How does SANRAL decide which projects to support?
The community development projects chosen are all related to the SANRAL road network and construction or maintenance activities. The national road network stretches across South Africa and benefits broader developmental objectives such as economic growth and job creation. But it is also important to demonstrate the specific benefits of these projects to local communities who live close to the road network. People are justifiably asking questions about the relevance of construction projects. How will they benefit locals? How are they changing lives?

What value does SANRAL add?
The national roads agency has a clear commitment to the transformation of the engineering and construction sectors. Firstly, we are committed to breaking down monopolies in supply chains and ensuring the broad-based participation of black South Africans.
Secondly, we are putting in place clear guidelines and structures to ensure local communities benefit directly – from the procurement of goods and services from local suppliers to giving preference to the creation of local jobs.

How can I participate in a local community development project?
In each area where SANRAL is involved, we will set up project liaison committees (PLCs) to facilitate the involvement of local communities and enterprises. Companies or groups who want to participate are advised to approach their local PLCs for more information.

How will local businesses benefit when it comes to procurement?
SANRAL is engaging with original equipment manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that black individuals, contractors, suppliers and entities participate in fields such as manufacturing, distribution, installation and maintenance. In addition, it will promote the use of innovative materials that can offer opportunities for previously disadvantaged people to participate in these fields.

Will SANRAL provide support for emerging enterprises?
SANRAL’s aim is to help grow emerging blackowned enterprises through construction projects. We want them to become contractors in their own right who will be able to bid for major projects in the broader engineering and construction sectors. Each SANRAL project is accompanied by a programme for skills development, training and empowerment.
We will also identify, train and nurture black small contractors through projects such as the Community Development Programme (CDP) and the Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) Programme.

Will SANRAL’s guidelines also apply to its contractors?
All our contractors and service providers are required to provide us with clear transformation plans that outline their own commitment to the participation of black South Africans. They will also have to use a SANRAL-approved database of subcontractors that will be drawn up in consultation with PLCs.
SANRAL will promote joint ventures, consortiums and partnerships on all its projects to ensure inclusivity, participation and the growth of black businesses.

What are the implications of SANRAL’s Transformation Policy and Horizon 2030 for the agency’s broad business objectives?
The Transformation Policy will apply to all SANRAL activities – in the construction and engineering sectors, and also in services provided in fields such as property development, information and communications technology, finance and audit, legal and professional services, marketing, advertising and communications.

What benefits will the new policies bring to education and training?
SANRAL will set specific targets for scholarships, bursaries and internships to grow the pool of young professionals. We will also continue to support educational programmes and partnerships with universities and education departments to improve the quality of teaching in subjects such as maths, science and technology.
Our Family Maths and Family Science initiative, in partnership with the University of the Free State and the Department of Basic Education (DBE), are good examples of such programmes. Schools or communities who want to participate in these programmes are advised to get more information from the district offices of the DBE.