President Cyril Ramaphosa has handed over four bridges built in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

He has called on communities to play a meaningful role in protecting infrastructure.

The Public Works and Infrastructure Department together with the South African National Defence Force, built the bridges under the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme.

Addressing residents at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, President Ramaphosa states that the programme is also teaching young people new skills.

“You must come out of that with a skill. Like these three young people who stood here, they now have a skill. They can now take that skill and go and get a job permanently. They can now take that skill and utilize it in the community. Where their skill can be utilized, to stop soil erosion, even to build even smaller bridges where the community can get involved.”

The Welisizwe bridges are a key investment in community Infrastructure and are giving people dignity, access to opportunities for education and work. pic.twitter.com/YbGhQurIoe

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 11, 2024

Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme | President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges project intends to build over 280 bridges in rural communities in the next three years to the tune of over R3 billion.

The bridges are seen as part of the government’s investment in rural infrastructure to improve access and connectivity.

The government says it is restoring dignity in rural communities with one bridge at a time.

[JOBS CREATED]: The building of bridges in rural areas creates work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Over and above the EPWP job opportunities, 136 artisans and professionals will be given experiential learning opportunities on bridge… pic.twitter.com/y7AdtuJrKb

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 11, 2024