N2 Wild Coast Toll Road Development

Empowering communities through infrastructure: Zutari and SANRAL’s transformative journey along the N2 Wild Coast.

Client

SANRAL

Project date

July 2017 - Ongoing

The N2 Wild Coast Toll Road development is a strategic infrastructure initiative located in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Eastern Cape. Focused on Package 4 between the Lingeni intersection and the Msikaba Bridge, this project is part of a broader effort to stimulate economic growth and connectivity in South Africa’s rural regions.

The opportunity

Appointed by SANRAL, Zutari was entrusted with the design and construction oversight of the national route and access roads in Package 4. Beyond engineering, the project presented a unique opportunity to address unemployment and community unrest through inclusive development. The goal was to create lasting value for communities impacted by the road construction.

What we did

Zutari partnered with SANRAL to design and implement a Legacy Programme that would create lasting community empowerment beyond the road itself. Together with Africa!Ignite and Wild Coast Foods, we:

Launched a five-phase Legacy Programme supporting 14 communities.

Established WowBiz Business Development Support Centres in Vellem and Lambasi, creating permanent jobs and equipping locals with business tools.

Introduced an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to shift mindsets from job-seeking to entrepreneurship.

Brought together a diverse network of stakeholders from chiefs and municipalities to youth champions and funders to co-create solutions.

Gradually transitioned support to ensure sustainability and community ownership.

Zutari’s all-female, multi-disciplinary team worked across geographies and disciplines to ensure the project’s success.

The WowBiz Centres serve as hubs of opportunity, supporting local entrepreneurs with business registration, funding applications, and skills training.

The outcome

The Legacy Programme transformed a road project into an accelerator for long-term growth. Communities were empowered to start businesses, access funding, and participate in the tourism and economic opportunities that the new road would enable. By involving communities from the start, risks of unrest were reduced, project delays were avoided, and trust was built. Notably, the model proved adaptable and scalable, offering a blueprint for sustainable rural development in South Africa and beyond.
The N2 Wild Coast Toll Road development is a powerful example of how infrastructure can lead to inclusive growth. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, Zutari helped transform a road project into a legacy of empowerment, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

The project received international recognition at the 2023 IAP2 Core Value Awards, affirming its global significance as a model for participatory, people-centred development.

Winner: Member-at-Large Award Project of the Year

Honourable Mention: International Project of the Year

“Overall, SANRAL cannot speak highly enough about Zutari and Africa!Ignite and their contributions to this vital national strategic project. We are confident that they will continue to excel in any future endeavours they pursue. We wholeheartedly recommend them without reservation.” – Craig McLachlan, Lead Project Manager for SANRAL’s Southern Region.

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Client

Project date

The opportunity

What we did

The outcome

Related projects

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Olifants River Bridge

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