Ramaphosa hands over new bridges to boost connectivity in KwaMhlanga’s Thembisile Hani Municipality

By Akani Nkuna

President Cyril Ramaphosa has handed over four new bridges in KwaMhlanga’s Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.

The bridges were constructed under the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme, a collaboration between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the South African National Defence Force.

Speaking to residents at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, Ramaphosa highlighted the impact of poor transport infrastructure, which has long hindered access to workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and urban centers for rural communities.

“In some cases, what would normally be a quick journey takes double the time because there is no bridge,” said Ramaphosa.

“As government, we have heard your call for this issue to be addressed. This has been particularly difficult in areas near or separated by water sources like rivers or streams. When the rains come or there are heavy floods, crossing becomes difficult and dangerous … As the seventh