IBVP7Mnl

Stop-go traffic control on the N2 Section 13 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass

sizwesethu.futshaneauthor7517views0comments

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Immediate

Stop-go traffic control on the N2 Section 13 between Makhanda and Fish River Pass

Eastern Cape, 15 August 2022: The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify travellers that remedial work is taking place on the N2 from Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) to Fish River Pass until mid-December 2022. Stop-go traffic control is currently underway to accommodate half-width construction works and will operate for a full 24 hours each day, including weekends.

The works will include stop-go controls between the Coombs turn-off at km 79.5 to km 85 and at km 88.5 to km 92 at Frasers Camp where works are being carried out on one half of the road. Motorists are advised to obey the speed restrictions, consider the safety of road workers and other road users, and to be aware of loose stones on the roadway.

Motorists are advised that the stop-go control from km 88.5 to km 92 is in the westbound direction, towards Makhanda.

Future works will include a stop-go control between km 79.5 to km 85.

Motorists travelling westwards between East London or Qonce (formerly King Williams 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 on to Gqeberha.

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

  • From Gqeberha, follow the N2 to Nanaga and turn right onto the R72 at the junction at Nanaga and proceed 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. We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL Southern Regional Manager.