AfriForum repairs 21 potholes in Eldoraigne
Initially, 16 potholes were earmarked for repairs; however, the team expanded the scope while on-site.
AfriForum Centurion has completed repairs to 21 potholes on Dortrecht Street in Eldoraigne.
Branch chairperson André de Bruyn said the project began earlier this month following a request from Hoërskool Eldoraigne.
He stated that the team started working on May 5 and finished three days later, just in time for the school’s major Classic Clash event on May 17.
De Bruyn explained that the school had approached AfriForum concerning the deteriorating road surface outside its Willem Botha Street entrance.
“We received the request and immediately got to work measuring the potholes, preparing the materials, and mobilising the team,” De Bruyn said.
Initially, 16 potholes were earmarked for repairs; however, the team expanded the scope while on-site.
“We decided to go the extra mile and fix five more in front of nearby complexes and along the sidewalk. In total, we repaired 21 potholes using 1 825kg of tar.”
He praised the dedication of his team, which consists of both long-standing and newer members.
“They don’t hesitate to take on challenges, whether big or small; they tackle them head-on,” he said.
“The state of our roads is shocking, with hundreds of potholes across Centurion.”
De Bruyn explained that the repairs followed a standard but well-honed process.
“This included cutting the hole square, ensuring a uniform depth, cleaning it thoroughly, priming, filling with cold mix asphalt, and compacting,” he said.
Afterwards, a bitumen emulsion sealer is added.
“The more we do it, the quicker we get. It’s now second nature to the team.”
He noted that the community response was overwhelmingly positive.
“The school’s headmaster came out every morning to thank the team.
Residents from nearby complexes brought the crew snacks and drinks, and parents driving past showed their appreciation with smiles and thumbs-up every day.”
AfriForum Centurion now plans to launch a third dedicated vehicle to carry out full-time pothole and streetlight repairs across the area.
“We’re inviting residents to help us build more capacity through small monthly contributions. Just be sure to mark your branch as Centurion,” he said.
At the start of the project, De Bruyn highlighted the team’s strong track record.
“Our six-man team, aged between 20 and 63, has been repairing potholes across Centurion for the past five years.”
He emphasised that attention to detail is critical.
“If the preparation isn’t right, you’ll definitely have to redo the repair.”
De Bruyn has been vocal about the broader infrastructure failures in Tshwane.
“Our city is in big trouble. We pay our rates and taxes but receive no services.
Streetlights are out, public spaces are overgrown, dumping is rampant, and infrastructure is constantly being vandalised.”
He stated that AfriForum’s repair work is driven by community requests and available funding.
“We don’t prioritise areas; we respond when the metro fails to act,” he said.
He added that since launching five years ago, the Centurion branch has grown from just 300 Facebook members to nearly 14 000 supporters.
Last year, the team repaired roads in Valhalla and The Reeds, using over 900kg of tar, and cleaned up several illegal dumping sites.
Reflecting on their work, De Bruyn noted that they have likely saved countless cars from damage.
“You see drivers swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid potholes. What we do genuinely makes the roads safer.”
Despite the scale of the challenge, De Bruyn remains committed.
“We never stopped. In fact, we doubled our pace. With more support, we’ll do even more.”
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