Official qualification for fixing potholes paying off in South Africa

In South Africa, repairing potholes has transformed from a municipal headache into an opportunity for skills development due to the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy.

Officially launched in February 2024, the academy offers South Africans a pathway to obtain a professional qualification in roadworks construction, marking a significant step in addressing the country’s pervasive pothole problem while uplifting communities.

The academy, a collaboration between Discovery Insure and Avis Southern Africa, is accredited by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) to provide a 12-month practical training programme.

Graduates of the programme earn a National Certificate in Roadworks Construction, an NQF Level 3 qualification, equipping them with the skills to repair potholes and work effectively in road construction.

Following this, in partnership with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and the City of Johannesburg, Discovery Insure and Avis have repaired over 260,000 potholes in the metro area, significantly improving road safety and infrastructure.

Initially, the project aimed to repair 1,000 potholes a week, but it has exceeded this target by 25%.

The initiative relies on the Discovery Pothole Patrol app, a user-friendly tool that allows the public to report potholes using geolocation, enabling the patrol teams to deploy repair vehicles efficiently.

The effectiveness of these repairs has been notable.

According to Precious Nduli, Chief Commercial Officer at Discovery Insure, the Pothole Patrol reports a repair success rate exceeding 99% over the last three years.

This proactive approach, combined with public reporting, has led to a 67% decrease in potholes in the areas where the patrol operates.

“As an insurer, our ambition is to help create safe driving experiences. To realise this, we want to make our roads safer to use—for insured and uninsured road users alike, one pothole repair at a time,” said Nduli.

Beyond the technical training, the programme empowers participants to establish their own businesses, addressing unemployment while enhancing local infrastructure.

By marrying innovative technology, public participation, and professional training, this initiative not only tackles a critical infrastructure issue but also unlocks economic opportunities for South Africans.

With the academy now in full swing, its learners represent a new generation of roadwork professionals prepared to reshape South Africa’s streets one repair at a time.

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