By Phumelele Mkhonta
Inyatsi Group Holdings, which has morphed into a solutions provider in many economic fronts, continues to be the standard bearer in private-public partnerships (PPPs) for the African continent following the seamless delivery of the E647 million Gege-Sicunusa road project.
It was gathered that, other than the one delivered by Inyatsi Construction, there is only one other PPP arrangement in the African continent where a private sector company successfully delivered a turnkey product, complete with the provision of finance and construction.
This is testament to Inyatsi’s solid position as a world-class company with a firm foundation, and the confidence that the world’s financiers have on Eswatini’s investment climate, policy framework and stability.
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Another historic milestone has been achieved by Inyatsi, as the 42-kilometre road is built according to First World standards, utilising state-of-the-art materials and techniques, to be constructed in Eswatini.
This transpired yesterday during a press conference hosted by Inyatsi Group at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Mbabane. Present during the briefings was Inyatsi Construction Chief Executive Officer Derrick Shiba, who doubled as a moderator, Inyatsi Construction Managing Director Sandile Mhlanga,
People and Culture Executive Phindile Matsebula, Inyatsi Group Holdings CEO Paul Lwiindi, Lidwala Managing Director Dr Thokozani Nkambule, and Maloma Colliery Chief Executive Officer Jabu Shabangu.
During the briefing, Shiba, who made an introductory statement, was ecstatic to declare the 42-kilometre Gege-Sicunusa road project successfully completed- stating that this marked a significant milestone not only for Inyatsi, but for the country at large.
“What we have delivered is a first world product in line with His Majesty King Mswati III’s Vision,” stated the CEO.
In his introductory deliberation, Shiba further said the over 40-years experienced construction company was under the stewardship of Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu, whom with a committed team of dedicated leaders, was proud to announce the completion of the aforementioned first-world project.
The CEO highlighted, and emphasised on the fact that the road was built using first world technologies- hence the perfected smooth product- giving a pleasant drive.
Giving the quantifiable specks of the road, Sandile Mhlanga, the Managing Director at Inyatsi Construction, clearly detailed that the road was 42 kilometre long, servicing three border gates in the country.
“The road has three traffic circles and two long bridges at Mkhondvo River (150 metres long) and Ndlotane River (70 metre long).
The road also services three border posts along it and they are Sicunusa, Gege and Mahamba,” Mhlanga gave the details.
Giving more numeric details, the Managing Director further revealed that the project included a bus rank which was established and this bus rank was located within Zheng Yhong, FTM and Hoes textile factories.
“This bus rank will service over 5,000 employed people and another 2,500 on the completion of the Johnson factory shell,” the MD described.
He went on to detail that the road has cut journey time by approximately one hour and created a viable option for travel to Nhlangano from the north of the country.
“It is also worth mentioning that the drive provides a scenic route to some of the best natural habitats that the Kingdom gas to offer,” he said.
Inyatsi Group’s People and Culture Executive Phindile Matsebula’s discussion on the human resource execution on the project revealed that over 8,000 livelihoods were positively impacted.
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The people who got employed, directly and indirectly, for the Gege-Sicunusa project, were the Mgazini, Nsukuza, KaMzizi, Mlindazwe, Tsambekwako, Mashobeni and Simemeni Imiphakatsi.
“As per the Inyatsi policy, we recruit people from the community, so they could also benefit
“For the duration of the contract, over 800 people directly employed by the project- providing a positive livelihood to over 8000 people.
ver 50 local subcontractors who employ an average of 30 local people were engaged and over 1000 local suppliers benefited from the project.
“We sourced the majority of the products used such as cement, reinforcing steel, shuttering, consumables, oils, spares, service units, catering and workwear.
A number of business opportunities have been created for the community,” narrated the People and Culture Executive.
Detailing employees’ wellness, she said they offered a holistic employee wellness program and subsidised lunch meals.
“Our values of Agility, Accountability, Commitment, Teamwork, Embracing Change, are at the core of project execution and delivery and allow for our project to be successfully delivered on time.”
