JANUARY 15 is marked as National Pothole Day, highlighting ongoing road infrastructure challenges in South Africa.

In Clairwood residents continue to contend with severe road damage, with large potholes reported on most access roads. Deteriorating roads raise safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians.

Public relations officer for Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association, Ravin Brijlal, said the frequent use of residential roads by heavy motor vehicles has contributed significantly to the worsening state of the roads.

“As ratepayers we demand accountability and good workmanship. Clairwood feels like a forgotten suburb with its roads being destroyed by heavy-duty trucks. The infrastructure is severely damaged, and every rainy season brings fear and stress as we worry about our homes and properties flooding. We pay our rates on time, yet the service delivery from the City is unacceptable,” said Brijlal.

Meanwhile, Super Tyres managing director Dean Horn said the estimated 25 million potholes across the country have made encounters with road hazards a daily reality for many motorists.

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Beyond the frustration, potholes can cause significant damage to tyres and wheels suspension, often leading to costly repairs.

Horn said awareness and preparation are essential. “Safe driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance go a long way in reducing damage and keeping motorists safe,” he said.

Pothole safety tips

• Slow down when approaching a pothole so the suspension can absorb the impact more effectively. Avoid braking suddenly while driving over it.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control.
• Avoid swerving abruptly into another lane, as this can increase the risk of an accident. Driving over a smaller pothole is often safer.
• Look well ahead to spot hazards early. Maintain a safe following distance to allow better visibility and more reaction time.
• Extra caution is needed in wet weather, as puddles can hide deep potholes.

 Vehicle maintenance and preparation

• Check tyre pressure regularly and ensure it matches manufacturer specifications. Correctly inflated tyres offer better protection against impact.
• Inspect tyres frequently and book regular tyre rotations to identify hidden damage early.
• Rotate tyres every 8000 to 10 000km to promote even wear and reduce vulnerability to pothole damage.
• Check wheel alignment if you hit a large pothole, as misalignment can affect handling and shorten tyre lifespan.
• Invest in quality tyres. Durable tyres, particularly those with reinforced sidewalls, may cost more initially but can save you money over time.

What to do after hitting a pothole? 

• Pull over safely if you notice vibrations, pulling to one side or unusual noises.
• Visually inspect tyres, rims and the undercarriage for visible damage.
• Report the pothole to the relevant authority, such as your local municipality or SANRAL for national roads, noting the exact location.
• Take photographs and keep repair receipts if you plan to submit an insurance claim.

Super Tyres pothole repair initiative

Super Tyres continues to take practical steps to improve road safety through its Pothole Repair initiative. The project focuses on repairing smaller potholes in low-traffic residential areas where repairs can make an immediate difference.

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“Our Asibambisane (Let’s carry each other) initiative is about supporting the communities we serve,” explained Dean Horn. “While we cannot repair every pothole, we are committed to doing what we can, where we can, as a voluntary service.”

How to report potholes to Super Tyres?

Here’s what you need to do:

• Community members can report potholes by submitting a location pin and a photo via WhatsApp to 064 859 9180.
• Each submission is assessed to determine whether it qualifies for repair.
• Approved potholes are listed on the Super Tyres website, where the public can vote for the repairs they would like prioritised.
• Once completed, repaired potholes are marked as such on the site.

Horn added, “As Super Tyres celebrates 55 years in business, our commitment has always been about more than tyres. Safer roads benefit everyone, and we believe meaningful change happens when businesses and communities work together.”

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