In a bid to foster transparency and inclusivity, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) conducted a series of public consultations in the Eastern Cape on Monday, focusing on its proposed Interim Preferential Procurement Policy (PPP).
The main session, hosted at the SANRAL regional office in Gqeberha, saw participants, including business and industry bodies, joining virtually from a satellite venue at the Mayfair Hotel in Mthatha.
SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer, Reginald Demana, emphasized the importance of transformation within the agency’s operating model, stating, “Transformation is the core of SANRAL’s operating model. It has become that social compact that binds us with the stakeholders where we operate. It has become a social license for us to operate.”
Demana reassured stakeholders that SANRAL is committed to launching a contractor development program and a black industrialist scheme, aiming to empower emerging enterprises for accelerated growth and increased participation in the construction sector.
Tshegare Moletsane, SANRAL’s acting Transformation Manager, outlined plans for a training and mentorship incubation program targeting businesses graded 5CE to 7CE in the next financial year.
SANRAL Regional Manager, Mbulelo Peterson, expressed the agency’s dedication to ensuring meaningful participation of targeted enterprises, especially those owned by women, youth, military veterans, and people with disabilities.
Demana acknowledged the Board’s decision to withdraw SANRAL’s new Preferential Procurement Policy, calling it a difficult but bold move made in the interest of service delivery. He expressed the agency’s intent to finalize the interim policy by the end of November.
Stakeholders commended SANRAL’s transformation efforts, with Luvuyo Popo, President of ACOB, advocating for increased subcontracting to SMMEs. Nomfanelo Bojana, Chairperson of SAWIC in the Eastern Cape, expressed support for the procurement policy, emphasizing the need for SANRAL’s assistance in providing access to markets for women-owned SMMEs.
Stakeholders urged SANRAL to reserve routine maintenance contracts for emerging contractors and intensify construction training. Demana highlighted the impact of the Public Procurement Bill before Parliament on SANRAL’s long-term procurement policy.
The proposed Interim Preferential Procurement Policy is open for comment until November 17, 2023, accessible on SANRAL’s website (www.nra.co.za) and social media platforms. Stakeholders can submit comments via email to commentsppp@nra.co.za.
