Statement of the Department of Transport on recent developments at SANRAL

10 May 2012

The Department of Transport has noted speculation around recent developments at the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

We commend the Board of Directors of the South African National Road Agency Ltd (SANRAL) for working swiftly to provide leadership and clarity following the announcement of the resignation of the current CEO.

The Board must be given space and the necessary support as they work towards ensuring that SANRAL continues to deliver quality road networks to the people of South Africa.

They will within a reasonable period of time undertake a thorough process of finding a suitable candidate to steer SANRAL forward.

We express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Nazir Alli for his contribution to the success of SANRAL over the years.

As indicated in our last statement on this issue, we have not been made aware of the reasons behind Mr. Alli's decision to leave the agency. We respect his decision and wish him well with his future endeavours.

We are confident that the Board will give the necessary support and guidance to the acting CEO designate Mr Koos Smit.

"We wish to congratulate Mr Smit and wish him all of the best in this critical position. We assure taxpayers, relevant stakeholders, the Board of SANRAL and staff of OUR unqualified support for the agency during this period and beyond. SANRAL is a very critical agency of our government and nation at large. It is responsible for 18 000 kms of the country's road network. Roads are our nation's lifeblood," says Minister Ndebele.

Statement issued by Tiyani Rikhotso, Department of Transport, May 10 2012

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