N11 road upgrade: Boosting safer travel and local jobs

The N11 roadworks project has seen tremendous dedication and hard work aimed at improving one of South Africa’s most heavily used national routes, ensuring safer and more reliable conditions for road users.

As recently reported by Newcastillian News, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) carried out an oversight inspection of the project, evaluating both the progress and the quality of the work.

The inspection results were highly positive, highlighting that the project is advancing well and that contractors are diligently striving to deliver high-calibre work throughout.

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As SANRAL outlined, the N11 is a key national route stretching from the Botswana border at Groblersbrug and passing through Mokopane in Limpopo, Middleburg and Ermelo in Mpumalanga, and Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, eventually linking to the N3 beyond Ladysmith.

The route not only facilitates local and regional travel but also plays a crucial role in connecting Durban’s port with mining hubs in Mpumalanga and neighbouring countries.

Given its strategic importance, the upgrade of the N11 is anticipated to reduce severe traffic congestion and decrease the high accident rates on this essential corridor, promoting both safety and economic growth across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The project, which is expected to take three years to complete, includes the expansion of two major bridges—the Modderspruit and Barend Marais Bridges—along with the construction of a new road-over-rail bridge, upgrades to two key intersections, and the addition of new lanes. Additionally, roads within the town of Ladysmith are also being enhanced to improve accessibility for local residents.

Shaun Collins, Raubex’s Contracts Manager for the project, shared that the road will not only be widened and resurfaced but also realigned to increase visibility at areas prone to high collision rates. To limit inconvenience to travellers, temporary deviation roads have been constructed for use throughout the project, which commenced in June 2023 and are scheduled for completion by June 2026.

A significant component of the N11 project is SANRAL’s focus on empowering local businesses and communities.

Among the contributors to this extensive effort is Vuyani Mabaso, a contractor from the rural town of uMsinga in KwaZulu-Natal. Mabaso’s business, Golden Millennium Trading, is involved in constructing culverts under the primary contractor, Raubex Construction, as part of the R750-million project to upgrade a 28-kilometre stretch of the N11 between Ladysmith and Elandslaagte in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality.

As per SANRAL’s policy, 30% of the contract value—equating to R225 million—has been allocated to enterprises owned by black women, youth, military veterans, people with disabilities, and those with lower Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) gradings. This approach has led to an investment of nearly R43 million in subcontractors to date, including Mabaso’s business.

Reflecting on his involvement in the project, Mabaso remarked, “This is the biggest job I have ever done since I started my company back in 2001. It is also my first opportunity with SANRAL, constructing culverts on this N11. The contractor has given me tremendous support by offering training not only to me, but also to my employees who are shutter hands and also mix concrete. They have also received health and safety certificates, which will open further doors for them long after this work has been completed.”

With his company currently holding a Grade 5 certification, Mabaso is hopeful that this experience will enable him to move up to a Grade 6 or 7 rating. “This is massive for me. Previously, I worked on municipal roads and constructed a football field in Msinga. I am now exploring bigger opportunities and will certainly submit a bid for the next phase of the N11 upgrade,” he added with enthusiasm.

Mabaso also offered encouragement to other aspiring subcontractors, advising them to stay motivated. “Hard work pays off. You should never be discouraged when things don’t go well initially; your day will come,” he said.

The project has also provided young professionals with an invaluable platform to gain experience, including Lwazi Nkosi, a civil engineering diploma graduate from Mangosuthu University of Technology, who is originally from Matiwane’s Kop. Nkosi, who joined the N11 project as an intern, shared his insights, “Working here I have learnt a lot more about structures—from development and construction. I previously worked on roads. Now I hope to learn more about what happens after the completion. My internship runs until December. After that I want to further my studies and obtain a higher diploma in civil engineering. Thereafter, I want to work as a site agent on projects like this.”

He further expressed gratitude for the opportunity SANRAL has provided, adding, “There are many people from areas around here who have found employment on this construction site. They came here as general workers but will leave as skilled labour. That is how this project has impacted the community positively.”

The N11 upgrade is expected to create approximately 850 full-time equivalent direct jobs, with around R200 million allocated for local labour wages, providing a substantial economic boost to the region. With renewed aspirations, Mabaso is already looking towards future SANRAL projects, recognising the value of the opportunities and skills gained through his participation in the N11 project.

What are your thoughts on the N11 project and its impact on the community? Share your views in the comment section below.