MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE ON SANRAL ROADS IN LIMPOPO

Tsakane Mathebula

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Tsakane is a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng), who holds a BEng Civil Engineering, a BEng Honours in Structural Engineering, and an MEng Management

WHAT DOES THE ROLE ENTAIL?

The Design and Construction Manager’s role is to integrate all components pertaining to the implementation of conventional projects, with the assistance of project managers and subject matter experts. This include development, refurbishment and upgrade projects.

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN FOR THE ROLE?

The game plan is to gain understanding of the region and SANRAL’s processes, procedures and policies and to have a clear definition of the business model on project implementation. At the moment, my aim is to highlight what we do well, list issues and identify potential risks. Then to use the output of this process to formulate a

workable framework with the assistance of the team. The aim is to lessen the impact of delays, claims and budget overruns, while empowering communities in our project areas. The objective is to improve efficiencies in implementing conventional road projects for a better South Africa.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE?

I love building things, so much that I would put together house projects for my brother – which included mechanics that made living in them easier for disabled individuals. I have worked as an engineer for 16 years. Before joining SANRAL, I worked for Eskom Generation (Kriel Power Station), SSI, Murray & Roberts and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority.

WHICH PROJECT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

My work on the Gautrain project as a pre-stressing engineer. I worked on the entire route (north and south link on overpass and underpass bridges) and on tensioning the balanced cantilever bridges in Centurion, crossing the N1 and N14 highways.

SANRAL IS IN THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING ITS TRANSFORMATION POLICY, WHICH REQUIRES THAT ANYONE WHO DOES BUSINESS WITH SANRAL ENSURES THAT MORE BLACK PEOPLE, WOMEN AND YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS BENEFIT. WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON THIS?

There is a need for this policy. My hope is that it will provide skills that will empower people. As SANRAL, we want it to be sustainable. It should be more than just a once-off project.

Madoda Mthembu is a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) who holds a BSc in Engineering, and an MSc (MOTI) in Project Management

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE ENTAIL?

Along with a team of talented project managers, I manage the general operations and maintenance of SANRAL roads in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West. We ensure that the entire SANRAL Northern Region road network is maintained through activities such as pothole repairs, grass cutting, road sign maintenance and many others. We also ensure that there is no encroachment on the roads (illegal structures, illegal accesses, etc) and make sure that all of our freeways are adequately lit. It is our job to ensure that roads are safe during and after road incidents through our Road Incident Management System.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE.

I have been a public servant since the beginning of my career, having worked at the Gauteng department of roads and transport, and then seconded to a consulting engineering firm to gain design experience. I then worked with SANRAL’s Routine Road Maintenance department for over 10 years.

WHICH PROJECT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

I worked on the resurfacing of national road R36 from the Limpopo/ Mpumalanga border to the R36/ R529 intersection south of Tzaneen and also the Nkomazi roads. Both projects were delivered on time and within budget, with a very high level of quality. I am also particularly proud of the upgrade of the Heidelberg Traffic Control

Madoda Mthembu

OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Centre, which comprised the construction of two vehicle testing station buildings, the construction of the ultra-thin continuously reinforced concrete screener lanes and the strengthening of provincial road R23 with a continuously reinforced concrete pavement and weigh-in-motion scales.

It’s a good initiative. Long overdue, actually. As officials, we needed something that would empower us to transform the construction industry. We need to make sure that it works – that it has an actual impact on local communities and SMMEs. We can’t empower only a few; it must change the lives of as many people as possible.

Stella Nyathikazi

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Stella holds a Master’s Degree in Public and Development Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Compliance Management.

WHAT DOES THE ROLE ENTAIL?

The Procurement Manager’s role is basically to ensure best applications in three areas i.e. good governance and proper monitoring in SANRAL’s supply chain Management processes. This, while ensuring that we realise inclusivity of upcoming small companies owned by black people, women, youth, the disabled and military veterans. My role, along with my team, is to ensure that procurement happens in an equitable manner.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE?

I have worked in supply chain for over 20 years. For about 15 of these years I worked in the donor funding space under the European Union in the field of Contracts and Finance. I also worked for National Treasury in the Compliance, Governance and Monitoring Directorate.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SMME’S WANTING TO DO BUSINESS WITH SANRAL?

SANRAL is trying to maintain a high standard of output on its service delivery. Hence the procurement section is obliged to ensure that while insisting on compliance and good governance, tenders also need to match that standard when submitting application and delivering the work should they be appointed.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON MISTAKES THAT BUSINESSES MAKE WHEN TENDERING FOR BUSINESS WITH SANRAL?

Companies come to clarification meetings unprepared. It is important that tenderers send company representatives’ who understand the construction and engineering environment to these meetings. This will ensure that there is no confusion when submitting their tender applications.
Companies submit incorrect / incomplete documentation. Tenderers should visit our Service Provider Zone at www.nra.co.za for all tender requirements. Where documents are copies, they should have the relevant signatures and stamps, submit required information e.g. valid BBBEE certificate and be in-line with regulations prescribed in tender documents. This is always emphasised at the clarification meetings.
Companies often neglect to keep their financial affairs up to date; tenderers should ensure that they have a clean banking record and a good credit status because this also affects the application.