The Gauteng Roads And Transport Department has lightened the mood (by accident) with a social media post about potholes amid election fervour, sparking witty banter among “netizens.”
South Africa (29 April 2024) – In the midst of an election-year frenzy, government departments are pulling out all the stops to engage with the public.
Recently, the Gauteng Roads And Transport Department decided to tackle the perennial problem of potholes, but it didn’t quite work out as planned, and the comment section is leaving us in stitches.
Their social media post featuring a solitary pothole being filled, accompanied by the optimistic statement, “One day, potholes will be a thing of the past,” has certainly caught the attention of netizens.
Ah, the optimism! It’s like a breath of fresh air in a sea of road-related despair. But let’s not kid ourselves; the pothole problem in South Africa is no laughing matter. In fact, according to a presentation at the South African Roads Federation (SARF) Conference back in 2022, it was claimed that there are over 25 million potholes plaguing our roads. Of course, SANRAL has some doubts about that figure, but one thing is certain: potholes are a nuisance.
Yet, despite the seriousness of the issue, South Africans never fail to find humour in the most unlikely of places. Just take a glance at the comments section of the department’s post, and you’ll find a treasure trove of witty remarks:
“To be honest, when the government says ‘today is Friday’, please go out and investigate to be sure.”
“When you smell mud, it is because it is raining. When you smell tar, you know it is election time.”
“We must vote every month.”
“Why only now???? Potholes have been there for the past 30 years. I hope you will continue updating us even after the 29th of May.”
“I love election year.”
Moments like these remind us of the resilience and sense of humour that characterise the South African spirit. Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we manage to find a silver lining—or at least crack a joke about it.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Amidst the banter and bureaucracy, there are glimmers of hope. Take, for instance, the pothole patrol—a collaborative effort by various businesses to repair our roads. Since its inception in 2021, this initiative has filled over 200,000 potholes, making a tangible difference in the lives of motorists across the country.
So yes, while potholes may still be a common sight on our roads, it’s heartening to see efforts being made, however small, to address the issue.
And in the meantime, let’s keep the jokes flowing and the spirits high. After all, laughter is the best medicine—even for pothole-induced headaches.
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