Three employees from the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) have returned from an intensive six-month training programme at Hangzhou College, School of Urban Construction in China.
Supported by the South African Government and the City of Johannesburg, in partnership with LGSETA, CCIEEC and Hangzhou Polytechnic University, the programme equips infrastructure professionals with advanced knowledge in water and sanitation, roads and transport, renewable energy and electricity.
Following a competitive selection process, JRA representatives Thembelihle Shongwe, Thuso Moeng and Tiego Mohlala completed the course and shared their experiences during a feedback session.
Moeng emphasised the programme’s strong practical focus. “We had an on-site experience on drainage systems; the university has equipment and resources which give you an on-site experience,” he explained.
Shongwe described the course as a rich learning journey covering innovative materials, cutting-edge construction technologies, asphalt production, and modern maintenance systems used across China. She noted that Johannesburg continues to face challenges such as sinkholes, embankment failures and surface defects, and highlighted the potential of geotextile (non-woven) materials to strengthen local road construction.
The cohort also explored advanced crack repair technologies successfully used in China, including crack-sealing pastes and anti-cracking treatments for base layers. While JRA currently uses thermal bonding, adopting these new methods could improve road durability and reduce costs. The group visited the Xinpu road project, where sheet steel piles were used for temporary structural support—an approach that could help address sinkhole issues in Johannesburg.
A key highlight was the Zhejiang Urban Road and Bridge Safety Online System, demonstrated by the Hangzhou Roads and Bridge Company. The system combines IoT, cloud computing and AI to monitor road infrastructure in real time, enabling automated maintenance and faster responses to defects.
Reflecting on the cultural experience, Mohlala said the trip exposed her to new traditions, beliefs and foods—jokingly recalling the surprise of tasting deep-fried bullfrog.
The trio expressed gratitude to all partners who made the opportunity possible. JRA CEO Zweli Nyathi welcomed their new insights, saying he is committed to supporting innovation within the agency. “If you come with a creative idea or suggest technologies for us to advance service delivery, I will support you,” he affirmed.
Written by Tinyiko Ngobeni