One of the biggest challenges facing emerging enterprises in the construction industry is competing with established companies for big projects. In an attempt to level the playing field, SANRAL has introduced a contractual clause that actually requires big companies to partner with small businesses when bidding for construction projects. It’s part of the agency’s vision of empowering small businesses to grow and contribute to infrastructure development. The joint venture (JV) condition was first introduced with the awarding of two contracts for the rehabilitation of sections of the R573 Moloto Road, a major route linking Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The contracts required big contractors to bid as JVs with smaller companies for the project. According to Nontobeko Mathenjwa and Lawrence Chauke, SANRAL Project Managers on Moloto, this project is the first of its kind and took a lot of planning and consultation. Mathenjwa said: “This is a SANRAL initiative. We had no reference or prior experience of implementing this model. It was really exciting to practically develop words and phrases to incorporate into our procurement documents. I’m glad it’s working and opening up the industry to small business.” On the Limpopo section of the project, a contract was awarded to two partners, KPMM and Chauke Business Enterprise (CBE). On the Mpumalanga section, a contract was awarded to a JV involving four companies: Raubex Construction, Themolo Business Enterprise, Khuluphala Tradings and Biz Afrika. it’s important to attract the right partners for the JV.” Emerging companies agree that the JVs mean empowerment and they have become more efficient and professional in their offerings. Adam Chauke, owner and managing member of CBE, said: “It’s not easy to form partnerships with big companies and sometimes they don’t like to empower us for fear of competition. But thanks to SANRAL, the likes of KPMM are now required to approach us. It’s truly remarkable. It opens up the industry and affords us the opportunity to grow.”