Residents appeal to Presidency over dangerous R25
Residents warn of life-threatening conditions on the R25 as calls for a long-term reconstruction plan reach the Presidency.
Residents of Moutse have called on the Presidency to urgently intervene in the long-running crisis surrounding the deteriorating R25 road.
The appeal follows a large, peaceful protest held on April 24, after repeated attempts by community representatives to engage provincial authorities failed to yield results.
In a comment from the Moutse Community Representatives and Structures Department, previously scheduled meetings with the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure, the Office of the Premier, and other stakeholders were not honoured.
Frustrated by the lack of response, the community leaders mobilised thousands of residents to demonstrate against what they described as prolonged neglect of the key route linking Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng.
In a formal letter dated April 30 addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa, also copied to Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, MEC Ernest Rachoene, and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality management, the group said it was writing under ‘urgent and exceptional circumstances’ on behalf of affected residents.
The letter outlines concerns over the dangerous condition of the R25, the lack of long-term solutions and the daily risks faced by motorists and commuters.
Residents say the current state of the road exposes them to life-threatening conditions and economic hardship.
Community members also rejected claims that the recent protest was driven by political motives or individual interests, describing such allegations as ‘inaccurate and offensive’.
Community leader Seun Mogotji said the road remains in a near-impassable condition despite repeated temporary repairs.
“Pothole patching has consistently failed, especially after rainfall, leaving residents at risk of accidents and ongoing financial strain,” Mogotji said.
He added that the community is concerned about continued spending on short-term fixes that do not provide lasting value, raising questions about accountability and the effective use of public funds.
The letter calls on Ramaphosa to direct authorities to provide a clear, time-bound reconstruction plan, ensure meaningful engagement with residents and initiate an urgent investigation into service delivery failures.
“The people of Moutse are not seeking confrontation. We are seeking safety, dignity, and accountability. The community is not the problem, the road is,” Mogotji said.
Residents gave the authorities 14 days to respond to the R25 matter during their protest on April 24. Isolated incidents of burning tyres in parts of Moutse were reported last Thursday. There have been unconfirmed reports of a massive protest planned for May 14.
