Mmileng 3/2022

elcome to yet another edition of your favourite read, Mmileng. This comes to you, our most valued stakeholders, a few days before the 2022 Christmas and subsequently 2023 new year. What a year it has been!

As Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), we have adopted an integrated communications approach which has helped us to effectively communicate with you, our stakeholders, in a manner that resonates with your needs. We clearly can deduce this from the positive feedback we continue to receive through our various communication platforms. Our messaging approach is tailor-made depending on the platform used. Thank you for working together with us.

Mmileng, the quarterly publication for the Agency is one of the myriad channels we use to update you on our successes, challenges and even seek your advice. The publication has over the years, been one platform used by the entity to cover in-depth, the work of RAL throughout Limpopo.

The lead story in this edition, is about real change to the people of the Sekhukhune District, regarding the completion of road D4370 connecting 10 villages to the town of Marble Hall, schools, and health facilities. Read full story on page 6

While building quality road infrastructure to enable Limpopo’s economic growth, particularly in the tourism, mining and agricultural sectors, we also afford new entrants into the business space, opportunities through empowerment of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) policy of government. Read more on how a 34-year-old Kamogelo

Mogadima’s small business was able to move from grade 1 to 5 subsequent to being sub-contracted as part of the 29 SMMEs that rendered services during the construction of road D4370. What a true story of real change!

RAL has recently prioritised over 90 maintenance projects across the province. Maintenance of our roads remains one of the biggest challenges due to shortage of funding and rain. Our Shareholder Representative, the Honourable MEC of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Mme Nkakareng Rakgoale has been in the forefront leading the SOD turning ceremonies to launch some of these projects. Story on page 18

Lastly, the Tzaneen born beauty queen, Ms Ndavi Nokeri who was recently crowned Miss SA 2022 is our personality feature. Through her story, we see how the power of self-affirmation can manifest itself in real and ultimate success. Well done to the Queen! Her views about the work done by Roads Agency Limpopo are heartwarming. It is encouraging for us to have the Limpopo born celebrities such as her appreciating the good work done by the hard-working men and women of RAL. Read the full story on page 24

It is a promise from me, the editor of Mmileng that having read the entire publication, one is bound to understand in-depth, how impactful the work done by RAL is, for the ordinary people of Limpopo. Together for better roads

Dr Maropeng Manyathela RAL Head of Communications

We Connect Limpopo...

Today, Limpopo boasts a good road infrastructure network, making transportation of people and goods reliable thereby opening access to the rest of Africa.

RAL making it all happen… ral.co.za

NO ROADS, NO TOURISM, MINING AND AGRICULTURE R

oads Agency Limpopo remains one of the critical enablers of the development of Limpopo Province’s economy. Without roads, no tourism, mining, and agriculture will be enhanced to support the growth of the economy.

Not only will quality roads support the growth of the economy, it is also through an enabled economy that communities will be able to get more employment opportunities.

Communities remain at the centre of our planning and implementation cycle. Without the involvement of communities, the Agency will fail to execute and achieve optimal results as directed by its founding Act. We, therefore, are working closely with municipalities and communities to ensure that the road infrastructure service delivery is not only efficient, but effective.

Calls for new roads by communities continue to intensify amid the Agency’s budget constraints. Whilst we receive most of our funding from the provincial government, we continue to explore other means of funding to augment the delivery of road infrastructure services. Through the adoption of the strategic partnership approach, we are hopeful that our efforts will continue to bear fruits. We have over the years collaborated with various companies to carry out some maintenance and upgrading projects that strategically support their business operations.

We will continue to invest efforts and resources to solicit strategic partnerships that would in turn improve the socio-economic livelihoods of communities. We further understand that good corporate governance is essential to ensure value for the use of public funds. Our goal in attaining a clean audit also remains top priority.

In the past few months, RAL has strengthened its efforts in maintaining some of the provincial roads that needed attention. We believe the focus on maintenance will assist in preserving the existing road infrastructure. Natural disasters such as rain which negatively affect our roads, continue to impact negatively on our work. In the past years, RAL lost a number of roads due to floods and heavy rain. It is these natural occurrences that set us back, given the funding challenges.

We remain resolute in building road infrastructure that serves as an enabler of the province’s key strategic economic pillars, agriculture, tourism, and mining sectors.

