Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, will today preside over the closing ceremony of the SANRAL Port St Johns Legacy Project, celebrating its impact on community upliftment through agriculture and tourism skills development.

The event will take place at the Port St Johns Sports Field from 10:00 to 14:00, and will include a certificate handover ceremony for beneficiaries of the project’s training programmes.

MEC Nqatha will be joined by O.R. Tambo District Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana, Port St Johns Local Municipality Executive Mayor Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo, members of the SANRAL Board, traditional leaders, and representatives of local business.

A Legacy Beyond Road Construction

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) launched the Port St Johns Legacy Project as part of its broader commitment to ensuring that road infrastructure investments create long-term socio-economic benefits for communities.

While SANRAL is known for its road-building mandate, the legacy project demonstrates the agency’s commitment to sustainable development through skills training and economic empowerment beyond construction work.

Supporting Agriculture and Tourism

The project had two focus areas:

• Agriculture: Local farmers participated in a learnership programme covering vegetable production and basic farming techniques, helping to bolster local food systems.
• Tourism and Craft: Young learners were trained in grass weaving and basketry, equipping them with marketable artisanal skills linked to Port St Johns’ cultural identity and tourism appeal.

The initiative also supported local artists and crafters to enhance the quality and market reach of their products.

Media Invitation

Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony. For more information or RSVP, contact:

• Lwando Mahlasela – 082 440 5305 / [email protected]
• Makhaya Komisa – 066 381 8259

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