JG Afrika is proud to highlight a project that truly embodies the value of connectivity and sustainable development, the Sikhululiwe Village Access Road Project in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.
The project was officially handed over to the community on Friday, 17 October 2025, in a ceremony led by MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Mr. Thulasizwe Thomo, alongside Executive Mayor Cllr. Mhlonishwa Masilela, members of the Mayoral Committee, and Ward Councillor Iddy Mahlangu.
Implemented by Mafube Coal Mining (Pty) Ltd in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (MPDPWRT) and the Municipality, the R54 million project has transformed access to Sikhululiwe Village. JG Afrika (Pty) Ltd was appointed as the consulting engineers, with Mrs Emma Day completing the design, Resident Engineer Mr. Simon Matenzhe overseeing the technical delivery and Mr. Gert Fourie managing the contract administrative aspects of the project. All of JG Afrika (Pty) Ltd ensured compliance with design standards, quality requirements and the FIDIC Red Book contract conditions. The Contractor appointed for the works was G4 Civils.
The 3.4 km road, previously a gravel route, was the only access point to the village. During rainy seasons, it often became impassable, isolating residents and cutting off access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The newly surfaced road has changed this reality, providing safe, reliable access that supports economic activity, improves daily life, and reconnects the community with schools, clinics, and employment opportunities.
Local empowerment was central to the project. Community members were employed during construction, gaining valuable experience and contributing directly to local economic growth. The works included geometric upgrades, stormwater and drainage infrastructure, road signage, and a safer railway crossing to improve the safety of all road users.
At the handover ceremony, Mafube Coal General Manager, Ms. Tamara Qwatekana, emphasised the project’s goal of improving community well-being through strong partnerships. Executive Mayor Masilela praised the employment opportunities created and urged residents to protect the new road infrastructure, while MEC Thomo commended the collaboration between the government and the mining sector in improving transport infrastructure.
“We are encouraged to see mining houses like Mafube playing an active role in improving road infrastructure. This initiative complements our ongoing efforts to engage the mining sector in the rehabilitation and maintenance of our road network,” said MEC Thomo.
He further noted that mining operations rely heavily on public roads for the transport of coal, goods, and people, making it both logical and necessary for the sector to contribute to infrastructure sustainability.
Fully funded and constructed by Mafube Coal, a 50% joint venture between Thungela and Exxaro, under its Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) commitments, the Sikhululiwe Access Road now connects the village directly to the R104. The project stands as a powerful example of how public–private partnerships and engineering excellence can create lasting social impact.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a proud moment for all involved, symbolising not only the opening of a new road but also a new beginning for the Sikhululiwe Village community.
As MEC Thomo shared, “Our collective goal remains the promotion of responsible and sustainable practices that balance economic growth with social responsibility.”
At JG Afrika, we are honoured to have played a role in this meaningful project, one that demonstrates how thoughtful engineering and collaboration can drive progress, improve mobility, and change lives.