Tag Archives: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works

Makatong extends a helping hand in Mandela Day celebration   

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

21 July 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong led a series of impactful community upliftment projects across Kimberley in commemoration of International Mandela Day. Makatong said they did that under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.”

Makatong emphasised that Mandela Day is not about rhetoric, but about meaningful action. She further said service is not about speeches, but about showing up, rolling up our sleeves and making a difference where it matters most.

“Today, we lead by example and take action to restore dignity, fight poverty and uplift the most vulnerable among us. The day began in Freesia Street, Roodepan, where the delegation intervened to assist the Afrika family, a household of 11 individuals living in a cramped two-bedroom home.

“The department partnered with the community to paint and refurbish the home. We also install new ceilings and doors, including extending the lounge area by laying new tiles to create a safer, warmer environment,” added Makatong.

She said they are not just building walls, but restoring dignity, privacy, and hope. Makatong said they are also investing in the future at local crèches.

“The delegation also visited Kgatelopele, Little Star and Wonderland Crèches, collectively serving over 50 children, some as young as 9 months. These early learning centres received refreshed and cleaned facilities. They received donations of essential learning and play equipment. These are our affirmation of our critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty.

“These centres are the heartbeat of our future. Supporting them is an investment in our children’s dreams. We also brought comfort to an elderly in Platfontein. In Platfontein, the team concluded the day of impact by restoring the dignity of Gogo Elia Shimite (93), whose home lacked basic insulation and safety features,” she said.

Makatong said her department assisted by renovating the structure, installing new windows and a proper roof, building a fireplace, including adding a new electrical meter. She said Shimite now has a warm, safe home to live out her golden years with dignity and pride.

“As Mandela Day reminds us each year, making every day a Mandela Day means turning compassion into action. Tata Madiba reminded us that what counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.

“Let us continue to serve, uplift and restore dignity. It is still in our hands,” concluded Makatong.

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Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong urges public to be cautious after unusual rainfall

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong

By REGINALD KANYANE

5 May 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong said the province has experienced unusually high rainfall this season, which is a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change and the increased frequency of extreme weather events like thunderstorms and flash floods. Makatong said the Namakwa District, particularly the Kamiesberg Municipality, has been severely affected.

She further said key access roads in areas such as Kamasies (DR2951), Rooifontein (DR2951), Nourivier/Platbakkies (DR2944), Roodekloof (DR2944), and Rooiwal (OG110), have sustained significant damage. Makatong added that the bridge leading to Kamasies has been completely washed away, while blocked culverts are making access extremely difficult.

“Urgent intervention is required. The department is concerned about the community of Kamasies, which is currently isolated and unable to access essential services or reach the economic hub of Springbok.

“In response, we are constructing a bypass route from Kamasies to Rooifontein, adjacent to the original road. The public will be notified as soon as this route is safe for use. To address this unfolding situation, we have convened an emergency meeting with the Namakwa District Municipality, Kamiesberg Local Municipality, Disaster Management teams, and the Namakwa Roads Forum,” she said.

Makatong said the outcome was a firm commitment to collaborative action. She said immediate interventions include blading, spot re-gravelling and stabilisation of low-water crossings using culverts, cement slabs and gabions.

“We are working closely with the district to compile a comprehensive damage report in support of declaring a disaster area. This declaration is vital to unlock the resources needed to expedite repairs and recovery.

“A specialised team of engineers and technicians has been deployed to conduct thorough damage assessments. Despite muddy and waterlogged conditions, teams are working tirelessly, transporting materials, blading roads and constructing temporary detours,” said Makatong.

She said some progress has been reversed due to continued rain, but recovery efforts are ongoing. Makatong said their engineers will continue their assessments in the coming days.

“This work is essential to determining the scale of funding and technical support required. We are focused on finalising the disaster declaration report to unlock national and provincial aid.

“Looking to the future, the department is committed to building back better. This is not just about restoration, it’s about resilience. We will invest in sustainable, climate-smart infrastructure that can better withstand future shocks,” she said.

Makatong also extended her appreciation to the people of Namakwa for their patience, resilience, and cooperation. She said her department urges community members to assist by reporting dangerous road conditions, including photos and GPS locations, via the Roads WhatsApp Line at 066 581 5626.

“Residents are also encouraged to remain cautious around heavy machinery and to stay updated through local radio stations and the official Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works Facebook page.

“This is a shared effort, together; we will rebuild, recover, and emerge stronger. In the Nama Khoi Municipal area, roads such as Droedap Road (DR2951), Wildeperdehoek Pass (DR2952), Concordia/Goodhouse Road (DR2958) and Goodhouse/Witbank Road (DR3251), also suffered extensive damage,” said Makatong.

She said in the Hantam Municipal area near Calvinia, affected roads include, Losperplaas Road (DR2948), Brandvlei/Katkop Road (DR2976), Granaatboskolk Road (DR2972) and Bonekraal Road (DR2275).

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Makatong: “Northern Cape govt committed to economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development”

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Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

11 March 2025- The Northern Cape MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong said during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) debate in Kimberley on Tuesday, that the provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. Makatong said on 23 January 2025, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa, signed the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 into law and that is a significant milestone in the nation’s history.

“This Act is a crucial step toward land reform and rectifying historical injustices, ensuring that land expropriation aligns with the constitutional imperatives of justice and equity.

“The construction sector continues to be a critical driver of economic development, with the provincial government having completed 50 capital building projects and upgraded over 105 000km of roads in the past five years,” she said.

Makatong further said the Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including the Namakwa SEZ, are driving industrialization and employment, particularly in the renewable energy sector. She added that the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP), remains a pillar of employment creation, with over 95 689 jobs created in the past five years, representing 92% of the provincial target.

“Looking ahead, the government aims to create 153 427 jobs, prioritizing youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Skills development remains key with 2167 beneficiaries trained in technical trades from 2020/21 to 2023/24,” said Makatong.

She said the provincial road network is critical to the economic and social mobility and will continue to benefit from strategic investments. Makatong said the province has seen substantial progress, with 4470km of roads managed by SANRAL, and an additional 350km set for transfer in the 2025/26 financial year.

“Key projects include the Laxey-Heuningvlei Road Upgrade (MR974 & DR3497), which is set for phased implementation. The project will create 78 job opportunities and is expected to be completed in July 2026.

“The Sutherland-Calvinia Road Upgrade (MR567), which enhances regional trade and connectivity, with phase 1 completed and phase 2 underway. Also, the establishment of SANRAL’s new offices in Kimberley will strengthen the partnership with the province,” she said.

Makatong said the Northern Cape Provincial Government remains committed to delivering 60 000 new jobs over the next five years. She said under the EPWP, 23 740 work opportunities were created in the 2023/24 financial year, exceeding the annual target by 109%.

“The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works, played a vital role, achieving 99% of its set goal with 12 769 work opportunities generated. To address evolving labour market needs, 2167 beneficiaries received training in critical fields such as diesel mechanics, welding, refrigeration, and rigging,” said Makatong.

She said these efforts align with the broader government strategy to enhance employment and economic inclusivity. According to Makatong, infrastructure development remains a top priority under the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

“The province completed 50 capital infrastructure projects, with 30 more currently under construction. Land transformation also remains integral, with 40 land parcels identified and 12 disposals finalized to promote integrated settlement growth.

“The provincial government is unwavering in its commitment to inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and job creation,” she said.

Makatong said as the province advances toward a modern, growing, and successful Northern Cape, strategic investments in infrastructure and employment initiatives will continue to drive progress and development.

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