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Frequently Asked Questions

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Read up on some of the most often asked inquiries about SANRAL and its processes. 

SANRAL is a state-owned entity (SOE), category 3A, and is not allowed to make a profit. It is not a business enterprise. It is responsible for a national road network of 22 214km.

WHAT IS SANRAL?  

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) was established in April 1998 by an act of Parliament as an independent company to operate South Africa’s national road network.  

It is a public company with share capital within the requirements of the South African Companies Act and is governed by a board of five members. The Minister of Transport is the sole shareholder of SANRAL, representing government.  

SANRAL is a state-owned entity (SOE), category 3A, and is not allowed to make a profit. It is not a business enterprise. It is responsible for a national road network of 22 214km.  

This network is gradually expanding, as a growing number of provinces request the agency to take over the management of their primary roads.  

SANRAL’s role is to be an implementing agency for road planning, construction and maintenance, on behalf of the Department of Transport.  

WHICH ROADS ARE SANRAL RESPONSIBLE FOR?  

Most of the national roads – the “N” roads – with minor exceptions, such as a stretch of the N14 in Gauteng, and the N2 between Cape Town International Airport and the city centre.  

There are also some provincial and municipal roads in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West that have been incorporated into our network.  

WHY DOES SANRAL TOLL ITS ROADS?  

Of our entire network, only 2 948km is tolled. Roads are the arteries of our nation – they connect major cities, towns and villages in rural areas. Roads bring economic growth, tourism, social development and create economic opportunities for all citizens, but they need to be maintained.  

Roads deteriorate over time, due to environmental and other influences, such as traffic flow, weather, ultraviolet radiation, truck overloading, etc. And maintenance is not a once-off occurrence – it is continuous.  

This isn’t just applicable to the road itself, but also to the verges, road markings, grass on the verges and the clearing of debris from incidents, among others.  

The maintenance of roads is extremely expensive, as is upgrading them to keep up with growth and the managing of congestion.  

To fund this, we cannot rely solely on tax. In these instances, the user-pay principle is applied. This decision is never made lightly or rashly.  

WHERE IS SANRAL’S EASTERN REGION?  

KwaZulu-Natal and Free State, and this includes 2 881km of road.  

WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF SANRAL’S ROADS IN THE EASTERN REGION?  

They are generally in a good to very good condition due to continuous maintenance being undertaken. The breakdown is as follows: Fair-25%, Good-35%, Very Good-40%.  

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN IN THE EASTERN REGION?   

Upgrading of the N2/N3. The upgrade of the N2 will focus on a 55km length from Lovu River in the South Coast, to Umdloti in the North Coast. The N3 upgrade will focus on an 80km section from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. Dualling the N2 from Mtunzini to Empangeni and Dualling the N1 from Ventersburg to Kroonstad. 

IF I WANTED TO WORK FOR SANRAL, HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT?  

SANRAL offers internal and external bursaries to assist aspiring engineers and technical staff to enter the field of road construction. We also encourage skills development in related fields – community and economic development, project management, marketing and communication and general administration. Please contact our human resources department at 0128448000 or send an email to info@nra.co.za. 

HOW CAN I CONTRACT FOR WORK WITH SANRAL?  

Construction work is only given out on tender. SANRAL’s procurement philosophy is aimed at broad-based BEE. To read the entire Supply Chain Management Policy and Procedure Manual in PDF format and look out for contracts advertised on the SANRAL website, visit www.sanral.co.za  

HOW DO I BRING ROAD CONDITIONS TO SANRAL’S ATTENTION?  

The agency has special maintenance teams in place to respond to unplanned events, such as major accidents or floods, and can respond immediately.  

In addition, we have a 48-hour turnaround time, from reporting to repairing of a pothole on our national roads.  

Should you want to report a problem, simply visit www.nra.co.za for contact details of our regional offices and concessionaires. 

Big brother watching cable thieves

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Security measures will be implemented to curb the sabotage of electrical equipment for copper cabling that is subsequently sold to scrap metal dealers. 

