Monday, 26 May 2025

Filling potholes and fighting crime



The Mooinooi Rural Safety Forum, Mooinooi SAPS, Bethanie SAPS, Bila Civil Contractors, and the Department of Public Works and Roads launched a joint pothole-filling programme on the 12th May 2025. The initiative, which ran until 16th May, aimed not only to improve the condition of the notorious R556 road but also to reduce crime in the area.

The R556 — commonly referred to as the “Sun City Road” — has long been plagued by dangerous potholes. 
Criminals have taken advantage of motorists stranded with burst tyres. 

“We as the Mooinooi Rural Safety Forum have identified this as an issue that must be addressed,” said Henry Holsthyzen, executive chairperson of the forum. “Fixing the road will protect both our local residents and tourists heading to Sun City and Pilanesberg.”

He added: “For first responders, having to drive on such a damaged road while rushing to save a life — whether it’s a fire, accident, or crime scene — is a serious risk. It’s about more than just potholes and safe driving; it affects emergency response times, vehicle wear and tear, and ultimately, service delivery. Few people realise how badly a road in poor condition can impact emergency services. In a crisis, every second counts.”




The effort kicked off with an opening prayer and quickly shifted into action. Bila Civil Contractors generously donated cold mix asphalt and bitumen binding material, while the Department of Public Works and Roads supplied labour to help repair the damage. By the end of Day One, 15 potholes had already been filled.

“I would like to thank the Community Police Forum, the Department of Public Works and Roads, and the Mooinooi Rural Safety Forum for the opportunity to give back,” said McDonald Pasipanodya, marketing coordinator at Bila Civil Contractors. “We believe in ensuring quality roads and supporting the safety of our communities.”

Mooinooi SAPS station commander, colonel Paramount Mosito emphasised the deeper purpose of the collaboration. “The R556 is not just a road — it’s a hub of economic activity,” he said. “Policing is not only about arrests, it’s also about preventing crime by eliminating hotspots. Partnerships like these show that change is possible when we work together.”

With 15 potholes already repaired and more work to come, this community-driven campaign proves that something as simple as filling a pothole can make a powerful impact.




The Executive Chairperson of the Mooinooi Rural Safety Forum, Henry Holsthyzen (left), and Mooinooi SAPS station commander, colonel Paramount Mosito sealed the partnership with a handshake.

A section of the R556 road received much-needed pothole repairs.

 Bila Civil Contractors’ marketing coordinator McDonald Pasipanodya and Department of Public Works road foreman Tshifhiwa Ngobeni — worked hand-in-hand for safer roads.

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Updated: 26 May 2025 Monday

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