a SANRAL Project Manager
What is the best part of what you do?
The most fulfilling part has to be my contribution to improving the socio- economic conditions of communities. You can often see measurable changes in people’s lives – better houses being built, the presence of public transport where previously there was none, public facilities springing up and the acquisition of cars in the neighbourhood.
What’s the worst?
The worst part of the job is being caught up in project disruptions, which are sometimes due to things that may have nothing to do with the project and are totally beyond my control.
Bridge or intersection?
I prefer bridges. Each one is unique and that’s what makes it special. Bridges have character – that’s why they’re given names. Also, bridges generally have the greatest impact on society, in that they connect communities and provide safe crossing over natural and man-made obstacles.
Which structure in the world do you wish you had designed?
It has to be the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s such an iconic structure. It was known as the 'bridge that could not be built', because of complications like high winds and tides. Plus it’s beautiful! It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World and, though it was built way back in the ’30s, it remains a landmark to this day.
Any myths around engineering you’d like to bust?
That engineering is boring and complicated. Engineering concepts are based on the laws of nature and common sense, so it’s not actually that difficult to understand. It involves building things that meet the everyday needs of people – like water, roads and shelter. Engineers
are certainly not boring and most of us have a wicked sense of humour.
What made you decide to become a civil engineer?
I suppose it started with a childhood fascination with breaking things down and then remaking them. I used to marvel at all the big earth-moving machines that could literally move mountains and carve order out of chaos. I also began to appreciate the role of civil engineering in the development of society.
What’s the biggest project you’ve worked on for SANRAL?
My biggest SANRAL project is the R61, section 8, from Mthatha to Ngqeleni, worth R550m. It involves the construction of a dual carriageway road and bridges. This project, which is in the OR Tambo District Municipality, straddles the King Sabata Dalindyebo and Nyandeni local municipalities (Mthatha being the main town).
So who is Thabiso Ngozwana when he’s at home?
I’m a single parent of twin boys. I enjoy reading news, hiking and watching Formula 1, cricket and soccer. I settled in Port Elizabeth in 2013. I’m originally from the small Eastern Cape town of Matatiele, in the western foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, next to the borders of KZN and Lesotho.
Where did you study?
I obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in civil engineering from institutions in the US (South Dakota School of Mines) and Australia (University of New South Wales), respectively.
Do you travel a lot for work?
Well, the majority of my allocated projects are in the former Transkei, so I’m on the road for about one week out of every month.
alk like an engineer...
Road stud (rəʊd stəd) ~ Not a travelling breeding horse. Also commonly known as a 'cat’s eye' a 'reflector' or a 'delineator', a road stud is the coloured object (white, red or yellow) attached to a paved surface that
marks out the road’s centreline and edges. The studs reflect vehicles’ head- lights when it’s dark. Road studs are a safety measure for people travelling on the roads at night.
Shoulder (ʃoʊldɑː) ~ Not a body part. The shoulder is an area of the road beyond the yellow line. It can sometimes be made of gravel and is used for the purpose of emergency stopping.
Footing (fʊtɪŋ) ~ Not something you can lose in high heels. Footing is generally a flat, shallow foundation for built structures. It serves a similar function to actual feet, providing support and balance. And whether we’re talking about dancing in stilettos or erecting a
structure, a firm footing is always required in slippery conditions.
Bedding (bɛdɪŋ) ~ Nothing to do with thread-count. Bedding is a specially prepared surface of natural gravel and/ or processed material, which is used as a platform for laying pipes and structural components. Typical examples of bedding material are stone, gravel and sand. A good, firm bed is necessary for a decent rest.
Apron (eɪprən) ~ Kiss the Cook? Not quite. An apron is a smooth surface, generally made of concrete, between a culvert and the stream channel. It’s meant to reduce erosion and improve capacity. An apron slab around a house actually
serves the same purpose – to protect. So not that different from your dad’s 'World’s Greatest Chef' apron, really.
Slab (slæb) ~ Just like chocolate, a slab here is a flat, broad piece of structure. Unlike chocolate, it’s usually made of concrete or wood and used as a floor or a roof.
Tar road (tɑːr rəʊd) ~ There is no such thing as a 'tar road'. No, really. The black sticky stuff used in road construction is actually bitumen, a by- product of oil (tar is a by-product of coal). Tar was discontinued for environ- mental and safety reasons a long time ago – it’s carcinogenic and it causes warts. Eeeeuw.