By David Ndodana 
The Department hosted the launch of "Operation Vala Zonke" Campaign, by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula to address pothole challenges across all national, provincial and municipality roads throughout the country. The event took place in Emfuleni Municipality along the R57 Road on Monday, 08 August 2022. 
The launch involved the unveiling of the SANRAL's Potholes App, set to assist in reporting of potholes by motorists and members of the public. This comes as the country is facing a huge road infra[1]structure maintenance backlog. About 40% of the provincial network has reached the end of its design life with approximately 80% of the national road network older than its 20-year design life. Speaking at the launch, MEC Jacob Mamabolo shared with the minister that the Provincial Government has rehabilitated twenty-one roads in 2021 in and around the municipality. He further indicated that thirty-two roads will be rehabilitated in the same municipality. 
"We as a Province, pledge our support to the programme that has started today and we will make sure that Operation Vala Zonke lives up to its objectives" he said. In his welcoming remarks, Emfuleni Mayor Cllr Sipho Radebe explained that "this program will assist us as the municipality to address 1 400 kilometres road network, estimated to cost R341 million to fix". 
Explaining the reasons for the intervention, Minister Fikile Mbalula said "we are doing this programme by the directive of President Ramaphosa, to close all potholes in our roads in the country. We are launching Operation Vala Zonke to change the nature of our roads". The programme has been adopted by all nine provinces, and its work will be assessed after six months, he said. "Our people have given potholes names and some municipalities have complained about budget shortages, hence they could not fix the potholes on their roads", minister added. 
"Government's infrastructure development plan is an important building block in revitalising South Africa's economy and job creation". He said that issues such as a shortage of engineering skills and lack of funding continue to hinder the work of roads maintenance. 
The minister further explained that "this campaign is not only about fixing of roads, but also about upskilling and empowerment. The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) will be the leading implementing agency of this programme".