While most teens are glued to their phones or cramming for finals, one South African matric student is grabbing a spade and repairing the roads his municipality won’t… because waiting for another accident isn’t an option.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 May 2025) – While most matric students are worrying about exams, one teen from Reddam House Bedfordview is fixing something far bigger: South Africa’s roads.
Meet Joseph Padayachee (or JP, as his community knows him). the 17-year-old local legend who has taken road repair into his own hands. Quite literally.
Armed with YouTube tutorials, a spade and more heart than most bureaucrats combined, JP is repairing potholes in Midvaal… the kind that could swallow your tyre whole and take your suspension with it.
“Just a couple of weeks ago, a small truck flipped over trying to avoid a massive pothole,” JP explained.
“That’s when the municipality finally decided to fix it. But someone could have been seriously hurt, I don’t want to wait for tragedy before action is taken.”
Let’s pause here. Because that’s not just a quote, it’s a wake-up call. Across South Africa, potholes aren’t just annoying… they’re dangerous. They’ve cost people thousands in car repairs, caused untold accidents, and in some cases, even claimed lives.
JP’s journey started quietly last year, watching tutorials, researching the right materials and slowly teaching himself how to do the job. Since then, he’s earned the respect of construction workers, car enthusiasts, and his biggest fan: his mom. What started as a DIY side hustle has grown into a full-blown community movement. With support from locals, guidance from professionals, and over R30,000 raised, JP and his crew have repaired more than 100 potholes… including notoriously bad stretches like Joan Road and Elizabeth Street in Klipriver.
That’s not nothing. That’s meaningful change.
The initiative’s been championed by Blue Saddle Ranches and co-driven by local resident Al Van Buuren, whose coordination helped take JP’s vision to the next level.
Of course, there have been challenges too.
“We’ve had reckless drivers ignore flagmen and speed past, endangering the people working on the road. It happens way too often,” JP shared.
But those moments have been outweighed by the ones that matter: like hearing a pensioner say thank you, or seeing someone smile when they glide over a newly patched stretch of tar instead of bracing for a bone-rattling bump.
And if that wasn’t enough, JP also runs a media company, Elifyno Studios, where he blends creativity with advocacy, sharing stories that matter… including his own.
“Don’t listen to people who say you can’t. Work hard, do your research, and keep the right mindset,” he says.
His message to Midvaal is crystal clear: “Communities like ours shouldn’t have to step in first. We’re doing our part — now it’s your turn.”
Here’s how you can support JP and his mission:
- Donate: Every rand goes toward asphalt and materials — and trust us, nothing’s wasted.
- Spread the Word: Share JP’s story, tag your local reps, and apply some good ol’ public pressure.
- Drive Responsibly: Slow down when you see people working. That’s someone’s kid fixing your road.
- Offer Help: Tools, materials, snacks, advice… it all adds up.
JP isn’t just patching potholes. He’s reminding us that change doesn’t always come from the top down. Sometimes, it comes from the ground up… with grit, heart, and a whole lot of tar.
Let’s back him. Let’s share this story. Let’s get Midvaal to pay attention.
And most importantly… let’s fill the gaps together.
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