Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Jean Keyser
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Rustenburg has engaged with our Provincial Spokesperson for Public Works, Freddy Sonakile, to urgently escalate the matter of deteriorating road infrastructure in Rustenburg to the MEC for Public Works for immediate intervention. (See letter here.)
The road infrastructure in wards 35 and 36 is in a dire state and urgently requires government intervention. Key provincial roads, including the R104 (Old Pretoria Road), R509, and the main road between Magaliesberg and Derby, are riddled with potholes and unsafe intersections, causing significant damage to vehicles and posing serious dangers to motorists. These roads experience heavy daily traffic, including routes leading to Botswana, exacerbating accident risks and economic disruptions.
Additionally, several internal roads—D1924, D573, D1830, D344 (Rex Road, Modderfontein/Oorsaak Road, and Dennie Estate Road)—are beyond repair. Residents, local businesses, and farmers are resorting to self-funded repairs using cement, an unsustainable solution for critical infrastructure.
Gravel roads such as D2729, D150, D1491, D568, D953, and D324 also suffer from extreme neglect, affecting tourism, agriculture, and everyday transport. Certain roads are nearly undrivable, leaving communities stranded and businesses at risk.
The DA urges the provincial road committee to conduct an oversight on the full extent of the damage and to develop a concrete repair strategy.
The residents, farmers, and businesses of Rustenburg cannot afford further delays. The DA remains committed to ensuring safer roads.