The final version of the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (Sanral’s) transformation policy, which is aimed at reshaping the construction and engineering sectors, will now be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

The roads agency first unveiled the draft policy in September 2017.

The new policy will set clearly-defined targets for the participation of black contractors, suppliers and professionals in all projects and procurement commissioned by Sanral.

“The transformation policy underlines that Sanral can help to build a capable and developmental State and drive economic development through the provision and maintenance of critical infrastructure.

“Through our procurement and supply chain processes we can break down monopolies, transform the construction industry and advance the broad participation of black-owned enterprises,” CEO Skhumbuzo Macozoma said on Monday.

He added that the final version of the policy has been presented to Transport Minister Dr Blade Nzimande following an extensive process of consultation with industry, contractors and professional bodies.

Sanral held roadshows and briefings in all nine provinces over a four-month period.

Some of the constructive feedback and comments that were received were incorporated in the final version.

“We addressed some of the concerns that were raised about how our policies would impact the broader construction sector – but also welcomed the broad acceptance of our commitment to transformation,” said Macozoma.

A key feature of the policy is Sanral’s commitment to facilitate the training and development of emerging contractors to enable them to achieve higher gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board, thus expanding their ability to participate in major construction tenders.

Primary contractors who tender for Sanral work will have to submit their own transformation and training policies as part of their tender submissions.

Sanral will also help to level the playing field for emerging contractors through empowerment agreements with suppliers of construction materials and equipment.

The roads agency believes this will further help to break down monopolies in the supply chains of equipment, materials, technologies and services and ensure the broad-based participation of black South Africans.

Macozoma stated that Sanral remains committed to expanding the participation of black-owned enterprises beyond the requirements set by existing legislation and industry charters and ensure that it is within what is legally allowed.

The final version of the policy provides for the phasing in of black ownership requirements over four years – moving from an initial 35% ownership to 51% at the end of the period from the date of approval of the policy by Cabinet.

The policy will also set limitations to the number of tenders that can be allocated to a single entity at both national and provincial levels.

“We are confident that through our transformation policy and new long-term strategy – Horizon 2030 – Sanral can contribute to economic growth, job creation, development and the empowerment of our citizens,” said Macozoma.