Kimberley
The Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works has concluded its five-district Yellow Fleet rollout with the handover of two graders and two four-ton road maintenance trucks to the Frances Baard District today, 26 October 2026.
The handover marks the final leg of the district rollout following handovers in John Taolo Gaetsewe, ZF Mgcawu, Namakwa and Pixley ka Seme. It forms part of the Department’s R98 million provincial Yellow Fleet investment to strengthen road maintenance capacity and improve service delivery.
MEC for Roads and Public Works, Mr Bentley Vass, was accompanied by the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Municipality, Cllr Martha Bartlett; Mayor of Magareng Municipality, Cllr Neo Mase; Mayor of Phokwane Municipality, Cllr Willem Harmse; and Executive Mayor of Dikgatlong Municipality, Cllr Joyce Tshwanagae.
When handing over the machinery to operators, MEC Vass emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the Department and municipalities to improve road conditions and ensure that public investment delivers tangible benefits for communities.
“Our residents experience the road network as one journey, even when that journey crosses roads managed by different authorities. This makes cooperation essential. The Department and municipalities must coordinate their plans and translate that cooperation into practical work on the ground,” said MEC Vass.
The two graders will strengthen gravel road maintenance through blading and reshaping, while the maintenance trucks will support the movement of personnel, tools and materials to work sites.
MEC Vass said the investment must be measured by its contribution to safer travel, reliable access to essential services and the movement of goods.
“Behind every grader stands a community waiting for a better road: a farmer transporting produce, a worker travelling before sunrise, a grandmother collecting her grandchildren and learners who need safe routes to school. The value of this investment will be measured in their daily journeys,” he said.
Welcoming the investment on behalf of municipalities, Cllr Bartlett highlighted the importance of coordinated action across all spheres of government.
“This is more than the provision of yellow fleet; it is an investment in our communities and a commitment to improving the quality of our infrastructure. Through a coordinated approach between all spheres of government, municipalities can contribute meaningfully towards better roads and improved service delivery,” said Cllr Bartlett.
The Northern Cape’s vast distances, challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions place considerable demands on its road network. The additional equipment will strengthen the Frances Baard District’s capacity to undertake planned maintenance and respond to identified road maintenance needs.
MEC Vass stressed that effective deployment must be supported by clear maintenance schedules, trained operators, sound supervision and accurate operational records.
“These machines are public assets, purchased with public money for a public purpose. Their deployment, operation and maintenance must reflect that responsibility. A machine standing idle when it should be working is a service delayed,” said MEC Vass.
He called for preventative maintenance, prompt reporting of faults and timely servicing to protect the investment and minimise disruptions to road maintenance operations. He further emphasised the importance of preparing for seasonal pressures, including maintaining drainage systems and keeping culverts clear.
Through the District Development Model, the Department will continue working with municipalities to align priorities, strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and translate infrastructure plans into practical improvements for communities.
Concluding the handover, MEC Vass called on district teams to sustain the momentum of the provincial rollout.
“We close the handover programme today. The work these machines were purchased to perform must now gather momentum. Today, we hand over the keys. From here, we must deliver the results,” he said.