A range of security measures will be implemented to curb the sabotage of electrical equipment for copper cabling that is subsequently sold to scrap metal dealers. 

The wanton destruction of electrical installations along national roads in KwaZulu-Natal by cable thieves has led to the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) putting in place intelligent monitoring systems.  

Millions of Rands worth of transformers, electrical distribution boxes and street light poles have been destroyed by vandals, causing inconvenience for motorists as well as pedestrians at night.  

Zakhele Mthethwa, Electrical Project Manager at SANRAL’s Eastern Region, said SANRAL was committed to ensuring the safety of motorists and pedestrians.  

Hence, a range of security measures will be implemented to curb the sabotage of electrical equipment for copper cabling that is subsequently sold to scrap metal dealers. 

Security measures 

Sensors will be placed in transformers and electrical distribution boxes to pick up any unusual vibration such as when somebody is trying to get unauthorized access. 

The sensors will send a signal to the Traffic Management Centre (TMC) in Pietermaritzburg where dedicated staff will be monitoring the lighting equipment. 

Security personnel will be dispatched to the site to apprehend the thieves who will be handed over to the police.  

Mthethwa said sensors will be rolled out initially to safeguard the electrical equipment at Umgeni Road/ M19 Intersection which has 242 light poles, and the freeway between Umdloti Interchange and Tongaat Town Plaza which has 582 light poles.  

Vandal-proof light poles will replace those that were cut down by cable thieves. Closed-circuit television cameras will also be installed, and these will be monitored around the clock at the TMC to apprehend vandals.  

It is estimated the security features at Umgeni Road/ M19 Intersection and the freeway between Umdloti Interchange and Tongaat Town Plaza will cost about R15-million. 

N7 Tierfontein will leave a legacy

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For SANRAL, it is crucial that its projects not only significantly contribute to economic development and job creation, but that a legacy of empowerment is left behind after completion of the construction work.   

This interchange is being upgraded in order to improve the capacity for traffic movement between the western and eastern parts of Malmesbury, situated on opposite sides of the N7.  

The upgrade of the N7 in Malmesbury goes way beyond construction and has social inclusion at its very core.  

With a budget of R505-million, this project has since January 2015 created more than 500 work opportunities for locals.  

This has far-reaching consequences in terms of the economic development of this town. The existing single carriageway of the N7 Section 1 from km48 to km52 is being upgraded to a dual carriageway freeway, which would tie into the existing dual carriageway section, beginning south of the Darling Road interchange at km52.  

This interchange is being upgraded in order to improve the capacity for traffic movement between the western and eastern parts of Malmesbury, situated on opposite sides of the N7.  

This is accomplished by dualling the Darling/Bokomo road under the N7 and improving the layout of the N7 ramps and ramp terminals.  

A legacy of empowerment 

For SANRAL, it is crucial that its projects not only significantly contribute to economic development and job creation, but that a legacy of empowerment is left behind after completion of the construction work.  

Project Liaison Officer on this project, Lilian Leukes, has put her heart and soul into ensuring she facilitates as many developmental opportunities as possible for the locals to benefit from inclusion in this project.  

“Many of our local residents have as a result of this project been able to put food on the table, while others have used this as a launchpad to further their education and career growth,” said Leukes.  

On a project of this magnitude challenges are par for the course, and according to Grant White, Site Agent of the Stefanutti Stocks Power Consortium, pedestrian and traffic accommodation during construction was one the major challenges but lauds the community for the patience and cooperation during the construction period.  

Steph Bredenhann, SANRAL Project Manager said: “This project is in the final stages and we are incredibly proud not only of the world-class quality of the N7 in terms of the road user experience, but also of the major role that the construction industry has and continues to play in spearheading economic development in our country.” 

Road upgrade aimed at boosting local economy

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The roads agency is actively responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to have “shovel-ready projects” in the pipeline to lead the current drive towards investment in infrastructure. 

John Higgs(NAFBI),Madoda Mthembu(SANRAL),Aubrey Tshalata(NAFBI),Themba Mhambi(SANRAL),Progress Hlahla(SANRAL),Waylon Kukard(WIRTGEN GROUP),Deon Coetzee(Barloworld) at the Taking SANRAL to Rustenburg event.

