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Residents and community leaders in Amadiba have renewed calls for an independent investigation into the N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway project.
The demand follows stalled construction at major bridge sites, corruption allegations linked to subcontracting, and new governance changes at the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).
The issue was raised at a mass meeting in Mngungu village and through a formal petition submitted to Parliament by residents from multiple villages.
What happened
The Amadiba Crisis Committee (ACC) says financial problems and alleged corruption are threatening progress on the N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway project, particularly the construction of the Msikaba and Mtentu mega bridges.
According to the organisation, construction activity at the Msikaba bridge slowed significantly from September 2025. Workers employed on the project have reportedly been sitting at home for months because the contractor allegedly lacks funds to pay workers and subcontractors.
The contractor responsible for the bridge, the MECSA–Concor Joint Venture, is reportedly experiencing financial difficulties. The ACC claims the situation worsened when Eskom was allegedly not paid and disconnected electricity supply to the project site.
Community representatives say similar financial pressure appears to be emerging at the Mtentu bridge construction project, another flagship component of the N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway.
The ACC also raised allegations about corruption within subcontracting processes linked to the Mtentu bridge.
According to the organisation, some subcontractors are allegedly instructed to submit high tender bids, such as R65 million, but are later issued appointment letters reflecting much lower contract amounts, sometimes around R8 million.
The organisation claims subcontractors are then allegedly told to return the difference to another account. Businesses that refuse these arrangements reportedly risk losing the contract.
The ACC says fear of losing future work or other consequences has prevented many subcontractors from speaking publicly about the issue.
Why it matters to communities
The N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway is one of South Africa’s largest infrastructure projects and is expected to improve transport connections between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
However, community groups say corruption risks and governance failures could affect the project’s success and local economic benefits.
Residents have also questioned the reported increase in the project’s budget.
According to ACC representatives, SANRAL’s 2025 annual report estimated the project cost at R20 billion, but a later presentation to Parliament reportedly referenced a figure of R28 billion.
Community leaders say the reason for the R8 billion increase has not been clearly explained.
What you need to know
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway |
| Key structures | Msikaba Bridge and Mtentu Bridge |
| Construction concern | Work slowdown at Msikaba since September 2025 |
| Financial concern | Contractor reportedly unable to pay workers and subcontractors |
| Corruption allegations | Subcontracting tender manipulation claims |
| Community action | Petition submitted by 79 residents from 14 villages |
| Oversight body | Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport reviewing petition |
| Budget question | Reported increase from R20 billion to R28 billion |
Parliamentary oversight and investigation requests
Community members say Parliament should take stronger oversight actions regarding the project.
The ACC has requested several interventions from government:
- A full independent audit of invoicing and financial records related to the Mtentu bridge project.
- A mid-term review of the entire N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway project.
- A temporary pause of the project in areas where construction has not started, particularly in Amadiba and Mbizana.
- Consideration of moving the planned highway route inland rather than along the coast for environmental, developmental, and cost reasons.
The community petition has already been presented to Parliament, and ACC representatives also submitted comments to the Portfolio Committee on Transport regarding the Msikaba construction stoppage.
Political attention and calls for investigation
The issue has also drawn attention from national political leaders.
The ACC welcomed a 2 March letter sent by UDM president Bantu Holomisa to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) requesting an investigation into the N2 project.
Community representatives say the petition will also be submitted to other parliamentary committees dealing with:
- Environment
- Land affairs
- Water and sanitation
- Infrastructure oversight
ACC spokesperson Nonhle Mbuthuma said new information about alleged corruption continues to emerge and communities will continue demanding accountability.
She also warned that court interdicts and legal action against community members involved in project disputes appear to be increasing.
New SANRAL board now responsible for oversight
At the same time, the national government has appointed a new SANRAL board, effective 1 March 2026, which will oversee the agency responsible for the N2 project.
The board appointments were confirmed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy under the SANRAL Act.
New or reappointed board members include:
- Protas Thamsanqa Phili – Independent non-executive chairperson
- Dr Ismail Vadi – Independent non-executive director
- Orateng Yvonne Motsoai – Independent non-executive director
- Refilwe Buthelezi – Independent non-executive director (reappointed)
- Rochelle Blaauw – Independent non-executive director
Several previous board members stepped down after completing two consecutive terms, including former chairperson Themba Mhambi, Thamsanqa Matosa, and Robert Haswell.
SANRAL CEO Reginald Demana remains the executive board member.
The new board is expected to review its committee structures to ensure effective governance and oversight of SANRAL projects.
What you should do next
Residents and businesses in the Wild Coast region can monitor developments through:
- Updates from Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport
- Official announcements from SANRAL regarding the N2 project
- Community meetings organised in Amadiba villages
- Public reports from oversight bodies such as SCOPA
Where to get help or official information
For verified updates about the N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway project:
- South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL)
- Parliament of South Africa – Portfolio Committee on Transport
- Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA)
- Local municipal offices in Mbizana and surrounding areas
