President to launch Welisizwe Rural Bridges in KwaZulu-Natal

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, lead the launch of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges initiative in Umgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. 

This collaborative effort between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) aims to construct 96 bridges during the 2023/2024 financial year, as outlined in the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

Highlighting the pivotal role of infrastructure in rural development, the President emphasised in the State of the Nation Address the importance of roads and bridges in providing access to markets, employment opportunities, and essential social services for South Africans in remote areas. 

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is poised for expansion, targeting the delivery of 96 bridges annually over a period of three years, with the South African National Defence Force showcasing its engineering expertise in bridge construction.

Derived from the Nguni word meaning "to assist the nation in crossing over," Welisizwe represents a strategic Integrated Project (SIP) under the sixth administration. 

Collaborative efforts between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Defence have already commenced implementation in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and North West.

These bridges are essential in addressing the challenges faced by citizens and children who previously navigated perilous rivers to access schools and essential social services. 

Details of the launch are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, 31 January 2024
Time: 14h00
Venue: Ngilanyoni Sportfield, Ward 7, Mkhambathini Municipality, Umgungundlovu District, KZN

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa - media@presidency.gov.za 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria