President Cyril Ramaphosa
Mkhambathini, KwaZulu-Natal – President Cyril Ramaphosa proudly handed over new bridges as part of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme in Mkhambathini, emphasizing the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity in rural areas. In line with the objectives set forth in the 2023 State of the Nation Address, these efforts are vital to enhancing the safety, well-being, and access for rural communities.
The ceremony on Wednesday marked the completion of 11 bridges in the region, with a nationwide initiative underway to construct at least 96 bridges in the 2023/24 financial year. To date, 58 bridges are being built, tackling the urgent need for secure river crossings and responding to the challenges posed by climate change and frequent flooding.
President Ramaphosa asserted that these bridges are essential, not only as lifelines for individuals navigating rivers daily but also as catalysts for local economic growth and employment. The bridges, he noted, will facilitate safer and more reliable access to healthcare, education, commerce, and government services.
Under the Expanded Public Works Programme, local unemployment was addressed through job creation at the bridge construction sites, involving community members in the process. The initiative also employed the expertise of SANDF engineers and artisans, contributing to the workforce with specialized skills like welding and groundworks.
The President praised the programme for bolstering skills development by engaging graduates in diverse roles including project management and maintenance and offering positions as assistant engineers and candidate construction project managers. Additionally, he highlighted the economic stimulus provided to local businesses, which supplied materials necessary for the bridges’ construction.
Reflecting on South Africa’s history, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the systemic neglect of infrastructure development in predominantly black rural communities during colonial and apartheid eras. He emphasized the commitment to correct historical imbalances and combat persistent poverty and inequality.
As the President called upon residents to safeguard these new structures, he envisioned a future where children and elders could cross rivers safely and communities could prosper without the barriers of the past. The provision of improved infrastructure is a step toward leaving a proud and unified legacy for future South Africans.
President Ramaphosa’s closing words underscored the spirit of progress and unity: “Today, the children of these areas can safely cross flooded rivers and attend school. Today, our grandparents can safely travel to health care facilities or to access government services.”
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