DA calls for answers over Sizampilo Construction Projects contracts in Mpumalanga

Issued by Teboho Sekaledi: MPL – DA Spokesperson on Public Works, Roads and Transport: Mpumalanga Province
28 Jan 2025 in Press Releases

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga will submit questions to Thulasizwe Thomo, the MEC of the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Public Works, asking him to clarify why his department keeps giving Sizampilo Construction Projects tenders, including the building of building of RDP houses and school renovations, while they have a questionable track record.  

In recent years, Sizampilo Construction Projects won a sizeable number of tenders from the Mpumalanga Government to reseal or rehabilitate the following roads: 

  • Pothole patching and kerbing on the R36 between Mashishing and Ohrigstad at a cost of R2.3 million. Project started in 2020. 
  • Repairs of road P8/2 between Mashishing and Pilgrims Rest at a cost of R6.2 million. 
  • Sectional reseal and patchwork on road P10/2 between Matsulu and Barberton at a cost of R29.9 million. Project started in 2020. 
  • Thambokhulu to Masibekela road upgrade at a cost of R8.2 million. Project started in 2021. 
  • Resealing of the R40 between Mbombela and Rocky’s Drift at a cost of R20 million. 

Almost all the projects above have shown thus far is shoddy workmanship and endless frustration for motorists because of loose aggregates, potholes, and uneven surfaces leading to damage to cars and numerous reported accidents.

Several accidents occurred on the R36 because of the critical state of this road, which has been under construction for an extended period, posing significant risks to motorists and pedestrians alike.

At the moment, the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Public Works and the contractor are dealing with several claims from motorists whose vehicles were damaged by potholes and loose stones on the R40.

It has since come to the DA’s attention that, because of shoddy workmanship and millions of rands paid to Sizampilo Construction Projects, the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Public Works has decided to handover these road projects to SANRAL for maintenance and management.

It is very strange and questionable that most of the road projects given to Sizampilo Construction Projects for rehabilitation have experienced shoddy workmanship, leading to them being handed over to SANRAL. This must be a lesson to the department about Sizampilo Construction Projects.

The DA is also concerned that the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Public Works is passing its responsibilities to SANRAL which might pave the way for more toll gates and higher fees for ordinary citizens.

This clear abdication of responsibilities will have a far-reaching consequence on taxpayers because SANRAL’s maintenance model relies heavily on toll fees, which points to the fact that residents will likely have to face increased toll gate fees or the installation of new toll gates on Mpumalanga provincial roads. This additional financial strain on taxpayers comes at a time when many South Africans are already struggling with the rising costs of living.

As the DA we reiterate that the maintenance of provincial roads is the core mandate of the department of public works, roads and transport, as denoted in its name. By transferring this responsibility to SANRAL, the department is not only admitting to its failures but is also actively signaling its inability to utilize public funds effectively. This decision is an outright acknowledgment of failure and an indictment of the department’s management.