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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ON THE NATIONAL ROUTE 5 (N5) SECTION 2 IN PAUL ROUX – VALS RIVER

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MEDIA STATEMENT

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ON THE NATIONAL ROUTE 5 (N5) SECTION 2 IN PAUL ROUX – VALS RIVER

Bloemfontein – 30 August 2022 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced the award of the contract for periodic maintenance on National Route 5 (N5) Section 2 in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District.

“The works is on the 18km stretch of the N5 section 2 from Paul Roux to Vals River and entail repairs and resurfacing. Actophambili Roads (Pty) Ltd is the appointed contractor while Q&A Consulting Engineering Services and Project Management (Pty) Ltd are the consulting engineers on the project,” said Lwanda Sigaji, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager.

The construction phase of the project commenced in February 2022. The contract will run over the 12-month period. Upon completion of construction work, SANRAL will officially reopen the entire road section for full use.

“Temporary lane closures and occasional stop/go control will be carried out. Speed reduction will also be imposed, and motorists are advised to take note of the construction activities and to be observant of the advance warning signs and restrictions when travelling past the construction work zones,” said Sigaji.

SANRAL presents scholarship and bursary opportunities for learners in Gauteng and North Wes

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PRESS RELEASE

SANRAL presents scholarship and bursary opportunities for learners in Gauteng and North West

 

Pretoria, 29 August 2022 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) recently visited several communities in Gauteng and the North West provinces on a drive to encourage high school learners to apply for scholarships and bursaries opportunities presented by the roads agency.

The three-day programme – led by Ms Jullecsia Saul, Stakeholder Coordinator for SANRAL northern region – started on 19 August 2022 at the Rabasotho Community Hall in Thembisa where a total of 15 schools attended the event to learn more about the opportunities. This was followed by visits to the Eersterust Civic Centre in Tshwane (Pretoria) and, finally, the Madiba Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom in the North West province.

Saul says the roads agency’s investment model for skills starts with development and support through the scholarship and bursary programme.

“SANRAL has long since recognised the importance of skills development for youth in the country, and with more young people increasingly filling leadership roles in the built environment, now is the perfect time to engage the learners,” she said.

The SANRAL scholarship programme was historically developed to give financial support to learners from Grade 10 to Grade12, ideally those who excel in mathematics and science, but to promote a more inclusive support structure, it had to change some of its policies to expand the reach.

Saul said the scholarships were previously limited to learners in Grade 10 to 12, but now they are available for learners from Grade 8 to 12, irrespective of their subject choice. Bursaries will longer be limited to funding Engineering studies, it will also be available to full-time students studying Law, Public Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, Public Relations, and other subjects. Also, where learners previously required a 70% overall aggregate to be eligible for consideration, they now require 60% with a view to improving their aggregate to 70%.

The scholarship covers:

  • Registration and school fees
  • Hostel accommodation (where applicable)
  • School and sport uniform
  • Books and prescribed stationery
  • TransportThe bursary covers:
  • Registration and tuition
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Study material and equipment
  • Living allowance
  • Access to wellness programmeLearners and teachers welcomed this initiative and regard it as very important, particularly for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Orapeleng Tsawane, a grade 12 learner at Seiphemelo Secondary School in Potchefstroom, was happy about the information he received regarding the opportunities. “My expectations were met. I received the information that I was looking for. It is now my responsibility to put more effort into my studies and improve my results. I would like to encourage my fellow Grade 12 learners to be open-minded in their approach of obtaining information regarding career options. I have learned during the SANRAL activation that there are more careers with available funding opportunities,” said Tsawane.

Sean Lekgoathi, a teacher at Phiri Secondary School in Ventersdorp, said SANRAL’s initiative to share information about scholarships and bursaries is a good approach as learners used it as a platform to seek clarity regarding the application process, the closing date and resources to consult if more information is needed.

“We are looking forward to engaging with SANRAL in the coming year as we will be inviting more learners from our school to be part of this process. Most of the learners in public schools are from disadvantaged backgrounds. Knowing this information will motivate them to put more effort in their studies and apply for these opportunities which can potentially change their situation at home in the future,” said Lekgoathi.

SANRAL encourages all interested individuals to apply for scholarships and bursaries before the closing date of 30 September 2022. Further information regarding the bursaries, scholarships and applications forms can be found on the SANRAL website on www.nra.co.za.

Anatomy of a pothole

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MEDIA RELEASE

Anatomy of a pothole

Gauteng, 28 August 2022 – Operation Vala Zonke, the national Transport Department’s pothole repair campaign spearheaded by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), is quickly gaining momentum as reports pour in daily on the SANRAL pothole APP.

As repairs get underway in various municipalities around the country, we turn our investigative eye on the irksome pothole itself – that much-cursed South African malady that President Cyril Ramaphosa declared war on earlier this year.