GABRIEL MALULEKE

As we prepare ourselves to spend well deserved holidays with our families, I want to urge all the road users to be vigilant this festive and beyond. The loss of lives on the roads continue to be worrisome and require me and you to join hands. Let us do our part in ensuring that our roads are safe.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Chairperson of the Board, Mr Matome Ralebipi and our political pricipal, Honourable MEC of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and

Infrastructure, Mme Nkakareng Rakgoale for their continued support. The same gratitude goes to our beloved and hardworking staff who continue to do their best in serving the province. Thank and enjoy your holidays…. Together for better roads

MR

RAL Chief Executive Officer

“WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUR BEST IN EXECUTING OUR MANDATE. WE REMAIN RESOLUTE IN BUILDING ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE THAT SERVES AS AN ENABLER OF THE PROVINCE’S KEY STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PILLARS, AGRICULTURE, TOURISM, AND MINING SECTORS.”

RAL’s main functions and responsibilities are to plan, design, construct, manage, control and maintain all provincial roads for the Limpopo Province.

The newly upgraded road enhances the movement of goods and people, thereby improving village economy of the district.

More than 9 villages will now travel smoothly on a tarred road to access various economic development services such as schools, health care facilities and Marble Hall town.

Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), has recently completed an upgrade of 22.5km of road D4370, from Tompi Seleka to Phokwane in the Sekhukhune District. RAL is responsible for more than 20 000km of Limpopo’s provincial road network.

Community members have expressed their appreciation to RAL for the road as it has reduced a number of travelling challenges, which they previously experienced. The community has also hailed the project for the employment opportunities it availed to them during its implementation phase, which took 48 months. See the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), empowerment article on page 22.

According to Mr Tshebane Nkoana, Ward 13 Councillor in the Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, RAL’s decision to heed their plea for a new road upgrade, has set their ward up for potential economic growth. “Several businesses are operating adjacent to the new road including a new brick company situated at Disenyane, which benefit Mathukuthela and Phokwane communities, among others. The community has also seen an increase in the purchase of new stands in the area as a result of the road,” said the councilor.

Nkoana further pleaded with the community to take care of the road by addressing problems related to the road

“SEVERAL

Fully furnished road with road markings and signs ensures the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

D4370

in a civilised manner without damaging it.

Sharing Nkoana’s sentiments was the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of the project, Ms Mary Maphanga and Morongoa Manamela, an Educator at Kgopolo e botse Primary School.

“Before the construction of this new road, everything was far from us, and we suffered extensively that some women had to give birth alongside the road due to a lack of available transport,” said a cheerful Maphanga.

“In instances where there was heavy rainfall, our children could

not go to school because of the mud,” commented Manamela.

According to Mr Brutus Matsha, the RAL Project Manager, this is one of RAL’s most successful projects where work was executed peacefully with the assistance of community members.

The completion of the road enhanced access to Mokgoma Primary School, Mokgerethe Secondary School, Phokwane Police Station, and Phokwane Education Circuit Office including the Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture, and Matlala Hospital.

Ms Mary Maphanga, Community Liaison Officer of the project, appreciates the benefits associated with the project which included hiring of 73 community members to sustain their livelihoods.

Mr Tshebane Nkoana, Ward 13 Councillor in the Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality says the road is the legacy for the ten benefiting communities, as such they will preserve it for the future generations.

Road

remains the pride and joy of stakeholders that oversaw its successful completion.

MEC for LDPWRI, Mme Nkakareng Rakgoale calls for collaboration between the RAL Board and her department to avoid returning unspent funds to the National Treasury.

“WE CANNOT AFFORD

During the 2022 Strategic Planning Session for the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), the Honourable MEC of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (LDPWRI), Mme Nkakareng Rakgoale urged the Board of Directors to strengthen its operations and controls with the

view to build and maintain more roads with the available allocated budget.

“It is important that all the funds allocated to RAL are fully and properly spent to change the lives of the people of Limpopo,” said the Honourable MEC of LDPWRI, and Shareholder Representative responsible for RAL, Mme

Nkakareng Rakgoale.

In her keynote address, the Honourable MEC strongly urged the Board and Management of RAL to ensure that no funds allocated to build roads are returned to National Treasury as a result of non-capacity to spend.

“We cannot afford returning any cent to National Treasury when our people need the roads. We have the responsibility

the road infrastructure in Limpopo.

RAL is responsible for over 20 000km of Limpopo provincial road network, most of which still require upgrading from gravel to tar.

In sharing the Honourable MEC’s views, the Chairperson of RAL’s Board, Mr Matome Ralebipi, undertook to resolve all the concerns raised by the MEC. “One of the things that

to provide services. One of the areas that concerns me is the slow implementation of projects. Failure to spend all the allocated budget deprives the people of Limpopo much needed service delivery. Let us therefore continue to do what we are put in office to do,” she said.

The MEC further commended the Agency for continuing in its work to empower local SMMEs and labourers through

needs to be addressed urgently is to strengthen strategic and operational areas where there are visible weaknesses. It is important to capacitate the organisation in order to enhance the value chain. I want all the vacant positions filled as soon as possible,” he commented.