Communities in and around Rustenburg are set to benefit from upcoming road construction projects such as the improvement of the R52 from Rustenburg to Koster. 

Themba Mhambi, Board Chairman for the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL), said the project, valued at R625-million is still in the early stages of design. 

The “Taking SANRAL to Rustenburg” initiative took place on 24 May with the aim of addressing matters of concern raised by municipalities; in addition to educating those in attendance about the opportunities available to them. 

Inclusiveness 

Mhambi said: “It is our intention that small, micro, medium, youth – and women-owned enterprises, people with disabilities and military veterans take part in our projects, especially our routine road maintenance and community development work packages. 

“Guided by its corporate strategy and transformation policy, SANRAL is mindful of the developmental role that it plays to emerging contractors and the transformation of the construction industry.” 

To that end, and as part of its ongoing efforts to accelerate the transformation of the construction industry; the roads agency is determined to continue opening doors for black owned contractors – enabling them to participate meaningfully in major construction projects.  

“The days of there being only a few construction companies capable of taking on large projects is coming to an end. Instead of hearing about the big five construction companies, we would like to hear about the big fifty,” added Mhambi. 

The roads agency is actively responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to have “shovel-ready projects” in the pipeline to lead the current drive towards investment in infrastructure. 

According to Mhambi, the North West Province is of great significance to SANRAL as the lead agency of the Strategic Infrastructure Project – SIP 4 – which focuses specifically on the North West.  

“This further emphasises the importance of our road network as the backbone of all infrastructure development and service delivery to towns, villages and communities across South Africa,” he said. 

SMME DEVELOPMENT 

SANRAL Northern Region Manager, Progress Hlahla, reminded those in attendance that SANRAL is also committed to providing opportunities for small contractors that have limited experience, this through various community development projects. 

“These become legacy projects, which local SMMEs are able to build and maintain for their local municipality. Once they gain the relevant experience and thus improve their CIDB grading and skills levels through these projects, they can take on larger projects and contribute to the country’s drive towards job creation,” said Hlahla. 

As per government policy for SMME development, main contractors are required to subcontract 30% of the contract value to SMMEs of CIDB grading 1-6.  

In some cases, main contractors enter into joint ventures, with a 70/30 split between a 9CE main contractor as the lead partner and lower-grading contractors (5CE, 6CE or 7CE) as the joint venture targeted partners. 

Driven by this commitment, SANRAL has visited all provinces in South Africa with the aim of engaging communities and interested organisations on its transformation strategy which commits to give suitably qualified emerging enterprises an opportunity to perform some of the work awarded to main contractors. 

Hlahla said that his region has vowed to work towards ensuring the inclusive participation of local black individuals and organisations in upcoming projects as well as any spin-offs from such projects. 

SANRAL’s impact 

SANRAL manages around 13% (2?598km) of the province’s roads and has made a considerable impact on infrastructure development with various projects at different stages. 

The agency has some 85 projects in the initiation, design and construction stages in different parts of the province over the next 10 years. 

Part of SANRAL’s work in the province includes the upgrade of the N4, a primary economic artery in the province which plays a pivotal role in the movement of people and goods.  

The pavement repair and resurfacing of the national route R505 from Wolmaransstad to the N14, is nearing completion. 

“Albeit guided by the Public Finance Management Act, SANRAL is determined to empower as many local businesses as possible in a fair and equitable manner,” Hlahla concluded. 

Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Mpho Khunou, said that he welcomes the cooperation of the three spheres of government and that he hopes that the community will work well with SANRAL. 

North coast N2 upgrade near completion

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The almost R1-billion project will result in a 14-metre wide, safer dual–carriage highway, which will enable the key arterial road to cope with increased traffic volumes.   

Corné Roux, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager, said due to the growth in traffic, the current lane configuration became inadequate, resulting in delays experienced by the travelling public.  

The upgrading of a 33km stretch of the N2 between Mtunzini toll plaza and the Empangeni T-junction on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, which has been the scene of several fatal crashes, is nearing completion.  

