ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has attributed the continued emergence of potholes on South African roads, in part, to the effects of climate change.
Speaking ahead of the local government elections, Mbalula said changing weather patterns and heavy rainfall contribute to the deterioration of road surfaces.
“Potholes will be there because we live in a situation of climate change. There are rains, and water on the streets,” he said.
Mbalula later defended his remarks, explaining that highlighting environmental factors did not mean government was avoiding its responsibility to maintain and repair roads.
“We are not talking about something that you know is falling from the sky. We’re talking about what government is going to do to help,” he said.
His comments have drawn criticism, including from author Khaya Dlanga, who argued that cities experiencing regular rainfall can still maintain roads without widespread potholes.
The debate comes as road conditions and municipal service delivery remain prominent issues ahead of the elections.
Mbalula previously launched Operation Vala Zonke in August 2022, a national campaign aimed at addressing potholes through cooperation between national, provincial and municipal authorities.