Following the presentation of the year 2021/22 performance by RAL’s Chief Executive, Mr Gabriel Maluleke, several members of the Board expressed their gratitude to RAL Management for doing their best in ensuring that the Agency improves in some areas which were raised by the Auditor General in the previous financial year.

The Chairperson of the Board’s Social and Ethics Committee, Mr Motlhanke Phukuntsi commended the quality of the strategic planning session in dealing with real issues affecting RAL. “The meeting was fruitful because RAL Management came up with improved strategies to enhance the operations of the Agency and ensure effective spending of allocated funds to enable the province to move forward.”

LEFT: Chairperson of the Board, Mr Matome Ralebipi, urges RAL Management to fill vacant strategic positions urgently, to ensure the Agency’s optimal use of allocated resources.

RIGHT: RAL CEO, Mr Gabriel Maluleke, giving an overview of the previous year’s performance.

“WE CANNOT AFFORD RETURNING ANY CENT TO NATIONAL TREASURY WHEN OUR PEOPLE NEED THE ROADS. WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICE. ONE OF THE AREAS THAT CONCERNS ME IS THE SLOW IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS. FAILURE TO SPEND ALL THE ALLOCATED BUDGET DEPRIVES THE PEOPLE OF LIMPOPO MUCH NEEDED SERVICE DELIVERY.”

At the heart of its project management success, is a strong risk and compliance strategy.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF RAL’S ROAD PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ASSURANCE SUCCESS

In its agile approach to road construction, Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) is continuously seeking ways to enhance the delivery of its road infrastructure services.

In March 2017, the entity established a Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) business unit to support its project management efforts by detecting and managing potential risks (threats and opportunities) that may arise during the road development value chain. The responsibilities of RAL entail planning, construction, maintenance, control and management of over 20 000km of provincial road network.

Led by Senior Manager, Mr Komane Maphutha, the unit, among others, oversees Occupational Health and Safety and Security Management, which are key to ensuring compliance quality control.

Maphutha asserts that there are many factors that can contribute to a project failing to achieve its objectives, and RAL’s GRC unit identifies, monitors, and reports on those factors.

“The purpose of Risk Management in road construction is to help Project Managers to achieve the set project objectives. We look at what could go wrong as well as what can be done to manage risks. We are proactive in our approach and play a vital role in risk forecasting where we can observe both the challenges and opportunities in road construction projects. In addition, we also play an advisory role to the Engineering Unit from the initial planning and design phase of roads,” explains Maphutha.

Since the formation of the GRC business unit at RAL, an improved approach to factors threatening the successful implementation of projects, governance and compliance has been

evident in the past five years of its existence.

According to Gary Cohn, the vice-chairman of International Business Machines (IBM) and a former Director of the National Economic Council and Chief Economic Advisor to former US President, Donald Trump, ‘If you don’t invest in risk management, it does not matter what business you’re in, it’s a risky business.’

Sharing Maphutha’s view, is his colleague serving as the Manager: Occupational Health and Safety, Ms Carol Mthethwa who asserts that another key function of GRC is to ensure that RAL road construction projects meet the Health and Safety standards that guarantee the safety of road users and other stakeholders, to prevent or limit their exposure to identified threats. “The nature of

our work as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) professionals during road construction projects, is to be proactive and preventative. We endeavour to prevent any kind of injury, illness or loss of life during all RAL’s projects. We do this whilst ensuring that there is no loss of time and resources,” Mthethwa says.

Some factors that have been known to cause delays in the completion of road construction projects, include natural disasters, administrative and/or operational challenges. These factors tend to cause friction between project team members and community members, which on many occasions have led to protests that had the potential to put people and infrastructure at risk.

“Natural disasters like hail, storm, floods or extreme temperatures can cause delays to a road project. On the administrative front, we may experience delays when we do not get construction work permits and this poses a financial risk to the project. Operationally, we have noticed that road users lack the basic understanding of the significance of OHS requirements and the risks associated with a construction site,” elaborates Mthethwa.

The completion of any RAL road construction project requires buy-in and participation of all stakeholders in the entity. The Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) and regulations provide guidelines in this regard.

The GRC business unit has succeeded in ensuring that there are processes in place, and that the entity aligns to best practice (ISO 31 000: 2018, PMBOK, inter alia) with the aim of improving the level of efficiency while minimising operational risks.

“THE

LEFT: Ms Carol Mthethwa, Manager: Occupational Health and Safety ensures compliance with the Health and Safety Act.

