MILITARY veterans of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro praised an information session tailored for them, and people living with disabilities, hosted by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), as a step toward greater inclusion and support.
In its commitment to leaving no one behind, SANRAL presented information on its ongoing projects within the metro and explored ways for military veterans to participate in these initiatives.
SANRAL’s Southern Region Transformation Officer, Thandile Makwabe, informed the veterans that the roads agency was in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Military Veterans. This agreement aims at fast-tracking the participation of military veterans in SANRAL’s projects, particularly in operations, routine road maintenance, and capital projects.
Makwabe added that this would include training, mentorship, employment opportunities, and support for enterprises owned by military veterans.
“We want to ensure that SANRAL projects engage military veterans in the areas where the projects are taking place,” said Makwabe.
He outlined SANRAL’s plans to adopt a new procurement strategy that incorporates previously disadvantaged groups. This would involve establishing project panels that operate on a rotational basis.
“We will create a database and distribute work among contractors listed on it, from the top to the bottom, ensuring that as many companies as possible benefit from SANRAL projects,” Makwabe added.
The scope of work under this programme includes consultants and contractors involved in routine road maintenance, periodic and special maintenance, emergency or urgent maintenance, as well as geo-technical drilling and surface investigation services.
Makwabe also told delegates about SANRAL’s contractor development programme, aimed at addressing the needs of CIDB Grades five, six, and seven contractors. This initiative, to be rolled out during the current financial year, is designed to close the gap left by the 30 per cent target that focuses on Grade one to four contractors.
“Contractors in the development programme will be guaranteed work for three to four years and will undergo intensive training to equip them for bidding on SANRAL’s larger projects,” he said.
Additionally, SANRAL is introducing a programme aimed at developing black industrialists in the construction materials supply chain.
SANRAL’s Southern Region Stakeholders Engagement Co-ordinator, Andile Duka, highlighted the importance of the road agency’s 14-point plan in promoting inclusivity, transparency, and opportunities for previously disadvantaged groups, including military veterans and people living with disabilities.
“The plan facilitates communication between communities, local structures, and the project management team,” said Duka. “Communities affected by projects are made aware of all aspects, from the project’s value to employment opportunities and the allocation for targeted enterprises, ensuring openness and transparency.”
During the session, some military veterans voiced concerns about government neglect.
Representing the former Azanian National Liberation Army, Makwe Kondile said veterans were capable of addressing challenges such as the “construction mafia” and extortionists demanding protection fees on SANRAL projects.
Another veteran, Peter Nqai, Director of PMN Supplies and Construction, emphasised that military veterans possessed diverse skills beyond their military training.
“We want to impart these skills to the youth of this country. Many of us have worked abroad and we believe SANRAL should partner with us to teach young people how to work, complete forms, and secure contracts and tenders,” said Nqai.
He lamented that many veterans had died without receiving pensions, while others lived in poverty due to government neglect.
“We are prepared to do anything to earn a living,” Nqai added.
Retired soldier and former uMkhonto weSizwe operative, Fikile Dlali, said the information session was a good starting point, but added they wanted more discussions with SANRAL on the way forward.
“We knew SANRAL had opportunities for veterans, but we lacked detailed information on what is required from us,” Dlali said. “We welcome SANRAL’s efforts in training and mentorship and their pre-tender support, especially in addressing issues between sub-contractors and main contractors.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Speaker, Eugene Johnson, concluded by acknowledging that the session brought military veterans and people with disabilities closer to the centre of economic opportunities.
