Paving the way out of poverty

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is known for building essential infrastructure, but its impact extends far beyond bitumen and concrete. On its R37 road upgrade between Burgersfort and Polokwane in Limpopo, the agency is not only transforming the route itself, but also empowering local women-led businesses.

For Bogaleng Thsehla, owner of BMT Royal Kid Laundry and Projects, the R37 upgrade was not just an opportunity for her own growth, but also a chance to uplift her community. With her first-time subcontracting role with SANRAL, she created jobs for 27 people, demonstrating her commitment to empowering others.

Thsehla is a strong advocate for SANRAL's training and development efforts aimed at small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs). “When this contract comes to an end, I will leave with skills in occupational health and safety, backfilling and demolition, installation of mash wares, soft board concrete work and flagging. I have also learnt how to produce a daily foreman’s report.”

This valuable skill set will propel her business forward and empower her to compete for future opportunities. “I can bid for other tenders without fear because SANRAL taught me many things. It has changed the lives of local contractors,” she says.

Diversity and empowerment are cornerstones of SANRAL's approach. Its Transformation Policy ensures that black-owned SMMEs, particularly those owned by women, youth and people with disabilities, have a chance to thrive. By allocating 30% of every contract to local SMMEs and providing ongoing skills development, the agency equips these businesses with the tools they need to succeed.

Single mother-of-two Cylia Makhubedu Moeti, who hails from the village of Mareseleng, exemplifies the hope that SANRAL’s projects can bring. Prior to securing a flagging job on the R37 project, financial hardship was a constant struggle.

“Since I received flagger training in February my life has changed for the better. I’m no longer dependent on the government child support grant. My children have proper school uniforms and I can support my family,” she says. “I can afford to buy groceries and even fill up the trolley. Poverty is gone; I’m no longer a beggar.”

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