KWA-MHLANGA – President Cyril Ramaphosa officially handed over four completed bridges in the Thembisile Hani municipality on December 11, 2024. The bridges – Zakheni Leratong, Zakheni Ward 4 in Kwa-Mhlanga, Rietfontein, and Vezubuhle – were unveiled, marking a major step in the government’s efforts to address the challenges of dilapidated infrastructure in rural areas.
These bridges were built as part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, an integrated project under the national infrastructure development plan. In Mpumalanga, 17 bridges have been constructed, with four in the Nkangala District, nine in Ehlanzeni, and four in Gert Sibande.
According to Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, the programme aims to construct 288 bridges by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year. This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Transport, Public Works, and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Speaking at the handover ceremony, President Ramaphosa commended the government’s efforts to improve transport infrastructure in rural communities. “For too long, our rural communities have been struggling with poor transport infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities,” he said. “Today, we are proud to announce that we have delivered on our promise to address this issue.”
The president emphasised the programme’s importance, stating that it not only addresses infrastructure backlogs but also creates job and business opportunities for local citizens. “The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a significant step forward in our efforts to narrow the inequality gap in South Africa,” Ramaphosa added.
The programme has already created employment for 105 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries, with opportunities for skills development. Local entrepreneurs have also benefited from business opportunities linked to bridge construction.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has allocated R3.8 billion for the construction of additional bridges over the next two financial years, which is expected to generate approximately 17,000 jobs and 510 training opportunities.
