Pretoria: With a road infrastructure network stretching 27,478 kilometres, South Africa’s national roads serve as a critical lifeline for the economy. A safe, efficient, and reliable road network is vital to maintaining the nation’s economic health, similar to how arteries sustain the human body.
According to South African Government News Agency, over 70% of freight in South Africa moves on the national road network, not rail, highlighting the network’s critical role in the country’s economic activities. Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Marketing and Communications, emphasized the necessity of a reliable road network for facilitating trade, commerce, and connectivity of people and communities.
SANRAL, an entity of the Department of Transport, is focused on strengthening South Africa’s economic backbone by enhancing road infrastructure. The agency’s projects for the 2024/25 financial year, valued at R18.526 billion, include the appointment of 2,012 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to provide services, reinforcing its commitment to economic growth.
The extensive road network not only supports domestic trade but also plays a significant role in regional connectivity as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). During Transport Month in October, Vusi Mona highlighted the network’s importance in South Africa and the region’s development by facilitating the movement of people, trade, and goods.
SANRAL aligns its initiatives with the objectives of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations, focusing on international economic cooperation and infrastructure development. As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Gauteng in 2025, the country’s road infrastructure remains a focal point of strategic planning.
Future projects, such as constructing a new toll route at the Beit Bridge International Border Post, aim to enhance revenue and infrastructure maintenance. The Beit Bridge is a crucial connection point for several SADC member states, and toll collections will support infrastructure improvements.
The rehabilitation of the N4 between Pretoria and Maputo is underway, ensuring the route remains safe and efficient. Through partnerships like the one with Trans African Concessions (TRAC), SANRAL supports infrastructure management beyond South Africa’s borders, facilitating smooth trade flows.
The ambitious N2 Wild Coast project, with a R28 billion budget, and the R573 Moloto Road upgrade, costing R11.5 billion, are pivotal in enhancing connectivity within South Africa. These projects include significant infrastructure improvements, such as constructing mega-bridges and upgrading notorious routes to improve safety and efficiency.
Job creation is a key component of SANRAL’s projects, with nearly 400 local laborers receiving temporary jobs during upgrades. SANRAL’s investments in road infrastructure continue to support inclusive economic growth and world-class connectivity.