Sanral allocates nearly R31b for roads, upgrades and major transport projects
Government says billions will be invested in road maintenance, rail revival and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving transport safety, creating jobs and boosting economic growth across South Africa.
The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) is expected to receive nearly R31b this year to maintain, rehabilitate, upgrade and expand South Africa’s national road network.
According to the South African Government News Agency, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced the allocation while tabling the Department of Transport’s R102b Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday.
Creecy said the funding would support major infrastructure projects, including capital expenditure on the non-toll road network, Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project operations, the N2 Wild Coast route and the development of the Moloto Road corridor.
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“These funds will be used for capital expenditure on the non-toll network, the Gauteng Freeway Improvement project operations; the N2 Wild Coast route for ongoing construction on major bridges, and new road sections on our national highways, as well as the development of the Moloto Road corridor,” she said.
The minister said the infrastructure investments are expected to improve road safety, reduce travel times and create more than 35 000 jobs while supporting over 2 000 small enterprises.
“Investment in public infrastructure projects is a significant catalyst for job creation and economic development,” Creecy said.
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However, she raised concerns over challenges faced by provincial and municipal governments in maintaining roads due to limited funding and technical capacity.
Since 2013, provincial governments have transferred about 13 000km of roads to Sanral for management and maintenance.
“This is not a sustainable long-term strategy and will ultimately impact Sanral’s ability to maintain the National Road Network without introducing widespread tolling,” Creecy warned.
The government plans to convene discussions between the National Treasury and the Department of Transport through the MINMEC forum to explore ways of accelerating road maintenance funding for provinces.
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Passenger rail revival continues
Creecy also highlighted progress in the revitalisation of passenger rail services, saying yearly passenger journeys exceeded 100 million by the end of March.
The minister said the increase reflects sustained investment in rail infrastructure, rolling stock, security and institutional reforms over the past four years.
“In Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape, we are increasing train frequencies, improving security, reducing vandalism and ensuring connectivity for communities previously excluded from reliable transport services,” she said.
The government launched a Request for Information process at the end of 2025 to assess private sector interest in rapid regional rail, depot modernisation, rolling stock leasing, automated fare systems and optic fibre infrastructure.
Government reviews Road Accident Fund system
The department is also reviewing the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill to reduce state liability through a no-fault compensation system and standardised injury compensation framework.
The Road Accident Fund continues to face mounting pressure due to claim backlogs, legal disputes and financial strain linked to the country’s high road accident rate.
The government is considering a hybrid funding model combining public and private sector contributions to ease pressure on state finances.
Creecy stressed that road safety remains a major national concern.
“Last year, South Africa lost over 11 418 lives on our roads, one of the worst rates globally,” she said.