RIGHT: Mr Komane Maphutha, Senior Manager: Governance, Risk and Compliance unit, enforces compliance with the risk register and facilitation of risk mitigation in RAL projects.

RAL & SANRAL MOA for the construction of Moria interchange

RAL is one of the best provincial road agencies in South Africa. I’m not saying this because I am in Limpopo, and no one has bribed me or intimidated me.

MR THEMBA MHAMBI Chairperson of SANRAL Board

REHABILITATION OF ROAD D1909 TO AID TOURISM

The handing over of the contractor for the rehabilitation of road D1909, leading to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit within the Maruleng Local Municipality is set to aid tourism and contribute to Limpopo’s economic growth.

The road D1909 at Timbavati, Hoedspruit plays a pivotal role within the said municipality as it links numerous communities and the tourism industry to economic centres in the area. Once refurbished, the road will significantly aid tourism and contribute to Limpopo’s economic growth as many tourists use the Eastgate Airport enroute to the Kruger National Park and other tourist attractions situated in and around the Maruleng Local Municipality within the Mopani District.

The Honourable MEC of Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (LDPWRI), Mme Nkakareng Rakgoale, led the SOD turning ceremony to mark the commencement of phase one of the rehabilitation of the road.

According to the MEC, the new developments are part of LDPWRI’s efforts through its implementing entity, Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) to rejuvenate the province’s economic development by providing quality road infrastructure. The MEC’s keynote address emphasised the need for cooperation among all the stakeholders to ensure successful completion of the road project.

“We urge all stakeholders to work together and avoid disrupting the implementation of this project. We will make follow-ups

SOD turning ceremony to signal the commencement of the rehabilitation of road D1909 leading to Eastgate Airport, anticipated to attract further direct investment thereby encouraging economic growth in the Maruleng Local Municipality.

with the contractor and the engineers to ensure that this project is implemented properly and is completed within the stipulated period.”

The Mayor of Maruleng Local Municipality, Cllr Tsheko Musolwa expressed his gratitude for the good news about developing his area. “We are grateful to the MEC and RAL for the road infrastructure they continue to implement across the province. Quality road infrastructure will further unleash our municipality’s economic potential and help with job creation in our area.”

Mr Ngoako Ramaboea, RAL’s General Manager for Operations

explained that the project will be rolled out in phases, commencing with the first stretch of 6km from the Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.

A jubilant Mr Kgagotle Malepe, a resident of Sedawa Village in the Maruleng Local Municipality, and former student of Southern African Wildlife College, who used road D1909 extensively around 2019 shared his delight over the new developments. “Seeing this intervention on our road from the provincial and local governments makes me proud as a resident of Maruleng, because this demonstrates that our leaders care about us.”

“When we travel along this road, we have to constantly manoeuvre through potholes, which is not safe in the case of oncoming traffic. However, now we are excited to hear that the project to fix this road will commence soon,” said Ms Eudence Moreku, from Acornhoek.

“Often, we get to work late and arrive home late as well, becoming prone to fatal accidents due to this unsafe road. Therefore, fixing it will save our lives,” said

Scan the QR Code to watch this story.

Ms Repent Ngwenya, from Welverdiend Village.

“WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE MEC AND RAL FOR THE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE THEY CONTINUE TO IMPLEMENT ACROSS THE PROVINCE. QUALITY ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE WILL FURTHER UNLEASH OUR MUNICIPALITY’S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL AND HELP WITH JOB CREATION IN OUR AREA.”

Hon Nkakareng Rakgoale, MEC of LDPWRI, (middle) flanked by Cllr Tsheko Musolwa, the Mayor of Maruleng Local Municipality, (right) and Mr Star Mbhalati, Chairperson of Public Roads and Transport, Mopani District Municipality (left), all in agreement that rehabilitation

of road D1909 will provide much needed jobs to locals.

93 PROVINCIAL ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECTS ACROSS FIVE LIMPOPO DISTRICTS PRIORITISED

Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) has identified over 90 provincial roads requiring maintenance, to be prioritised in the 2022/23 financial year.

In its quest to continue to improve the provincial road infrastructure, RAL will, in the financial year 2022/23 and 2023/24, be undertaking major preventative maintenance work across all the five districts of the province.

RAL is the entity operating under the political leadership of the MEC of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (LDPWRI), on behalf of Limpopo

Provincial Government, and is responsible for over 20 000km of Limpopo provincial roads. Out of the total figure of kilometres in the province, only about 7 000km are tarred and the rest are either gravel or dirt.

Limpopo Province is one of the rural provinces, continuously affected by heavy rains and floods which negatively impact on the existing tarred roads. Most of the existing quality roads and bridges get destroyed as a result of heavy rain and floods.

