6 minute read
VEA - Partnerships That Build Legacies and Empower Communities
At VEA Road Maintenance and Civils, roads do more than connect cities — they connect people, create opportunities, and uplift entire communities. The company’s exceptional growth and success are built on invaluable partnerships with key clients like SANRAL, the Department of Roads and Transport, the Western Cape Government, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.
Together with these partners, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils has built a reputation for excellence, highlighted by its consecutive Top 5 ranking in South Africa’s Construction Sector for 2024, an honour it also achieved in 2023. Being ranked in the top 5 out of 500 companies reflects the company’s relentless focus on quality, innovation, inclusion, and community impact.
“We’re more than a road construction company,” says Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, Managing Director. “Our vision is to use infrastructure as a tool for positive change. Without our strong relationships with clients and communities, our ability to make an impact would be limited.”
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ partnerships enable the company to execute large-scale projects that not only improve infrastructure but also change lives. From creating jobs to developing skills and supporting local communities, their work goes far beyond the roads they build.
The success of VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is closely tied to their partnerships with key clients such as SANRAL, the Department of Roads and Transport, and provincial governments. These collaborations have allowed the company to deliver critical infrastructure projects across South Africa while simultaneously uplifting communities.
One of the most significant collaborations is with SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency), where VEA Road Maintenance and Civils has worked on major projects like the N2, N12, and R23 highways. These projects have not only improved the road network but have also contributed to job creation and skills development within local communities.
“SANRAL’s approach is holistic. They don’t just build roads—they ensure that the communities around the roads benefit too,” explains Thoko. “This commitment aligns perfectly with our mission to empower communities through infrastructure.”
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ work with other esteemed clients such as the Department of Roads and Transport and provincial governments has allowed them to contribute to regional growth by employing local labour and providing training in crucial technical skills.
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ dedication to excellence and community upliftment has been recognised with its Top 5 ranking in South Africa’s Construction Sector for 2024, an honour it has now earned multiple times. This recognition places VEA Road Maintenance and Civils among the best 5 out of 500 companies in the sector, marking two consecutive years of maintaining this prestigious standing.
“Being in the Top 5 is about more than technical expertise or delivering on time,” says Thoko. “It’s about how we approach everything — from the partnerships we build to the way we engage with communities. Our success is deeply rooted in the people we work with — our team, our clients, and the communities we serve.”
This continued recognition is a direct result of VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ focus on partnerships and community engagement. For example, the collaboration with SANRAL on projects like Operation Vala Zonke, a nationwide pothole-fixing initiative, is a testament to the company’s community-centred approach.
“We’ve been able to create jobs and provide training to local workers, thanks to the support of SANRAL and our other clients,” says Thoko. "Together, we're building a brighter future for everyone involved.”
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ commitment to community upliftment goes beyond infrastructure. Their involvement in initiatives like Mandela Day, where they extended their 67 minutes of service into an entire weekend, delivering supplies to schools and elderly homes, is just one example of their dedication.
In the South African construction sector, diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important. VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is leading the way in this transformation, with a strong focus on gender diversity under the leadership of Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu. The company has created hundreds of opportunities for women in the construction industry, an area traditionally dominated by men.
Thanks to partnerships with SANRAL, the Department of Roads and Transport, and other governmental bodies, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is not only delivering high-quality infrastructure but also empowering women and young people through employment and training opportunities.
“Our clients have been instrumental in helping us bring more women into the industry,” says Thoko. “We are opening doors that were once closed to women, and that’s something we are very proud of.”
Contracts Manager Terry-Anne Hart adds, “Our partnerships with SANRAL and provincial governments enable us to promote diversity and inclusion. When organisations share a commitment to empowering underrepresented groups, the results are truly transformative.”
This focus on community impact, diversity, and inclusion is one of the main reasons VEA Road Maintenance and Civils consistently ranks in the Top 5. Their ability to deliver exceptional infrastructure while empowering communities sets them apart from their competitors.
Georgina, a site agent in VEA Road Maintenance and Civils, shares her perspective on managing over 700 workers and navigating the challenges that come with such a responsibility.
“Managing this many people comes with its challenges, like conflict resolution, labour disputes, and ensuring everyone knows their role,” Georgina explains. “A good manager needs to be solution-oriented. I believe in addressing issues immediately, then revisiting the cause to prevent it from happening again.”Georgina’s leadership style is built on an open-door policy and team empowerment. “I always encourage my team to suggest solutions, not just report problems. This creates accountability and ensures quicker conflict resolution,” she says.
Her approach ensures that VEA Road Maintenance and Civils not only maintains high quality delivery but also fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.
At VEA Road Maintenance and Civils, we don’t just build roads — we build opportunities. With the support of partners like SANRAL, the Department of Roads and Transport, and provincial governments, we are creating pathways to brighter futures for communities across South Africa.
“Our roads are more than just infrastructure,” concludes Thoko. “They are bridges to better futures. None of this would be possible without our incredible partners, whose shared commitment to building a better South Africa perfectly aligns with ours.”
Address: Plot 107, Mnandi Agricultural Holdings, 3 Erasmus St, Mnandi AH, Centurion, 0157
Contact: 0118801630 | info@vearoad.co.za
For more information visit: www.vearoads.co.za
