At a recent stakeholder engagement meeting in Lusikisiki, CEO of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral), Skhumbuzo Macozoma said the completion of the multi-billion-rand N2 Wild Coast Road project will significantly contribute to economic growth along the coast of South Africa and into neighbouring countries.

The project is expected to open a new trade corridor between Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Western Cape, as well as between South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. “Sanral is working hard to complete the N2 Wild Coast project, which will open one of the last economic corridors of our country and will create many new opportunities for economic growth in the post-Covid-19 period,” said Mr Macozoma.

He also added it will not only bring thousands of new jobs and opportunities for the development of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) but will also make the movement of people and goods much easier, especially through the Eastern Cape.

“We have not given up on this project in spite of the difficulties over more than two decades, and we will complete construction over the next few years.” The N2 Wild Coast.

Road project represents a significant socio-economic injection for local communities and about R4-billion will be spent on targeted enterprises during the construction period.

Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Nokuzola Capa, said those opposing the N2 Wild Coast Road were clearly not considering the economic benefits for the region and its people. “Doomsayers made the call that the environment is in danger because of the construction of the road without recognising the economic benefits that the project will bring to the community. Our government will continue to create a conducive environment for everyone to succeed and benefit from the project,” she said.

She also noted that her department had the necessary resources to support and coordinate programmes around SMME development, urging community members and other stakeholders to approach the department.

Executive Mayor of OR Tambo District Municipality, Thokozile Sokhanyile urged SMMEs to unite and work closely with Sanral, local and provincial government structures. “SMMEs need to unite, as opposed to different business formations operating in the district, so that they have one voice when they engage with Sanral and government generally,” said Councillor Sokhanyile.

Sanral’s regional manager, Mbulelo Peterson said the road agency’s strategy and policies deliberately focused on the transformation of the construction industry, particularly the impact of its procurement in terms of job creation and opportunities for SMMEs.

The organisation has also partnered with key stakeholders to assist black businesses to benefit from project participation. The roads agency has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with role players in the industry to ensure rapid transformation.

Over the years, the project has seen strong opposition from local communities. Among them, is the Amadiba Crisis Committee which is opposed to the the N2 Highway Toll Road as it will be built across ancestral land, and people and graves of ancestors would have to be moved.

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