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The Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure officially handed over the new Welisizwe Bridge in Sihlahleni Village, Ward 6, under Umzimvubu Local Municipality on 18 November 2025. The project, supported by Alfred Nzo District Municipality and built in partnership with the South African National Defence Force, aims to restore safe movement across the Umzimvubu River. The handover signals a major milestone for several rural communities long cut off by dangerous crossings.
What Happened
The Welisizwe Bridge was constructed to address repeated safety risks faced by Sihlahleni residents. The need for urgent intervention became clear in 2022 after a video went viral showing villagers carrying caskets while crossing the river. The new bridge forms part of a broader government programme to improve rural access through durable, community-focused infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala, said the video prompted immediate action.
“We saw the need for intervention in building this bridge after seeing a trending video on social media platforms of people crossing over with caskets in 2022,” he said.
Official Response
Zikalala noted that the Department plans to build 96 bridges each year in rural areas, adding that 44 have already been completed in the Eastern Cape. He said the programme aims to shorten long travel distances and improve access to essential services especially for children who walk to school.
The project was led by the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, General Bantu Bonke Holomisa, as part of the Alfred Nzo Centenary celebrations. The SANDF worked closely with Public Works to deliver the bridge as a rapid-build solution for the district.
Community Impact
The bridge will benefit and connect more than six villages, including Welakabini, Bhekayeke, Baphuthini, Maqokolweni, Ngxakaxha, Maduna and Majojweni. Residents will now travel safely across the Umzimvubu River throughout all seasons.
By improving mobility, the bridge also strengthens access to schools, clinics, social services and economic opportunities ushering in what leaders called “a new chapter” for Sihlahleni communities.
