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29 SMMEs benefit from the construction of D4370 in Sekhukhune District
from Mmileng 3/2022
by dabasspty
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.
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
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.
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.
