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The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has officially opened the World Road Association (PIARC) Technical Committee Meeting and International Seminar in eThekwini. The three-day event, running from 14–16 October, brings together global leaders in road safety, design, and transport governance.
What Happened
The seminar, hosted at The Capital Zimbali in Ballito, unites experts and government representatives from over 128 PIARC member countries. Established in 1909, PIARC serves as a global platform for sharing research, policy insights, and technological advances in the roads and transport sector.
During the Durban sessions, Technical Committees will explore key topics such as road infrastructure resilience, maintenance strategies, network operations, and sustainable finance models. The aim is to foster collaboration and align strategies that enhance global road connectivity.
One SANRAL delegate noted, “This meeting strengthens South Africa’s position as a thought leader in infrastructure and mobility. It’s about learning and contributing to global best practice.”
Official Response
A SANRAL spokesperson emphasized the significance of hosting the PIARC meeting in South Africa, describing it as an opportunity to spotlight national infrastructure progress.
“We’re proud to host an event that supports knowledge exchange and capacity building in our sector,” said the spokesperson. “The discussions here will help inform smarter, safer, and more sustainable transport systems worldwide.”
PIARC, which maintains consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, continues to drive innovation by engaging countries in its Strategic Plan for road safety and efficient governance.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The event positions South Africa as a hub for international collaboration in transport and infrastructure. Local stakeholders from engineers to policymakers benefit from global expertise and partnerships that can accelerate future road development projects.
Moreover, KwaZulu-Natal stands to gain from the visibility and tourism influx associated with hosting such a high-level international gathering.