The almost R1-billion project will result in a 14-metre wide, safer dual–carriage highway, which will enable the key arterial road to cope with increased traffic volumes.  

The upgrade of this section of the N2 commenced in March 2016.  

Technical challenges were encountered with the installation of up to 35–metre deep piles required for the construction of two major new bridges over the uMhlatuze and uMhlalazi rivers.  

The Project 

When the project is complete, four agricultural overpasses over the N2 would have been lengthened, new bridges would have been built at the R34 Empangeni/Richards Bay interchange and at the P537 Port Dunford underpass, two road-over-rail bridges would have been constructed, and 16 major box culverts and numerous minor box culverts and other drainage structures would also have been built.  

In addition, the height of two overpasses would have been increased by jacking up the bridges. 

This stretch of the N2 is on a declared toll road and, therefore, the income generated from the toll plazas on the N2 north will be utilised for funding this project.  

Corné Roux, SANRAL Eastern Region Project Manager, said due to the growth in traffic, the current lane configuration became inadequate, resulting in delays experienced by the travelling public.  

He said current traffic volumes on the N2 south of Empangeni exceeded 12?000 vehicles per day, with the highest traffic volumes occurring on the section between the eSikhawini and Empangeni interchanges. 

Learners exposed to different career paths at SANRAL Career Expo

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The expo seeks to expose rural schools to SANRAL’s career opportunities, internships, scholarship and bursary programmes. 

Sivuyise Gada, a 14-year-old Grade 8 learner at Hector Petersen High School addressed nearly 500 Grade 9 learners in King William’s Town on Tuesday, 14 May, at a Career Expo hosted by SANRAL in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) recently hosted a Career Expo in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (DoE). 

The Career Expo was aimed at SANRAL sharing information on its bursary, scholarship and graduate programmes. It also provides a platform for nearly 3 000 Grade 9 and Grade 12 learners to make an informed decision pertaining career choice. 

This is an annual event with the purpose to empower, inform, educate and create awareness around careers in the construction and related industries.  

SANRAL is committed to developing skills of the learners who have an interest in civil engineering, construction and other career paths. 

Welekazi Ndika, SANRAL Southern Region Stakeholder Relations Co–ordinator, said: “The expo seeks to expose rural schools to SANRAL’s career opportunities, internships, scholarship and bursary programmes. It is also aimed at increasing SANRAL bursary and scholarship beneficiaries in the province.  

“The expo featured several exhibitors from various industries to share information about other career choices.” 

A dream 

At the expo, Sivuyise Gada, a 14-year-old Grade 8 learner from Zwelitsha zone 4, shared his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer at SANRAL’s Career Expo at Ginsberg Community Hall in King William’s Town. 

Gada, a learner at Hector Petersen High School, was one of the event speakers who addressed nearly 500 Grade 9 learners.  

He won a career dress–up competition that was held at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) in 2018. 

Gada said: “What made me stand out from my peers is passion and interest in this field of study (mechanical engineering).” 

He told the learners mechanical engineers “are always in demand and it is like having a passport to getting into many industries”.  

Some of the fields mechanical engineers deal with are the design of automotive parts, aircons, elevators, and machines, he said. 

“I want to help my community. I want to fix their cars at a reasonable price. You can design machines or automotive parts and work in various industries,” said Gada. 

Mathematics is essential 

Lunga Mnyatheli, a Deputy Chief Education Specialist (FET Humanities) at the Eastern Cape DoE, said his message to learners was on scarce skills and personal development.  

“Today we are here to share very critical information about careers with Grade 9 learners, and it is very important to choose wisely because the choices that you make during your school years will determine your future.” 

Mnyatheli said 99% of careers in engineering need pure mathematics, the students must aim very high and not settle for level 2 -3 in their results. 

Kaoma Mwansa, a 15-year-old from Westbank High School, acknowledged that not every learner knows which career to choose after matric.  

“This career expo will help us make informed decisions. We have been exposed to other career paths that we can follow,” Mwansa said. 

