Several emerging contractors are benefiting from the construction of a 5.4km road which has created job opportunities for the residents of Tshatshu village near Zwelitsha.
The project — by the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) — links Tshatshu to the Belstone and Breidbach interchanges under construction, and traverses the village to connect with the R346 near Zwelitsha.
Local contractors are responsible for tasks such as macadam laying and kerb and sidewalk construction, with each subcontractor employing two to eight people.
With about 50 workers on site, the project involves labour-enhanced construction methods.
Workers are engaged in tasks ranging from rock packing and selection to trench digging for kerbs and sidewalks, as well as concrete mixing.
The impact of this infrastructure development extends beyond improving the physical landscape, creating local employment opportunities that stimulate economic growth within the community.
Xotyeni Renovations and Constructions founder Zikhona Xotyeni, who has employed six people from the community, said she had been on site since November 2023, overseeing the macadam operations.
“I have gained hands-on experience on a few Sanral projects like the N2 bridge and at the Belstone and Breidbach interchanges."
She said it had been an enriching experience.
“This is my first time being exposed to this kind of work,” she said.
“We were all exploring macadam as it is not something we are familiar with.
“I can say working on this site, doing macadam, has been a great experience and the best adventure I could ever wish for.”
Xotyeni is a grade one contractor who aims to elevate her company to grade four, and through credited Sanral pre-site training to enhance her project management skills.
Nogu Trading founder, 30-year-old Lusindiso Seyisi, viewed the Sanral contract for the Tshatshu community development project as his company’s inaugural civil works project.
Seyisi has employed eight workers, including a young quantity surveying graduate, to provide them with valuable work experience.
“I decided to take him on board so he could gain some work experience and ideas to push his career forward.”
Seyisi said his aim was to attain grade two Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) certification through the project, with a long-term goal of reaching grade six CIDB status.
Grade one contractor Phandulwazi Mahanjana, of Canzo Clock, said municipalities should adopt Sanral’s community development approach, adding the project was beneficial for local contractors’ growth and expertise.
Mahanjana said: “This was the first time for most of us local contractors to find ourselves in such an organised, well-co-ordinated project.
“We came to this project without the kind of expertise we have now acquired and will be able to implement in future projects.”
Site manager Zandile Sonjeke said she managed everything on the site, from the WBHO Construction staff, to subcontractors and their workers.
“I ensure the production flows and the quality of the work is up to standard and according to specifications, and that everyone adheres to health and safety protocols,” she said.
Sonjeke also co-ordinates use of the road by local commuters while the road is under construction.
She is assisted by 23-year-old Akhona Khala, who has just completed her National Diploma in Civil Engineering at Walter Sisulu University and is set to graduate in April.
Khala said: “I joined Sanral last year when I was doing my practical.
“I have gained hands-on experience on a few Sanral projects like the N2 bridge and at the Belstone and Breidbach interchanges.
“I am now a supervisor at this community development project site.”
Khala said she was now ready for bigger roles in the construction sector, with her confidence boosted by her journey from practical training to site supervision.
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