THE South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has created approximately 390 jobs in the first year of its R1.34 billion project to upgrade section 15 of the R63 road from Bhisho, the Eastern Cape’s capital city, to the R63/N6 Bridge intersection.
SANRAL awarded this major project to WBHO, which runs parallel to another R1 billion upgrade project on section 16 of the R63, managed by contractor H&I.
This second portion extends from the N2/R63 intersection, passes through the town of Qumrha in the Great Kei Local Municipality, and connects with the R63/N6 project.
The combined scope of these projects includes widening the R63 to meet SANRAL’s design standards, enhancing safety through improved vertical and horizontal alignment, extending dual carriageways, installing street lighting, lengthening and widening structures and building livestock underpasses.
Additional improvements include replacing concrete-lined drains, constructing sidewalks, bus bays and community access roads, as well as enhancing the R63/N6 intersection.
A key highlight of the R63 Bhisho project is the extension of the dual carriageway from the town to Bhisho Hospital. The local taxi industry will also benefit through the construction of dedicated taxi holding areas in Peelton and Qumrha.
Project Liaison Officer on the R63 project, Yonela Bodla, reports that local communities and targeted enterprises are beginning to reap economic benefits as subcontractors and suppliers.
Of the 390 jobs created, 206 employees work for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), while 21 engineering students are gaining practical experience on-site.
“Currently, there are about six subcontractors involved on the site,” Bodla said.
Among the subcontracted local SMMEs is Phakamani Sakhe Trading Enterprise, a grade 4 CE entity co-directed by 34-year-old Lesedi Seitlheko and 27-year-old Zwotea Mukwevho. The company is responsible for stormwater drainage work and employs approximately 11 people.
Mukwevho entered the construction industry at age 20 during her in-service training. She holds a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from the University of Johannesburg and a B-Tech in Civil Engineering from Tshwane University of Technology. Her co-director, Seitlheko, brings expertise in business and financial management.
Despite their success in securing the contract, the duo faces challenges typical of a grade 4 entity, which is expected to own its resources – including machinery, site vehicles and other tools of the trade.
“If you don’t own the equipment, you have to lease it, which cuts into our earnings because we also have labour costs,” explained Mukwevho.
Despite these challenges, the pair aims to grow Phakamani Sakhe to a grade 6 CE. Seitlheko encourages young people to stay focused and be fully committed to any opportunities they receive, emphasising the value of hard work and dedication.
“We’re grateful to SANRAL for this project and the chance to work as subcontractors,” she said.
Mukwevho added, “Black child, it’s very possible. Don’t think you can’t make it because of your skin colour, gender or age – you learn as you grow. If you are sitting somewhere thinking of starting a company, it’s possible, even for those who are still studying.”
Lungelwa Njajulwa, director of Mambona General Trading, has secured a year-long contract to ensure construction does not disrupt essential infrastructure such as electrical cables and water pipes. Njajulwa employs four people and expressed gratitude for the opportunities created by SANRAL.
“Working in this male-dominated space is fulfilling. SANRAL helps us develop skills, create jobs and reduce poverty in our communities,” she said.
Njajulwa encouraged women to pursue financial independence through entrepreneurship.
She said, “Women, let’s rise and start businesses so we can educate our children and shield them from drugs and other harmful influences. There are opportunities designated for women, but sometimes we’re not there to take advantage of them – we just need to be there to seize them.”
