Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Johan Pieterse
At approximately 07:00 on 29 August 2025, a minibus taxi carrying 16 passengers overturned on Wagpos Road. Thankfully, none of the passengers sustained life-threatening injuries, although some were treated for minor injuries and shock at the scene. (please see photo here)
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Madibeng again calls on the North West Provincial Government and Department of Public Works and Roads to:
- Dispatch an urgent inspection team to Wagpos Road.
- Provide a clear timeline for comprehensive repairs.
- Allocate the necessary budget to rehabilitate this vital route.
This incident highlights the dangerous conditions on Wagpos Road, a provincial route connecting rural communities, farms, schools, and economic hubs to Brits town. Despite repeated complaints from residents and formal requests for intervention, the road remains in a state of disrepair, with potholes, crumbling edges, poor drainage, and inadequate markings putting commuters at daily risk.
Over the past months, near-misses, tyre bursts, and vehicle damages have been reported, showing that this is not an isolated incident. Residents, families, and businesses rely on this route daily, yet their safety continues to be ignored.
The DA has previously:
- Raised the matter with the North West Department of Public Works and Roads.
- Submitted letters and motions in Council demanding urgent prioritisation.
- Escalated the matter to the District and Provincial legislatures.
This accident underscores the urgent need for immediate action. The Wagpos Road must be inspected, budgeted, and repaired without delay to prevent fatalities. The people of Madibeng deserve safe roads. Their lives are not negotiable.