Middelburg — Residents and motorists across Middelburg are contending with worsening potholes that repeatedly resurface after repairs, prompting frustration and concerns over municipal maintenance.
Since October 2025, heavy rainfall has accelerated road deterioration, leaving repaired streets damaged within minutes. Drivers report accidents, vehicle damage, and fines linked to pothole navigation, while repeated enquiries to the municipality about repair standards have gone unanswered, prompting calls for accountability from both residents and road safety experts.
Several motorists shared their experiences with the publication, highlighting the personal impact of the deteriorating roads. One motorist, who wished to remain anonymous, described an incident last year, when he was fined for running a stop sign while trying to avoid a pothole at the intersection of Boncker and Beyers Naude.
“What really frustrates me is that I was fined for running a stop sign back in March of last year. I was actually trying to dodge a pothole at the intersection of Boncker and Beyers Naude when it happened. The pothole was right before my turn, but the officer insisted I should have stopped,” he explained.
“I couldn’t even make my court date because, in the midst of moving, I lost the ticket.”
Is it fair to attribute this problem solely to the weather, or does it stem from poor road maintenance and infrastructure?
Can you imagine what will become of our roads and streets if it rained continuously for an entire week? “All the roads would be wiped out. We wouldn’t have any roads left,” lamented Bafana Mahlangu, a motorist from Mhluzi.
Mahlangu is clearly frustrated by the condition of the roads he has navigated for 21 years since obtaining his code 10 driver's license. “The pothole situation has become dire. They are everywhere, even in the central business district,” he expressed. “As a motorist and a resident, I feel like I’m being deprived of the quality service I should receive as a ratepayer.”
What Leads to Pothole Formation
Potholes form when the asphalt expands due to the increased infiltration of moisture from rainfall or other sources of water. Asphalt is constructed from a mixture of materials, including sand, crushed stones, and gravel, which are utilised for paving roads and streets. When water seeps into the pavement, it compromises the asphalt’s strength and durability over time. This degradation occurs when moisture disrupts the bond between the aggregates and their binding agents. If this problem is not addressed, it can lead to the development of potholes and cracks, along with sections of asphalt that have broken off at the edges.
Are Road Maintenance Practices Adequate?
The Southern African Bitumen Association (SABITA) emphasises that potholes need to be repaired promptly to prevent them from enlarging, as this indicates a significant road safety issue. If not dealt with, the exposed underlying layers can succumb to water damage and lose their structural integrity, ultimately leading to further disintegration.
Not only is repair enough to deal with potholes, SABITA notes that often, road pavement damage is the result of poor surface water drainage.
Can motorists withhold payment of fines, rates, and taxes?
It seems that drivers who break the law are quickly held accountable for their infractions. From December 2025 up until now, the municipality reports having executed 93 arrest warrants and issued 858 fines for various violations.
However, should the principles of accountability apply in both directions? Can motorists retaliate against the government if they are dissatisfied with the services provided? Is it feasible for them to refuse payment of fines and delay renewing their license discs until the roads they travel are well-maintained and free from potholes?
We reached out to Wayne Duvenage, the CEO of Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), to explore whether there’s any valid reasoning for boycotting these fees. He stated, “No, you cannot withhold payment of municipal charges like fines, rates, and taxes due to dissatisfaction at the municipality. These are two separate processes and the law prohibits you from conflating the two matters,” he said.
Duvenage went on to give crucial advice for drivers who may have encountered tire or rim damage due to a pothole. “Here’s what you should do: snap a picture of the pothole and your damaged tire, including the date, time, and geolocation in your photos can really bolster your case. If you have evidence showing you were on that route—like data from a vehicle tracking or insurance app—this will be incredibly useful,” he said.
“Reach out to three different tire companies and obtain written quotes from each. Determine which jurisdiction the road belongs to, and investigate the property damage claim policy or procedure for your municipality or province and make sure to follow through with the necessary steps.”
He added that it is essential to meticulously adhere to procedures and persistently follow up and document everything carefully—noting when requests were made, and to also review the municipality’s by-laws and claims procedures related to these issues.
The publication wants to understand what specific standards does the municipality follow when it comes to pothole repairs? What systems are in place to ensure that these repairs meet the required engineering specifications? An enquiry was therefore sent on 04 February 2006 however, the municipality ignored it. Persistent follow up calls were also made to the municipality's spokesperson but that just drew a blank.
