AfriForum Centurion has launched a pothole repair initiative on Dortrecht Street in Eldoraigne after responding to a request from Hoërskool Eldoraigne.
According to branch chairperson Andre de Bruyn, the project began on May 5 and focuses on repairing 16 potholes in front of the school entrance.
He said the initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader efforts to tackle Centurion’s infrastructure crisis.
“Our repair team consists of six men between the ages of 20 and 63. They are very well trained and have successfully repaired potholes all over Centurion in the last five years,” he said.
De Bruyn said the team is expected to complete all 16 repairs within three days, relying on tried-and-tested methods to ensure long-lasting results.
“We normally cut the potholes into a nice square, remove all loose material like sand, rocks, and old tar, then clean the hole thoroughly.”
He said the team then primes the cleaned pothole with an SS60 anionic bitumen emulsion sealer, adds a cold mix asphalt from 25kg bags, compacts it, and seals the edges to keep water out.
“The preparation part is the most important, and if it’s not properly done, you’re for sure going to have to redo it.
“The pothole problem in Centurion is completely out of hand and has prompted us to start building a full-time team equipped with its own vehicle, trailer and tools.”
De Bruyn said the initiative is sustained through voluntary monthly contributions from community members.
“We’re building these teams for the community, with the help of the community,” he said.
He added the deteriorating state of public infrastructure is what continues to drive their work.
“Our city is in big trouble. We’re all paying rates and taxes, but there are no services. There are multiple dead streetlights, overgrown areas, illegal dumping, and vandalism of infrastructure is a never-ending story,” said De Bruyn.
“We can’t sit around and not do anything if we can do it ourselves.”
The Centurion branch does not prioritise areas for repairs but responds to requests from the community and its work is based on financial capacity.
“We have no preference. When potholes are reported to the metro and nothing happens, we take the request and work the list down,” said De Bruyn.
The organisation’s initiatives have gained significant support over the years.
“Five years ago, we had 300 members on our Facebook page. Today we have nearly 14 000 members, businesses and supporters,” he said.
De Bruyn said the challenges they have previously faced have only strengthened their resolve.
“We never stopped; in fact, it made us more determined to double the pace.”
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, De Bruyn noted the improvements in road safety.
“I believe we’ve saved multiple vehicles from damage. We’ve seen how motorists swerve to avoid potholes, sometimes straight into oncoming traffic.”
The branch plans to expand its operations and is currently in the market for larger premises to house its growing collection of equipment.
In July last year, it also led similar initiatives in Valhalla and The Reeds repairing potholes, using over 900kg of tar.
At the time, the team responded to community calls to remove garden waste, clean facilities, and tackle illegal dumping sites.
In Valhalla, they cleared 400kg of rubbish from Klibbe Road after residents reported suspicious nighttime activity in the neglected area.
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