“We are still in high school, some of us are not really aware of other careers other than being a doctor, lawyer, journalist or a teacher. This is a good initiative, it will help us explore other career choices and be informed,” said Mila-Anda Ntantiso, a 14-year-old from Charles Morgan High School in Ginsberg township. 

Ndika added that SANRAL is committed to contributing to the development of human capital in South Africa so it can realise its potential. 

“We need young engineers who can design and build quality roads. We can’t do this without people who have foresight. Grab the opportunities presented to you. Work hard to get good grades. We offer scholarships to high school learners, but there is a criteria and bursaries are offered to university students,” Ndika said. 

Scholars were asked to share their strategies on how to achieve higher marks. Reholele Matubatuba, 14, from Bhisho High School said: “I believe that I have to draw up a timetable that will guide me and manage my time in order to get better marks.” 

Career exhibitor from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Amanda Damane said; “A lot of people think that agriculture is all about farming. They do not know that there are other aspects to it, like agricultural engineering and food science, I encourage learners to explore careers in agriculture because there are exciting career paths that they can follow.” 

Scholarships and bursaries 

Now its 10th year, SANRAL’s scholarship programme will consider applicants with a 65-75% aggregate in maths and physical science, a 65% mark in English and an overall 75% plus pass rate.  

It pays for school fees, books, stationery, uniform, sports uniform and for hosting the learner at a gala dinner/luncheon. 

SANRAL’s bursary scheme was initiated in 2007 and caters for students with outstanding academic performance in civil engineering and related studies in the built environment. 

Both scholarship and bursary applications will open in June and close at the end of September 2019. 

For more information on the scholarship and bursary programmes visit www.nra.co.za. 

Hammarsdale to strengthen logistics, transport corridor

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The project has presented the area with an excellent opportunity for local SMME development, and the creation of employment opportunities for the area’s population.   

The improved geometry of these ramps demands significant cuttings into the existing ridges, requiring the regular blasting activities that have become familiar to frequent travellers along the route.

Once completed, the existing simple diamond interchange at Hammarsdale will be an upgraded semi-parclo (partial clover leaf), free–flow interchange.  

This upgraded interchange will accommodate the increased volume of traffic resulting from the development of the area as a distribution node for freight logistics companies, including the 152ha Keystone Park industrial precinct.  

The national and provincial importance of the Hammarsdale Interchange stems from its location on the N3 between the eThekwini and Msunduzi municipalities, its proximity to the rail line linking Gauteng to the Durban harbour, and the proposed inland container terminal at Cato Ridge.  

To fast-track construction of the interchange, SANRAL entered into a co-funding partnership with the eThekwini Municipality to share the R276-million cost of the project. Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd were appointed in 2016 to undertake the construction of the new interchange.  

The upgrades 

The planned upgrades include the construction of six new on and off ramps.  

The improved geometry of these ramps demands significant cuttings into the existing ridges, requiring the regular blasting activities that have become familiar to frequent travellers along the route.  

A new five-lane lane overpass bridge with a precast beam deck and slab has been constructed to replace the existing bridge, which will be demolished once the ramps have been completed.  

The new bridge was erected across both carriageways of the N3 in a record four days by using a large crane to lift and place 46 beams, each weighing 37 tons, over two consecutive weekends.  

Once the interchange has been completed, lighting will be installed to ensure the whole intersection is lit at night for increased safety of both pedestrians and motorists.  

The project has presented the area with an excellent opportunity for local SMME development, and the creation of employment opportunities for the area’s largely unemployed population.  

Additional emphasis has been placed on training local labourers, ranging from generic skills training to NQF level training courses.  

The upgrade of the interchange was scheduled for completion in November 2018 but has not been without complications and delays.  

Construction activities were interrupted for an extended period in 2018 by local business forums, extending the expected construction period to mid-August 2019. 

SANRAL strives to keep South Africa world-class

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SANRAL positions itself to play a defining role in keeping South Africa world-class through its infrastructure. 

The value of the South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) to the South African economy through the provision and maintenance of a world-class primary road network will continue to grow with new infrastructure programmes being rolled out. 

