The D3754 road project linking Bungeni–Tshiphuseni and De Hoop–Nkuzana has resumed following a temporary halt imposed by the Department of Labour over non-compliance issues. Work resumed two weeks ago.
In April, residents raised concerns that when the project was introduced, it was communicated that both affected tribal councils would be represented and benefit from job opportunities. However, they say this has not materialised.
According to Road Agency Limpopo’s (RAL) Annual Performance Plan for 2025/26, the project was scheduled to run from 3 July 2022 to 2 December this year, with a total allocation of approximately R8 million.
Nwaxinyamani residents allege that most jobs and subcontracting opportunities have been awarded to people from one area, leaving others excluded.
They also say the project steering committee, which is meant to represent the community and oversee communication, is dominated by one tribal council, raising concerns about fairness in decision-making.
Task team spokesperson Nditsheni Musandiwa said the process has now been corrected following community concerns.
“Now everything is going properly and they are following what was of concern to us. They have visited all traditional councils. This will make the hiring process balanced and our people are now happy,” he said.
Following a report by this newspaper last month, RAL confirmed that the temporary suspension of the contract was not initiated by the agency but was ordered by the Department of Labour as part of regulatory oversight.
“The project in question has been temporarily halted following the identification of non-compliance issues by the Department of Labour. We wish to clarify that RAL did not initiate the suspension of the project,” said RAL spokesperson Luyanda Sithole.
Sithole said the agency has engaged the relevant authorities and is awaiting final clearance before full compliance approval is granted for work to continue on site.
“We are currently engaging with the relevant authorities and awaiting official clearance from the Department of Labour. Work will resume once all compliance requirements have been satisfactorily addressed and approval has been granted,” the agency said.
The agency added that it remains committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and the safe and efficient completion of the project.