R180m ‘security wall’ planned for N2 in Cape Town, SANRAL weighs in

The City of Cape Town has confirmed plans to erect a so-called “security wall” along a stretch of the N2 near the Cape Town International Airport, as the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) says it is not aware of, nor involved in, the proposal.

The decision follows a series of violent crimes, like smash-and-grab incidents, on that road as well as roads leading to it, with the recent murder of 64-year-old Karin Van Aardt having renewed pressure on the authorities to act.

In response to a SmileFM query, the City said it intends to build the wall around the airport, adding that it is estimated to cost R180 million to do so. It further noted that the proposal is still in its early stages and tied to future budget planning.

“The City is currently preparing its capital budget for the next Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework. More details will be available by the time of the budget tabling in March.”

The City acknowledged that the N2 is not its primary responsibility but notes that it is “committed to ensuring it is done”.

“The N2 is a national road and SANRAL and the Provincial government are responsible for the upkeep of the road like footbridges, fencing, median maintenance etc. However, the City is planning for a security wall.”

Meanwhile, according to SANRAL spokesperson, Lwando Mahlasela, the agency does not manage the full stretch of road in question.

“The portion of N2 between the CTIA area to Raapenberg Interchange (N2/M5) falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, and the portion of N2 from Raapenberg Interchange (M5) into the city centre falls under the City of Cape Town jurisdiction,” he said.

Mahlasela further clarified that its jurisdiction of the N2 in the city only starts just before the Swartklip Interchange (N2/R300) eastwards.

He also confirmed that SANRAL has not been consulted on the construction of the wall.

“SANRAL has not been engaged by the City of Cape Town on the proposed wall. It is not clear on who’s jurisdiction of the N2 the wall being referred will be built,” he said.

Nonetheless, Mahlasela noted that SANRAL supports physical barriers in principle, saying they are critical for road safety and managing pedestrian activity.

Several political parties have welcomed the proposal of the security wall, but some note that it’s a short-term safety measure and others criticise it as inadequate and symbolic amid escalating violent crime along airport-bound routes.