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R8 Billion N3 Upgrade: A New Chapter for Jobs, Trade, and Growth in KwaZulu-Natal
A road that shapes South Africa’s economy
Few highways carry the weight of the N3. Stretching from the Port of Durban into South Africa’s heartland and further into SADC countries, it is the busiest trade corridor in the country. Now, a R8 billion upgrade between Ashburton and Cato Ridge has been completed, marking what the ANC describes as a turning point for KwaZulu-Natal’s economy.
The project delivered new lanes to ease congestion, speed up travel times, and improve safety. For thousands of commuters and truck drivers, this stretch of road is more than tar and paint. It is a daily reminder of how infrastructure links lives, livelihoods, and regional trade.
Jobs and opportunities behind the asphalt
According to the ANC, the upgrade was about much more than traffic flow. Emerging African contractors received over R2 billion in work opportunities during the build, and thousands of jobs were created. Young people also gained access to training that will benefit them long after the ribbon-cutting.
The project stretched over four years and demanded patience from motorists and nearby communities, whose cooperation was praised as essential to its success.
A political and social milestone
ANC provincial spokesperson Fanle Sibisi said the new lanes reflect the government’s commitment to delivering tangible change despite construction challenges. His sentiment was echoed by ANC Provincial Task Team Coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu, who described the project as proof that infrastructure can transform both safety and opportunity.
“This is not just about a road,” he said. “It is about connecting people, creating jobs, and opening doors for trade and tourism.”
Why this matters for KwaZulu-Natal
Durban’s port is one of Africa’s busiest, and any improvement to the N3 directly boosts logistics, investment, and tourism in KwaZulu-Natal. Less congestion and smoother travel will not only make life easier for motorists but also strengthen the province’s role as a gateway for regional trade.
SANRAL and the Provincial Department of Transport were applauded for their engineering and management of the upgrade. Their role highlights how large-scale projects can deliver world-class results when backed by collaboration and planning.
The bigger picture
This section of the N3 is only one piece of a much larger plan. More packages of upgrades are still underway along the N3 and N2 routes, and the ANC has reaffirmed that infrastructure development remains central to improving service delivery and raising quality of life in South Africa.
For KwaZulu-Natal, the message is clear: roads are not only about getting from A to B. They are about building bridges to economic growth, opportunity, and connection.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
