Sanral’s
South Africa’s roads agency has come under fire for its lack of openness after quietly bringing back two senior executives from suspension without explaining why they were sidelined in the first place. The chief procurement officer and chief audit executive were placed on precautionary leave in late October 2025, only to return to their roles weeks later. This move has raised eyebrows, especially as the agency faces heavy criticism over a halted R1.57-billion tender for a major road project, dogged by claims of irregularities and a court challenge. Civil society groups are calling for more accountability, arguing that poor handling of public funds erodes trust in key infrastructure work that affects everyday South Africans.
The story highlights ongoing issues in government contracting, where delays and disputes often leave roads in poor shape and communities waiting for better links. As Sanral pushes ahead with big projects to fix the country’s transport network, questions about how tenders are awarded and managed are growing louder, pushing for reforms to ensure fair play and value for money.
The Suspensions and Sudden Return: No Reasons Given
Sanral confirmed on 31 October 2025 that its chief procurement officer, Peter Fortuin, and chief audit executive, Zolisa Zwakala, had been placed on precautionary suspension effective from 27 October 2025. At the time, the agency said it was part of internal processes but gave no further details. Insiders suggested the moves were tied to alleged interference in tender awards, but Sanral dismissed this as guesswork.
Just weeks later, by mid-November 2025, both officials were back at work, with Sanral again staying tight-lipped. When asked, a spokesperson said the agency would not comment on the outcome of its internal probe or the reasons for the reinstatement. This silence has frustrated many, who see it as a lack of openness in handling public money. Fortuin and Zwakala, who joined Sanral in recent years—Zwakala within the last two—their roles are key to ensuring fair buying and checking of major contracts.
Precautionary suspensions are meant to protect investigations, but without clear reasons for starting or ending them, it leaves room for doubt. In South Africa’s public sector, such moves often signal deeper problems, like those seen in other state firms where leaders face graft claims. Here, the quick return without explanation has led some to question if the probe found nothing or if pressure led to a quiet fix.
The R1.57-Billion Masekwaspoort Tender: Irregularities and Court Halt
The suspensions are widely believed to link to Sanral’s handling of the R1.57-billion tender for upgrading the Masekwaspoort Viaduct on the R518 in Limpopo. Awarded in late 2024 to a joint venture between China Communications Construction Company and M Civils, the contract aimed to improve a key road section, boosting safety and trade in the area.
But soon after, rival bidder Hillary Construction launched a court challenge, alleging flaws in the process, including non-compliance with rules and irregularities in how the winning bid was picked. In February 2025, Sanral suspended the contract pending a probe, and a high court order in September 2025 made this official after finding issues in the adjudication.
Sanral’s internal check uncovered problems in how the tender was scored and awarded, leading to the halt. The project, part of efforts to fix ageing bridges and roads, remains on hold, costing time and money. Limpopo communities, who rely on the R518 for daily travel and goods transport, face ongoing risks from the outdated viaduct, known for its steep drops and heavy truck traffic.
This case fits a pattern at Sanral, where tenders often face disputes. For example, a R1.57-billion contract for the R61 upgrade from All Saints to Baziya in the Eastern Cape also drew scrutiny over bidder eligibility, with one partner’s registration inactive at award time. Such issues raise flags about oversight and fairness in handing out billions in public funds.
Civil Society’s Outcry: Demands for Accountability and Blacklisting
Civil society groups have slammed Sanral’s handling, saying the lack of transparency hurts public trust in road projects vital for economic growth. “Poor governance threatens public confidence in South Africa’s key road infrastructure projects,” critics argue, pointing to how delays leave pothole-riddled roads and unsafe bridges.
Calls for blacklisting non-performing contractors have grown, with some linking the suspensions to broader procurement woes. In a related NCOP oversight visit in the Free State, abandoned water projects cost R42 million, leading to demands for barring unreliable firms. Similar pushes at Sanral could prevent future fiascos, ensuring only capable companies win bids.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has long flagged Sanral tenders for potential corruption, urging probes into awards that favour certain players. With South Africa’s infrastructure backlog at trillions of rands, transparent processes are key to fixing roads that support trade, tourism, and daily commutes.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Read more⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://centralnews.co.za/central-news-weekly-edition-issue-116-download-the-latest-print-and-e-edition-headline-jacob-zuma-welcomes-tonyyengeni-to-mk-party-as-second-deputy-president-in-major-leadership-shake-up/
Read all our publications on magzter:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : [email protected]
For Business Related:
[email protected]
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: [email protected]
General Info:
[email protected]
Office Administrator:
[email protected]
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
.