The drive to rehabilitate and maintain the 93 identified

Honourable MEC of LDPWRI, Mme Nkakareng Rakgoale (third from left) with municipal officials, local traditional authorities and community representatives during the handing over of a contractor for the rehabilitation of road D21 in the Maruleng Local Municipality, one of the 93 roads in the province prioritised for major rehabilitation.

roads follows the LDPWRI’s Operation Thiba Mekoti Ditseleng, an initiative championed by the National Department of Transport’s (NDoT) Operation #ValaZonke Campaign. The operation was mainly aimed at addressing roads that are heavily affected by potholes.

The Honourable MEC of LDPWRI, Mme Nkakareng Rakgoale has been hard at work having already commenced with the handing over of contractors for preventative maintenance in the Mopani and Vhembe Districts.

In Mopani District, the 30km, D21 road, from Ofcolaco to Gifani within the Maruleng Local Municipality, will be

to a contractor for rehabilitation.

The MEC has since implored all communities to remain patient as the work continues. “We encourage our communities to be patient with us. We acknowledge that there is a big outcry with regard to road infrastructure service delivery and we are planning to move with speed to address the existing backlog,” MEC Rakgoale pleaded.

Traditional councils have highlighted the importance of job creation which they anticipate as part of the planned projects. They look forward to having their communities empowered.

rehabilitated in two phases, commencing with the first phase of 15km. In the Greater Letaba Municipality, 9.6km of road D3179 from Medingen to Malematsa will be rehabilitated for a stretch of 7km with the remaining 2.6km gravel part upgraded.

In the Vhembe District, road D4 from the N1 Turnoff to Ha-Maila connecting to Vleifontein and Elim, covering an approximate distance of 10km, has also been handed over

Speaking during the handover of road D21, Kgoshi Matshengoane Sekororo from Banareng Ba Sekororo Traditional Authority said: “This project is going to help our community by giving them a proper road, create job opportunities in the form of labour and small businesses will also benefit as they will be sub-contracted to render various services.”

Meanwhile, Mr Edgar Modjadji, from Modjadji Traditional Authority, expressed his excitement about the planned rehabilitation on road D3179.

“We are excited about the planned rehabilitation because we feared accidents occurring on the road. We were fortunate to have never experienced any accidents. The road will be fixed, making it safe for our community.”

The MEC will proceed to hand over more contractors for the preventative maintenance projects in the Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Waterberg Districts.

“WE

Mr Edgar Modjadji, from Modjadji Traditional Authority (left) and Kgoshi Matshengoane Sekororo from Banareng Ba Sekororo Traditional Authority (right) are looking forward to the fringe benefits such as employment that are associated with the rehabilitation of the roads in their respective communities.

MINTIRHO YA VULAVULA

As part of engaging with its readers, Mmileng, the official quarterly publication of the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), recently visited communities that are benefiting from the upgrade of road D4370, Tompi Seleka to Phokwane village in Sekhukhune, to gather first-hand feedback on how the road changed their lives.

Turn to page 6 to read the full story about the upgrade of the 22.5km stretch of road.

We manufacture bricks, deliver sand and cement. Before the construction of the new road, most of our bricks would get damaged during delivery, but since the completion of the new road, we no longer encounter any damages. We thank RAL for bringing this new road to our village.

We transport passengers from Phokwane to Mogaladi. Before the construction of the new road, sometimes we couldn’t even reach our destination because the road was in a bad condition and our cars would get damaged. We could only make one or two loads per day, but after the construction of the new road, we make three to four loads per day.

Jeffery Makena, Taxi driver from Nebo Taxi Association, ferrying commuters from Phokwane to Mogaladi.

Scan the QR Code to watch this story.

Compared to the period before the new tar road, public transport was inaccessible which made us to arrive late at work and often dirty due to the dusty road. I see huge improvement after the construction of the tar road. Our learners are also able to come to school on time, still energetic because they no longer travel on a bumpy road. We thank RAL because life has now improved considerably at Mathukuthela village.

Morongoa Manamela, Educator at Kgopolo e botse Primary School, Mathukuthela from Phokwane.

The completion of the road has helped tremendously because it was a gravel with many bumps before. Even when leaving home early, I would still be late for work due to the bad road. Now the road is smooth, I leave home around 06h30 and take only 15 minutes to reach my workplace.

Reneilwe Mahlakola, Adherence Club

Facilitator at Phokwane Clinic, from Ga-Masha.

Sunnyboy Mashilwane, Raga Project Management, from Moomane Village.