At SANRAL, we work to guarantee our country world-class infrastructure and a high level of mobility for our people and goods transportation, because South Africa deserves it.

Update on the N2 and N3 upgrades

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Due to the length and estimated cost of the N2 and N3 upgrades, the strategy is to split the corridor into several detailed design and construction packages.   

These upgrades will include the widening of the N2 and N3 carriageways, with four to five lanes in each direction, and the reconfiguration of most major interchanges along these route sections.  

The upgrades of the N2 and N3 in KwaZulu-Natal form part of the national government’s key Strategic Integrated Projects, SIP2: Durban-Free State-Gauteng Logistics and Industrial Corridor.  

The upgrade of the N2 will focus on a 55km length of the route, from Lovu River on the South Coast, to Umdloti on the North Coast.  

The N3 upgrade will focus on an 80km section from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.  

These upgrades will include the widening of the N2 and N3 carriageways, with four to five lanes in each direction, and the reconfiguration of most major interchanges along these route sections.  

Ravi Ronny, SANRAL Eastern Region Design and Construction Manager, said due to the length and estimated cost of the entire N2 and N3 upgrades, the strategy is to split the corridor into several detailed design and construction packages. 

The stimulus package  

Upgrading of the N2 and N3 is expected to take between five to eight years. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently introduced the “stimulus package” as a new measure “to reignite growth, stimulate economic recovery and secure confidence in sectors affected by regulatory uncertainty and inconsistency”.  

Projects earmarked for the stimulus package will be funded from the existing budget envelope with R50-billion already identified by the government for infrastructure projects nationally.  

SANRAL’s allocation from the total stimulus package is some R3.5-billion, which will be used to initiate the SIP2 projects over the next two years.  

Two N2 project packages and five N3 project packages, identified as critical areas, were allocated the stimulus funding accordingly.  

The stimulus funding for these project packages has, therefore, assisted in the fast-tracking of the commencement of these projects.  

The first N2/N3 construction package is now expected to be awarded by the end of 2019. 

What makes roads last?

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SANRAL is a state-owned agency responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the national road network. 

SANRAL is also developing a rating system that is dedicated for road projects and which promotes the use of sustainable best-practices in the planning, design and construction of roads.

Five factors influence the performance of a pavement (road surface):  

TRAFFIC: Traffic is the most important factor influencing pavement performance. The performance of pavements is mostly influenced by the loading magnitude, configuration and the number of load repetitions by heavy vehicles. The damage caused per pass to a pavement by an axle is defined relative to the damage per pass of a standard axle load, which is defined as an 80kN single axle load (E80). Thus, a pavement is designed to withstand a certain number of standard axle load repetitions (E80s) that will result in a certain terminal condition of deterioration at the end of its design life, which typically has been 20 years in South Africa. Roads are not designed to last 20 calendar years, but for axle load repetitions estimated to occur over a 20-year period. If the estimates are correct, a road could reach end of its life after only five calendar years.

MOISTURE (WATER): Moisture can significantly weaken the support strength of natural gravel materials, especially the subgrade. Moisture can enter the pavement structure through cracks and holes in the surface, laterally through the subgrade, and from the underlying water table through capillary action. The result of moisture ingress is the lubrication of soil particles, loss of particle interlock and subsequent particle displacement resulting in pavement failure.

SUBGRADE: The subgrade is the underlying soil that supports the applied wheel loads. If the subgrade is too weak to support the wheel loads, the pavement will flex excessively, which ultimately causes the pavement to fail. If natural variations in the composition of the subgrade are not adequately addressed by the pavement design, significant differences in pavement performance will be experienced.

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY: Failure to obtain proper compaction, improper moisture conditions during construction, quality of materials and accurate layer thickness (after compaction) all directly affect the performance of a pavement. These conditions stress the need for skilled staff, and the importance of good inspection and quality control procedures during construction. 

MAINTENANCE: Pavement performance depends on what, when and how maintenance is performed. No matter how well the pavement is built, it will deteriorate over time based upon the factors mentioned above. The timing of maintenance is very important.