By Melitah Madiba 
The future lies in road infrastructure network that is smart, alive to the impact of greenhouse emissions, focuses on alleviating congestion as well as reduction of road fatalities and various other crimes committed on the roads. 
"By addressing these externalities, we stand a chance to growing the economy and improving the quality of human life," remarked MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo at the Roads Evolution Africa Forum & Showcase held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex.
The event, held under the banner of Transport Evolution Africa was hosted in Durban, on Monday, 29 November 2021. 
Transport Evolution Africa, which also encompasses Roads Evolution Forum and Showcase, brought together various industry experts from organizations including the national Department of Transport, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), the Gautrain Management Agency, Transnet, Namport, the Cross Border Road Agency and Mobility Advisors to discuss key issues and opportunities the industry faces before and after the year 2022.
Held under the theme "Shaping Future Mobility for African Roads Network", the forum is an interactive, educational and networking platform to explore insights on latest developments and technologies associated with the design, construction and maintenance of roads on the continent.
MEC Mamabolo said that the evolution of the road network is largely depended on reducing greenhouse emissions with electric vehicles expected to play a key factor in de-carbonisation road network. 
He also remarked that some externalities that negatively impacted this evolution and delivery processes included community protests, disruptions by business forums, corruption, adding that projects should be transformative to attract investments.
"It is for this reason that we introduced the Transport Infrastructure House to strengthen inefficiencies and accountability. It also assists us to address challenges such as time, quality and cost-effective delivery roads infrastructure project. Leveraging on artificial intelligence and using technology such as drones to monitor progress on construction sites is of critical importance for economic growth," Mamabolo said.
Echoing MEC's sentiments, KwaZulu Natal MEC for Transport Ms Peggy Nkonyeni said that with transport as the backbone of the economy, the South African transport infrastructure should promote economic growth beyond its borders.
"The transport industry is one of the critical sectors towards growing the economy. While we are alive to the challenges that the industry faces, we remain hopeful that conference will open doors for transport opportunities in Africa. The integration of all modes of transport remains a priority and the most important factor in improving the transport sector. We need to connect other modes of transport such as rail and maritime and incorporate them into the provincial transport plans and programmes," MEC Nkonyeni elaborated. 
Nkonyeni further explained that her Department has prioritised moving cargo from road to rail to reduce congestion.
"Investing in rail infrastructure will reduce congestion on the roads and prolong the lifespan of the road infrastructure. As the province, we have adopted transport as the gateway to Africa and to the world. The province will be prioritising projects that are aimed at connecting the province with other countries," she explained.