A group of South Africans have started their own “little” business by fixing potholes in their community.
South Africa – A Facebook page called “Charity Begins With Me” shared a story about how a group of South Africans have started a business by fixing potholes in their community.
Stephan Ferreira started the Facebook page in 2015 to help connect strangers who want to make South Africa and the world a better place.
His recent post highlighted a group of his friends who are helping their community by fixing potholes.
“What do you do when you cannot find a job? You create one for yourself.
Three of my amazing friends recently started their own little business. They identified a busy road and started fixing potholes. In exchange for their hard work, they ask cars and taxis passing by for tips. Today I asked them why they do what they do, and they told me they all have to pay rent and refuse to resort to crime to make a living.
Of course, their efforts are not a permanent solution, but I have so much respect for these hard-working men. Proud to call them my friends.”
South Africa’s ageing road infrastructure is fraught with dangers. As motorists, we have to be aware of other vehicles, animals and pedestrians. We also have to take defensive action against an increasing number of potholes.
In Johannesburg, an average of 1,000 potholes are reported to authorities each week. The city claims it fixes up to 4,500 potholes per month.
At the other end of the country, the City of Cape Town reportedly spends more than R110 million per year repairing 250 potholes per week. Despite their efforts, potholes are still prevalent on the roads.
Major cities have the resources and trained personnel to tackle the problem of potholes head-on. The likes of the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) and Transport for Cape Town (TCT) are mandated to repair potholes. They are well funded, and teams are trained and properly equipped for the task but the smaller cities do not have facilities to deal with this challenge, and that is why Stephan and his friend’s work is so important.
Thank you to the team of South Africans working together to make our country a better place for all of us!
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