29 SMMEs

BENEFIT FROM THE CONSTRUCTION OF D4370 IN SEKHUKHUNE DISTRICT

True to its mandate, Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) continues to use road infrastructure development to contribute positively to communities where it undertakes its projects. For every upgrading project being undertaken, 30% of the total contract value is set aside to empower Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). This is the policy of government aimed at assisting the

developing enterprises in South Africa.

RAL has recently completed the upgrade of road D4370 (gravel to tar), from Tompi Seleka to Phokwane village within the Sekhukhune District. Twenty-nine (29) SMMEs participated and benefited from this RAL empowerment programme. A number of them did not only make financial gain but also harnessed business and construction industry skills. Read full story about the road

Mr Senatle Mashile, the Director of Mamogobo Mashile Services, one of the SMMEs who were involved during the construction of road D4370 in Sekhukhune, commends RAL for its efforts in empowering small businesses through road construction that is undertaken in various communities.

Local SMMEs played a pivotal role during the construction of the road project as they were sub-contracted to render various services such as construction and installation of v-drains, culverts, casting of wingwalls and concrete to ensure the successful completion of the project.

project on page 6.

According to Mr Doctor Makhunga, the Project Manager for the main contractor, responsible for the 22.5km road project, some of the empowered SMMEs were not familiar with road construction and general business principles.

“We had to train them on their respective tasks, for them to deliver as expected and work independently. We believe that even after the completion of the road project, they will be able to utilise the acquired skills and continue to make a decent living,” explained Makhunga.

“The project has improved my life by exposing me to the world of construction, which I knew nothing about,” said one of the beneficiaries, Mr Senatle Mashile (32) from Moomane Village, the Director of Mamogobo Mashile Services.

Mashile expressed gratitude for the opportunity afforded to him to learn about the demands of building a road and the construction industry in general. “I even managed to buy important tools such as the surveying GPS set, compactor and smooth roller to help me take up more business

opportunities in the construction industry to sustain my life,” he said.

Sharing Mashile’s sentiments was, Ms Kamogelo Mogadima (34) from Disenyane Village whose company, Kgee’s Trading was subcontracted for civil works entailing supply and installation of culverts and v-drains.

Mogadima explained that “the first two months were horrible, as my v-drains work failed, and I lost about R98 000 because they could not work properly. The water couldn’t flow, so they had to be destroyed and I had to start all over again.” However, through hard work, determination and mentorship, her work finally met the standards required and everything sailed smoothly from there on out.

To her delight, Mogadima’s company was the only SMME in the project that was able to move from level 1 to level 5 of the CIDB grading.

“The road project has left a lifetime legacy in my life as a small business owner because I now know a lot about road construction. I feel motivated and believe that I can expand my business and bid for tenders outside my community to broaden my opportunities,” she concluded.

“THE ROAD PROJECT HAS LEFT A LIFETIME LEGACY IN MY LIFE AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER BECAUSE I NOW KNOW A LOT ABOUT ROAD CONSTRUCTION. I FEEL MOTIVATED AND BELIEVE THAT I CAN EXPAND MY BUSINESS AND BID FOR TENDERS OUTSIDE MY COMMUNITY TO BROADEN MY OPPORTUNITIES.”

Ms Kamogelo Mogadima, Director of Kgee’s Trading, says being part of the SMME sub-contractors during the road D4370 project has introduced her to the world of civil engineering, which she thought was traditionally meant for males only.

Limpopo’sbeauty queen

The year 2022 will forever remain in the minds and hearts of many South Africans, in particular, the community of a small Gabaza Village in Limpopo’s Greater Tzaneen Municipality, who witnessed the young, beautiful and bright Ndavi Nokeri crowned the 2022 winner of Miss South Africa pageant.

Having been crowned the year 2022 beauty queen of SA, the 23 year old will spend her tenure as Miss SA, advocating for equal educational opportunities for all. The eloquent Nokeri strongly believes education is the only way through which the real emancipation of South Africans can be realised.

Nokeri holds a BCom in Investment Management qualification from the University of Pretoria. At the time of her crowning in August 2022, the Miss SA queen was working at an asset management company in Cape Town.

Being crowned Miss SA makes Nokeri one of the recognised voices in South Africa. Her views will carry enormous weight, not only among her peers but also within recognised formal structures such as those promoting the development of women. Nokeri’s dream was to initially become a professional netball player but later decided to pursue modelling. Her love for modelling started at a young age. “I participated in my first pageant at the age of five. Although the initial intention was to just have fun, the level of competitiveness was motivating. Little did I know that it was only the beginning of my pageant journey,” she says.

Following the attainment of her crown, the young queen was celebrated by her proud home province, Limpopo. According to Mr Ndavhe Ramakuela, the Provincial Head of Communications Services, the Limpopo Provincial Government is proud to yet again receive the prettiest and most intelligent “lady”,

STUNS SOUTH AFRICA

Nokeri describes herself as an adventurous, adrenaline junkie who never says “no” to a challenge. As a teenager she aspired to be a professional netball player.

