Sizakele Mnisi: Junior Engineer

For Sizakele Mnisi, a young resident hailing from the town of Kabokweni in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality of Mpumalanga, and armed with a background in civil engineering, participation in the project was a life-changing experience. Her responsibilities included quality assurance and assistance with quantity surveying.

"I chose construction to be helpful to society – to serve. Working on this SANRAL project has made me see the importance of being around high-quality construction ... to always strive for more."

James Mongake: General worker

James Mongake, a versatile general worker trained as a flag person, linesman and traffic control operator, has gained vital hands-on experience on the project.

"I was unemployed before, but now I’ve received training and can work with my hands. I’ve learned so much and can now apply for other jobs with the training I got here."

Shahir Singh

Now a candidate engineer at SANRAL, Shahir stands as a testament to the effectiveness of these initiatives. "SANRAL gave me a golden key to a bright future," he says.

Reflecting on his journey, he highlights the potential of the engineering profession to bring about positive social change. "Now that I understand civil engineering, I really understand the value we bring to society as professionals."

He’s also keen to offer encouragement to fellow aspiring engineers. "Your journey will have some failure along the way, but don’t lose heart. Pick yourself up and focus on your future."

Mogomotsi Latakgomo

With an impressive 80% academic average and ambitious dreams for his tertiary education, he discovered information about the SANRAL Bursaries Programme online and completed the application process. The bursary not only covered his tuition, books, and living expenses, but also allowed for a degree of financial independence, relieving his parents of some financial pressure.

Looking forward, Mogomotsi has a well-defined career path in mind. He aims to contribute to the corporate sector, specifically focusing on legal compliance and the regulatory environment.

"I have so much gratitude towards SANRAL and I don’t have enough words to thank them. My wish is that more students get the chance to be as lucky as I am," he notes.

Caitlin Swartbooi

"I was awarded a scholarship while I was at high school in Uitenhage. Then, I applied for a bursary for my tertiary studies and SANRAL has been assisting me ever since,$quot; she explains.

That SANRAL bursary took straight-A student Caitlin all the way to the University of Stellenbosch to pursue a degree in electrical and electronic engineering. Grateful to be able to lessen the financial pressure facing her parents, Caitlin is keen to encourage other young learners to explore the educational opportunities provided by SANRAL.

As she looks to the future, she’s excited to make her mark in what she sees as a largely male-dominated field. "I can’t wait to start work so that I can show what I am capable of. I want to learn as much as possible and then pay back to the community through my work."

Naashif Mowze

from a SANRAL bursary recipient to becoming a project manager at the Agency is a testament to his determination and to SANRAL’s efforts to open doors for talented youth in the roads industry. After enrolling at the prestigious University of Cape Town for a BSc in civil engineering, Mowzer faced financial hardships in a single- parent household. A full SANRAL bursary proved to be a turning point in his academic journey. With newfound motivation, Mowzer’s performance soared, earning him distinctions and accolades.

After graduation, he was placed on a significant infrastructure upgrade project on the N7 in Malmesbury, allowing him to gain valuable experience. He continued to sharpen his skills at the Technical Excellence Academy (TEA), before his journey led him back to the SANRAL Western Region office. Today, he takes charge of diverse engineering projects, from road maintenance to construction, showcasing his expertise and dedication.

Simphiwe Mhlongo: Subcontractor

By making a bold career change, Simphiwe Mhlongo has been able to improve her own life and provide opportunities for the 11 employees of her company.

Formerly an events coordinator struggling to make ends meet, she ventured into construction with the assistance of the South African Women in Construction initiative, establishing Sister’s Brain Construction. Now a subcontractor for two major firms, MMP Contractors and Rumdel Construction, she’s been able to procure work on the N3 Ashburton Interchange and the associated R103 Pope Ellis Drive upgrades.

Mncedisi Twantwa: SMME owner, Krweba Trading

SANRAL’s commitment to transformation and its policy of using local labour have enabled emerging businesses to gain invaluable experience through the N2WCR project.

Mncedisi Twantwa has honed his skills working on slip roads for the construction of the Msikaba Bridge, one of two groundbreaking mega-bridges being built as part of the N2WCR project. "I’ve never done a slip road before. Now I’ve learned how to build a slip road and I am very happy with the outcomes. We were also taught how to do side-drains," he notes.

Twantwa emphasises SANRAL’s important role in supporting young businesses as they strive to get off the ground. "We are small contractors. We are trying to get ourselves out there. Hopefully, we’ll get more work from SANRAL."