Msikaba Bridge: A New Landmark in South Africa’s Eastern Cape
High above the scenic Msikaba River in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a monumental structure is steadily taking shape: the Msikaba Bridge. Stretching 580 meters across the dramatic 198-meter-deep Msikaba Gorge, this engineering marvel is set to become one of the highest bridges in Africa, surpassed only by South Africa’s Bloukrans Bridge at 216 meters and, once completed, the Mtentu Bridge at 223 meters.
The Msikaba Bridge is a crucial part of the new N2 toll road between Port Edward and Umtata, a development led by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL). The construction is being carried out by the CME Joint Venture, a local partnership between Concor and MECSA, with work commencing in 2019.
Engineering Challenges and Precision Construction
The project has now entered its most challenging phase: the construction of the pylon superstructure and the intricate deck segment lifting activities. The bridge is being constructed from both the northern and southern banks of the gorge, with each half of the structure spanning 290 meters. These identical halves will meet at the midpoint over the gorge, supported by 17 pairs of cables attached to 128-meter-high, inverted Y-shaped concrete pylons.
These pylons, currently being slip-formed, represent the backbone of the bridge. The slip-forming process involves gradually raising the concrete formwork as the pylons are constructed, with each section meticulously crafted to ensure precision. The spires of the pylons extend 95 meters from the bifurcation point, where the inclined legs converge 21 meters from the base. At its widest point, the pylon has a diameter of 6 meters, tapering to 4 meters at the top.
The depth of the Msikaba Gorge presents unique challenges, as no work can be conducted from ground level. All construction activities must be carried out suspended from the pylons, a feat that requires both engineering ingenuity and a steadfast commitment to safety.

Safety and Community Engagement
Safety has been a paramount concern throughout the project, in line with Concor’s Zero Harm policy. The site team has achieved an impressive milestone of 3.5 million Lost Time Injury Free hours as of June 2023, despite the high-risk conditions that include working at heights and exposure to significant wind loads, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h. Specialized training for working at heights is mandatory, reflecting the project’s rigorous safety protocols.
Approximately 300 workers are engaged on the bridge construction itself, with an additional 280 people involved in various community and local upliftment projects. The CME Joint Venture has committed to local empowerment, with around 70% of its workforce recruited from the surrounding area. These workers have received intensive on-site training to equip them with the skills needed for this complex project. Furthermore, around 40 local SMMEs (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) have been identified and supported as subcontractors and suppliers, further boosting the local economy.
Future Lessons and Implications
The Msikaba Bridge is more than just a landmark in the making; it is a testament to the possibilities of modern engineering in challenging environments. Once completed in the last quarter of 2024, the Msikaba Bridge will not only be the largest cable-stayed bridge in South Africa but also a symbol of progress in infrastructure development in the Eastern Cape.
The project offers valuable lessons for future large-scale construction efforts, particularly in the areas of safety management, community involvement, and the importance of precision engineering. The Msikaba Bridge’s successful completion will set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in South Africa and beyond, highlighting the critical role that meticulous planning, advanced technology, and a strong commitment to safety and community engagement play in achieving engineering excellence.
As we look forward to the completion of this engineering marvel, the Msikaba Bridge stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when local expertise, international best practices, and a vision for the future converge.
10 thoughts on “WORKING AT HEIGHTS”
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