Ndavi Nokeri is passionate about upskilling the underprivileged and supporting them to become successful in future.

Miss South Africa 2022, back home. “Nokeri’s crowning has proven that indeed Limpopo is the home of the most well-groomed, pretty young women in South Africa, after we received similar prestige in 2020 through Shudufhadzo Musida and Bokang Montjane in 2010.”

Before entering the Miss SA pageant, Nokeri partnered with different organisations to work towards lessening educational inequality in South Africa. The main aim of the initiative, she says, is to help promote computer literacy in poorly resourced schools

Nokeri takes pride in being family oriented and says that is where she gets her strength. Pictured from the left is her father, Mr Moses Nokeri; her sister Ms Fanisa Nokeri; her mother, Mrs Betty Nokeri and her brother, Mr Ntwanano Nokeri.

and distribute some of the resources needed by learners.

Sharing her secret to success with the Mmileng crew, Nokeri believes her strength has been nothing else but determination. “You need to believe in yourself and be determined to pursue your dreams. For two years I told myself I would be Miss SA 2022 as part of an affirmation. I have uttered these words more than a 1 000 times before but to be able to say it today when it is actually my reality is so humbling. I am naturally relentless in pursuit of the things I believe in,” she states beaming with pride.

The beauty queen credits her Miss SA victory to her family. “My family contributed immensely to my upbringing and success. I value family; hence I am very close to my parents and my siblings who have been the most supportive people in my life. I attribute my success to them. So for me, it’s all about family over everything else,” she says.

Nokeri lists former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi and former Miss World Rolene Strauss, as some of her pillars for motivation. “We have seen previous [beauty] queens become formidable businesswomen, corporate leaders, authors, etc. They break the societal limits that are constantly placed on women. We are limitless and powerful beyond measure!”

Some of the major concerns for Nokeri, are the levels and effects of unemployment and poverty in South Africa. She strongly feels that her role as Miss SA will contribute positively to helping the needy.

The jubilant Nokeri applauds the great work done by the Roads Agency Limpopo in building and maintaining the provincial roads. She uses these roads when visiting her family. “Roads play a significant role in promoting the development of the economy. A poorly maintained road puts people’s lives at risk as there are chances of accidents occurring due to potholes amongst others. Through RAL, we have seen many roads in the province being rehabilitated to enable business blooming and motorists travelling smoothly for reduced distances. Well done to RAL.”

“ROADS PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY. A POORLY MAINTAINED ROAD PUTS PEOPLE’S LIVES AT RISK

AS THERE ARE CHANCES OF ACCIDENTS DUE TO POTHOLES AMONGST OTHERS. THROUGH RAL, WE HAVE SEEN MANY ROADS IN THE PROVINCE BEING REHABILITATED TO ENABLE BUSINESS BLOOMING AND MOTORISTS TRAVELLING SMOOTHLY FOR REDUCED DISTANCES. WELL DONE TO RAL.”

RAL team in a brainstorming session to devise solutions to existing organisational challenges in an effort to rejuvenate their passion to improve road infrastructure delivery in the province.

PLANNING AND ETHICAL PROFESSIONALISM KEY TO RAL’S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE DELIVERY

Owing to Roads Agency Limpopo’s (RAL) endeavour to improve delivery of the road infrastructure in the province, the entity’s Engineering Division and support units held a mid-term strategic review workshop to assess progress on implemented projects and identify future improvement areas to enhance efficiency.

The primary aim of the workshop was to convene all internal stakeholders within the Agency to share knowledge and lessons learnt to improve the operations going forward. Added to identifying the positives, the session focused on areas that affect project implementation and quality of the work done.

RAL’s General Manager: Operations, Mr Martin Ramaboea urged the engineering team to address RAL’s road implementation challenges, further highlighting that “the session is for all of us to reflect on our achievements and challenges so that we can develop alternative ways to take us forward,” he said.

Participating during the session were Engineering, Stakeholder Management, Communications, Supply Chain Management, Governance, Risk and Compliance as well as Health and Safety units. Road construction expert with over 20 years of experience, Mr Standford Mkhacane, was invited to give a keynote address which he used to share his wisdom. He shared his wealth of experience in civil

engineering and construction.

In his speech, Mkhacane called upon the engineers to maintain ethical integrity and professionalism as the basis for successful delivery of quality road projects. “Practising as an engineer needs one to think independently and not allow him/herself to be influenced by external factors. You need to discharge your professional responsibility with integrity,” he urged the RAL team.

