By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – The much-anticipated repairs to Mampoi Road have been completed, bringing relief to local residents and road users. The project, spearheaded by the South African Foundation for Empowerment Training and Innovation (SAFETI), was a ground-breaking initiative focused on skills transfer and sustainability, executed at no cost to the municipality.
Tobosela Molefe, a SAFETI engineer and native of Qwaqwa, highlighted that the region’s road infrastructure is not inherently flawed, but poor maintenance remains a persistent challenge. Speaking at the handover ceremony attended by the executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) and municipal councillors on December 10, Molefe underscored the importance of sustainable road maintenance practices.
“I am very proud of Qwaqwa and its roads because I was born and raised here. As an engineer, I can confidently say that the issue is not the roads themselves but the lack of proper maintenance. Without a comprehensive maintenance plan, even billions invested in road projects would eventually go to waste. Ten years down the line, we’d be back to square one,” Molefe emphasized.
The project doubled as a training initiative, equipping local artisans and municipal workers with advanced skills in road maintenance. Lehapa Motsoeneng from Paballong, a participant in the program, praised SAFETI for introducing a structured and scientific approach to road repairs.
Executive mayor Malekula Melato cutting the ribbon and officially opening Mampoi road after it’s repair.
“This program taught me that repairing a road isn’t just about patching it with tar. Through SAFETI, we learned to first assess the road’s base structure to ensure it’s in good condition. Only after that do we add asphalt and a water treatment agent to protect the road from water damage,” Motsoeneng explained in an interview with The Guard.
Executive mayor Malekula Melato lauded SAFETI and Molefe for their innovative approach and commitment to community development.
“After we appointed a new municipal manager (MM), Mr. Molefe approached him as a proud son of Qwaqwa, offering to repair the road free of charge. He is not a contractor but a trainer who saw an opportunity to uplift the community. Unlike contractors who often deliver subpar work without giving back, Mr. Molefe and his team have gone above and beyond,” Melato remarked.
She also commended the artisans who worked on the project, many of whom are municipal workers, for their dedication and quality craftsmanship.
Municipal Manager Motsoahae Mzwakhe Mofokeng expressed his pride in the successful completion of the project, which aligns with his goals for MAP.
“During my interview for this position, I vowed to fix this road, and today, that promise has been fulfilled. This road was in a terrible state, and seeing it repaired is truly rewarding. The team’s effort is commendable, and this project sets a benchmark for future initiatives,” Mofokeng stated.
The Mampoi Road project exemplifies how public-private collaboration, skills development, and a focus on sustainability can yield long-term benefits. As residents celebrate the road’s transformation, it also stands as a reminder of the critical importance of regular maintenance and community engagement in infrastructure projects.
Mampoi Road is now not just a symbol of improved mobility but a testament to what can be achieved when innovation and community spirit come together.
