The Minister of Transport, Ms Barbara Creecy, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development, improving road safety and unlocking economic opportunities during an inspection of N2 Improvement Project in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.
The massive infrastructure investment, implemented through the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), is set to transform one of South Africa’s most important economic corridors while creating much needed employment, empowering local businesses and improving connectivity between communities and key economic centres.
Accompanied by the Premier of Mpumalanga Honourable Mandla Ndlovu, the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport Mr Thulasizwe Thomo, and other provincial and local government representatives, the Minister assessed progress on the ambitious project, which spans 150.7 kilometres across five construction packages.
The N2, stretching approximately 2,255 kilometres from Cape Town to Ermelo, is South Africa’s longest continuous national route. It serves as a critical economic artery, linking major cities, ports, mining operations and production centres while facilitating freight movement, tourism and regional trade.
The upgrade will transform sections of the route into a divided dual carriageway, improve intersections and access points, strengthen bridges and culverts, and enhance overall road safety and traffic flow.
Beyond improving road infrastructure, the project is already making a meaningful contribution to local economic development.
To date, 2,193 jobs have been created, a further 919 people have received training, equipping them with valuable skills and enhancing their future employment prospects.
Local enterprises are also benefiting significantly from the investment with almost 250 businesses contracted to participate in the programme.
The Minister emphasised that infrastructure development must go beyond constructing roads and deliver lasting socioeconomic benefits to communities.
“The Department of Transport and SANRAL are turning our transport mandate into visible, measurable delivery: safer and more reliable roads, improved mobility, lower congestion and travel costs, more efficient freight movement, and real opportunities for workers and local enterprises,” said the Minister
Four of the five construction packages are currently underway, with a combined contract value of R12.65 billion.
The construction programme covers sections between the KwaZulu-Natal border and Camden, passing through areas including Piet Retief, Verzameling and Leiden.
Minister Creecy reiterated the importance of maintaining construction momentum, strengthening accountability and ensuring value for public investment.
A key feature of the N2 Improvement Programme is its focus on community development and inclusive participation.
The Minister concluded by emphasising that the programme represents tangible progress in government’s infrastructure delivery agenda.