Chapman Security Solutions and Talisman Hire Umhlali-Ballito teamed up to fix the potholes in Sheffield last Thursday.

The two businesses have launched the Community Pothole Repair Project, choosing one day each month to fix potholes and improve road safety.

Alex Chapman, CEO of Chapman Security, said they selected the busy intersection of the P228 and Sheffield Beach Road because their companies regularly use the route, which had become dangerous and was damaging vehicles.

“Although we are not pothole or road repair specialists, we thought we would tackle the major potholes where we can. We chose the Grand Exotic interchange due to the huge growth in that area,” he said.

Chapman added that several local businesses have expressed interest in supporting the initiative, and anyone wanting to sponsor tar is encouraged to drop it off at Talisman Hire Ballito.

Ballito’s Ward 30 cllr Jack Abrahams noted that while KwaDukuza municipality had been repairing potholes on local roads, the transport department – responsible for provincial and district roads – was not.

Sheffield’s Ward 22 cllr Privi Makhan echoed Abrahams’ sentiments, praising the companies for taking up the project.

“There is clear resistance from the transport department to effectively carry out pothole repairs and road markings in the area. It is encouraging to see local business stepping in for the good of the community,” she said.

Ballito’s Ward 6 cllr Ayabonga Zwane agreed that many of the potholes in his ward have been, or are being repaired, by the municipality.

“If you can drive around, you will see contractors fixing the municipal roads. The massive potholes near the Dolphin Coast Striders on Dolphin Crescent have also been fixed.”

The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN, Siboniso Duma, promised to turn around the pothole problem.

“The department had allocated R216 584 440.26 towards black top patching of potholes this year following the April 2025 budget speech.

“We apologise to residents, ratepayers’ associations and business owners. We will soon be rolling out our road networks plan for patching potholes and fixing damaged roads,” he said.

True to Duma’s word, the Transport department were seen fixing potholes on Sheffield Beach Road (P474) on Tuesday.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.