Left:

The road construction expert pleaded with the team to improve on planning, stressing that it is an essential part of road construction. “There is nothing wrong with planning in advance for a road project that will be implemented in five years,” he advised.

The workshop comprised break-away sessions where attendees worked in team units to identify challenges in each unit and recommended solutions to mitigate the identified challenges.

Commenting on the importance of the session, several employees applauded the importance of the session in improving the province’s road infrastructure.

Mr Musa Ndlovu, RAL’s Project Manager concurred that “the session was quite an interesting exposure to familiarise ourselves with what other units encounter on a daily basis and deliberate on how new strategies can be used to address the issues at hand as the entity moves forward.”

His words were echoed by the Junior Project Manager, Ms Thakgalang Kekana who added that the reflective session was important as the “only way we could address shortcomings and improve on our performance to avoid repeating the same mistakes.”

Meanwhile, Ms Mabjalwa Modjadji who is the Manager: Community Development at RAL said she was glad that, through the deliberations, participants “were able to collectively suggest solutions which will help us improve our operations, especially the implementation of roads.”

“THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH PLANNING IN ADVANCE FOR A ROAD PROJECT THAT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN FIVE YEARS.”

Above: The mid-term strategic review workshop gathered RAL staff members to reflect on some of the success stories and challenges encountered in the past as they work towards improving Limpopo’s road network.

Retired Road Engineering and Maintenance Expert, Mr Standford Mkhacane says engineers should discharge their professional responsibilities with integrity.

RAL RECRUITS EXPERTS TO BOOST ROAD

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE DELIVERY

In its efforts to achieve a clean audit and enhance efficiency in delivering road infrastructure service, Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) has in the 2022/23 financial year, employed 19 professionals ranging from various fields of expertise, including supply chain, engineering, risk management and auditing.

Many of the positions that have recently been filled were vacant for a long time due to the moratorium issued by Provincial Treasury. As a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, RAL

additional support or seek clarity on any related issues.

Ms Modile Boshielo, the Executive Manager: Corporate Services, highlighted that making these important appointments will ensure that, “we do not find ourselves in a situation where one project manager oversees about 20 projects as is the current situation.”

continues to improve internal processes and systems to ensure the Agency delivers optimally to the people of Limpopo. The current set of skills recruited will add value to the Agency’s efficiency and effectiveness.

RAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Gabriel Maluleke has expressed his confidence in anticipating the value the new employees will add to the overall mandate of the entity. He further emphasised that his office doors will always be open should the new employees need

“THE HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY HAS BEEN A REAL CONCERN FOR US AND THIS IMPACTED NEGATIVELY IN THE AGENCY EFFECTIVELY EXECUTING ITS MANDATE. OUR RECRUITMENT PLAN IS APPROVED BY TREASURY AND WE ALREADY HAVE THE GO-AHEAD TO WORK TOWARDS FILLING ALL THE CRITICAL VACANCIES.”

RAL’s CEO, Mr Gabriel Maluleke is hopeful that the newly appointed employees will help the entity to maximise its road infrastructure service delivery efforts.

The Agency is currently implementing over 200 upgrading and maintenance road projects across Limpopo’s five districts. “The human resource capacity has been a real concern for us and this impacted negatively in the Agency effectively executing its mandate. Our recruitment plan is approved by Treasury and we already have the go-ahead to work towards filling all the critical vacancies,” added Ms Boshielo.

In recognising the development of its own internal staff, RAL has made more than 12 appointments from employees that have been with the Agency and shown potential in becoming great managers and executives. The internally driven skills recognition exercise has greatly and unbelievably improved the employee morale and serves as the motivation for the future leaders.

Ms Modile Boshielo, Executive Manager: Corporate Services is adamant that the Agency will succeed in finding suitable personnel who are prepared to work and better the lives of Limpopo people.

Meet the recently appointed staff members who are committed to assisting in advancing road infrastructure development in the province:

Luyanda Sithole Manage: Communications

Maite Sefala Manager: Governance, Risk and Compliance

Carol Mthethwa Manager: Health and Safety Khutso Nkoana Manager: Pavement Design Engineer

Malesela Mathosa Project Manager: Operations

Dr Norman Mudau Senior Manager: Finance

Phuti Montjane Senior Manager: Land Use Management

Pitsi Maribana Manager: Internal Audit

Pretty Digama Senior Manager: Supply Chain Management

Tebogo Phasha Management Accountant

Roads continue to play a critical role in economic development and growth of the Limpopo Province. Though the province is predominantly rural, a good and well-maintained road infrastructure that connects communities to the economic mainstream is crucial for further development. #RALatWork

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