Like everything made for the outdoors, roads are worn down by use and eroded by weather. This together with constantly high traffic volumes including, an ever-growing number of heavy vehicles, requires the roads to take enormous strain and if not adequately maintained will deteriorate including the formation of potholes.

Amongst other things, potholes are formed by high or very low temperatures causing cracks in the road surface. These cracks get wider over time and rainwater would seep in, eroding the underlying layers of crushed rock and gravel.

Passing traffic stresses the road surface further, until it loses strength and collapses, and breaks away from the surface. The small gap caused by this absent piece of surface grows in size as more water and traffic penetrates the underlying layers. That is why we generally see more potholes forming during rainy seasons.

Key to preventing potholes is regular routine road maintenance to ensure rain or storm water flows off the road surface as quickly as possible. Regular routine road maintenance should also ensure that there a natural unimpeded slope away from the road on either side, so that water runs off into a ditch or roadway drainage system. Maintenance activities like regularly cleaning stormwater culverts and grass cutting are therefore essential.

In some cases, especially on narrow rural roads, the weakest spot is where the surface meets the verge. If the traffic volumes on these roads are high, including a high percentage of heavy vehicles, then certain parts of the surface edges will deteriorate. These are generally referred to as edge breaks which if left unattended to will propagate towards the outside wheel path, thus also forming a pothole.

“While poor maintenance is often cited as the main cause of potholes, the damage caused to roads by heavy vehicles, especially overloaded vehicles, is a major contributing factor. Heavy vehicle using roads which were not designed to carry such loads, is a serious concern. Overloaded heavy vehicles cause the greatest amount of damage to roads, even in a single instance of transgression. A single overloaded axle and associated wheel pressures that are above the permissible limits, will have a detrimental impact on the asset value of the road, causing longer term damage of which potholes are one of the symptoms,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL Western Region Manager.

Tackling the pothole pandemic in SA is not a simple matter of slapping on a hot-asphalt band aid and steering away from the problem.

The commitment from national government, SANRAL and other road authorities, has to be supported by the public. Reporting potholes via the SANRAL APP will ensure that Operation Vala Zonke delivers on its promise to fix potholes on all SA roads, said National Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula during the launch in Gauteng earlier this month.

The APP, available on IOS and Android phones, has moved beyond its bumpy start, when it wasn’t available for Android for a few days. Technical glitches in the registration and sign-in process – and the ‘select an issue’ tab – have been ironed out and the app is now running on both platforms, according to SANRAL APP project manager Andrew Mac Kellar.

“The pothole reporting function is running smoothly now, although we are still working on the feedback function. The important thing is that potholes are being reported to the maintenance teams concerned, and we are streamlining that process further,” says Mac Kellar.

Pothole repair is also a costly business. According to Mbalula, the cost of fixing a single pothole is between R700 and R1,500/per square meter. The process of fixing a pothole is down to an exact science:

The pothole is cleaned out. Dirt and debris in the pothole are removed. Having pieces of broken asphalt mixed in with the new asphalt can weaken the repair.

The pothole is reshaped. Straight edges are cut “around” the pothole and old asphalt is removed.

Primer and new asphalt. The pothole is primed, and new asphalt is used for the repair. The asphalt is compacted after being applied to minimise water penetration and increase its resistance. The compaction also creates a bond between the old and new asphalt.

Clean-up. Any debris left around the repair is removed. Most pothole repairs can be driven on immediately.

Otsile Mpela, MD of Bafenyi Asphalt, cites poor workmanship as one of the greatest obstacles to achieving quality pothole fixing and edge-break repairs.

“It is imperative that the correct procedure is applied. The first thing to do is to develop a checklist of the equipment and tools required, including good quality cold asphalt,” he says.

In the execution phase, a concrete saw is used to cut out the existing asphalt around the pothole or edge-break. “A proper square cut is required if you are patching a pothole.” Mpela says that after cutting and preparing, it’s important to use SS60 primer, which serves as a glue to hold the cold-asphalt and base together. “You can use a hard-broom to spread it around and cover the whole exposed area. Leave it for three to five minutes before you apply your asphalt, which is spread around with a rake. ”

“While you are compacting, the poured asphalt will start to go down. Keep pouring asphalt until it is level with the existing surface.” A five to 10-minute compacting period follows.

The SANRAL Pothole app is free and is 17.2 MB in size. The app has received a ratings and review score of 2.9 out of 5, up from 2.3 out of 5 earlier this month. The APP is easy to download and open and you can start reporting potholes immediately after registration. The App opens up a little camera which you use to take a picture of the pothole, while the system automatically records the GPS location,” says Mac Kellar.

The information then gets assigned to the relevant authority, depending on the location of the road, and the responsible maintenance depot attends to fixing the pothole.

“The person reporting the pothole gets a notification that the report has been received, and one when the pothole has been fixed. Even if a lot of people report the same pothole, they will all receive these notifications,” Mac Kellar assures South Africans.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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