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Residents of Welakabini and Esihlahleni in eMaXesibeni will soon have safe year-round access to schools, clinics, and shops — thanks to a new Welisizwe bridge over the Umzimvubu River.
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will officially hand over the bridge on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in Tebe-Tebe, a rural village in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Alfred Nzo District.
This bridge replaces a hazardous river crossing that became unusable during heavy rains, cutting off entire communities from services and putting lives at risk.
What to know about the new Welisizwe Bridge in Tebe-Tebe
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Project | Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme |
| Location | Tebe-Tebe, eMaXesibeni, Umzimvubu Local Municipality |
| River | Umzimvubu River |
| Communities Benefiting | Welakabini and Esihlahleni |
| Date of Handover | Tuesday, 18 November 2025 |
| Time | 11:00 |
| Map Location | View on Google Maps |
The bigger picture: 96 rural bridges per year
The Tebe-Tebe bridge is part of a national push to improve rural infrastructure. Through the Welisizwe Rural Bridge Programme, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), in partnership with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), aims to construct 96 bridges annually across South Africa.
These bridges are vital links for remote communities — giving access to:
- Health clinics and emergency services
- Primary and secondary schools
- Job opportunities and public transport
- Shops and essential goods
“This is about connecting people to opportunities,” said a DPWI spokesperson.
Local leadership to attend handover
The event will also be attended by:
- Executive Mayor Vukile Mhlelembana (Alfred Nzo District)
- Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu (Umzimvubu Local Municipality)
The ceremony is open to the media and public.
