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.