Through its transformation policy, SANRAL has been working to reshape the construction and engineering sector by setting targets for the participation of black contractors, suppliers and professionals in all projects commissioned. 

More than 330 residents, mostly youth, have been employed and some 30 provided with generic, engineering and entrepreneurial skills training since the commencement of the R505 Wolmaransstad to Jakkalsfontein N14 project.  

“We have also made a concerted effort to empower SMMEs from the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Kenneth Kaunda municipalities by involving them in various parts of the project,” said Progress Hlahla, the Regional Manager of SANRAL’s Northern Region.  

“It was our goal, as with all of our projects, to go beyond roads and we are proud of what we continue to achieve in this regard.”  

Youth made up 71% of all labour employed on the project, a considerable number in view of South Africa’s youth unemployment figures.  

Statistics South Africa reported that more than one in every three young people did not have a job in the first quarter of 2019.  

Transforming industries 

Through its transformation policy, SANRAL has been working to reshape the construction and engineering sector by setting targets for the participation of black contractors, suppliers and professionals in all projects commissioned by SANRAL.  

Over R49-million has been spent on black-owned SMMEs to date, with more to be allocated as the project progresses.  

Speaking on how this project has directly uplifted small businesses and employees locally, Hlahla said: “Our approach is to facilitate the training of emerging contractors to enable them to achieve higher gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board. This gives them a better footing to participate in major construction tenders in future. Primary contractors who tender for SANRAL work must submit their own transformation and training policies to ensure that the benefit is also extended to their employees.”   

The agency embarked on the R571–million project to upgrade the important north-south link connecting the N12 and N14 national roads in the North West in November 2016.  

The improvements, which include the resurfacing of 91km of the R505, repair of pavements, reshaping of open side drains, replacement of existing fencing and the installation of new guardrails at major culverts, is estimated to reach completion later in 2019.