Sanral Engages Ekurhuleni Business Stakeholders
The business community in the City came out in their numbers to engage with the South African National Roads Agency as the agency convened a stakeholder engagement session on Tuesday, 17 November, at the Germiston City Hall.
The stakeholder engagement session aimed at fostering dialogue between SMMEs in the City and the agency. It addressed the need to empower local businesses as well as inform stakeholders on the agency’s contribution to infrastructure development in the region.
“This partnership with SANRAL is very important for the benefit of SMMEs in the City. It will allow for integration of our communities into opportunities for economic participation that come with projects by government.
“The partnership will ensure the visibility of the entity which reflects on the transformation agenda of SANRAL, but importantly it will ensure there are community-retained earnings,” said Cllr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Finance.
“The 10 Point Economic Plan that was adopted in 2016 by the City is a plan that is aimed to assist the City in the areas of economic growth and job creation,” said MMC Xhakaza.
He emphasised that entrepreneurs should take advantage of opportunities presented by implementation of the Aerotropolis Masterplan. The OR Tambo International Airport Special Economic Zone has become the epicentre of infrastructure development along the R21 freeway and presents opportunities for emerging enterprises.
Stakeholder Coordinator for SANRAL Jullesca Saul said. “We want to make our recruitment process as transparent and fair as possible. Our previous experience has taught us to adopt independent and unbiased selection processes.
“We don’t want any influencers or unfairly selected companies in our process of recruitment.”
Archie Maubane, a local entrepreneur said, “Many SMMEs are not considered in the final appointment of contractors. Can I ask that you consider black SMMEs in the projects, especially emerging entrepreneurs from poor communities.
