Residents and commuters are raising alarms over the R563 sinkhole near the N14 intersection, which has remained unrepaired for almost a year.

The road’s closure in October has forced thousands of motorists onto a 22km daily detour via Sterkfontein Caves Road and Kromdraai Road, both of which are now deteriorating rapidly under the increased traffic. Trucks are also forced to take a further detour of over 30km via the R400 Maropeng road and the R24–N14 route.

Community advocate and business manager Deon van Heerden, who commutes daily from Weaver’s Roost near Hekpoort to Roodepoort, described the situation as more than just an inconvenience.

“We are living in the kingdom of potholes and sinkholes, and nothing is being done to stop the decay,” he said, adding that the closure is a public safety hazard, an economic burden, and a disgraceful reflection of government neglect.

• Also read: Sinkhole danger: Avoid R563 towards Hekpoort, warns councillor

Key facts:

• The R563 remains closed indefinitely due to sinkhole risks, with trenches used to block access instead of repairs
• Daily detours add to increasing travel time, fuel costs, and vehicle wear
• Other arterial roads are deteriorating under heavy traffic, riddled with potholes and structural failures
• No emergency maintenance has been carried out despite repeated public complaints

Public demands:

• Immediate transparency: Release geotechnical reports explaining why no repair plan has been implemented
• Emergency roadworks: Resurface and stabilise Sterkfontein and Kromdraai roads, as well as the R400 (Maropeng) and R24 (Tarlton) roads
• Clear timelines: Commit to deadlines for repairing or rerouting the R563 corridor
• Accountability: Identify responsible officials and hold them accountable for this prolonged failure

Mogale City Local Municipality’s senior communications practitioner, Tendani Shavani, confirmed in November that the sinkhole had worsened over time, forcing the municipality to close the road indefinitely. The Krugersdorp News reached out to Mogale City for further updates, but no response had been provided by the time of publication. Their feedback will be published once received.