Question NW619 to the Minister of Transport
10 April 2024 - NW619
Sithole, Mr KP to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)Whether she has been informed about the collaboration between Discovery, Avis Southern Africa and Edu Wize to establish the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy that will assist in the maintenance of public roads; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether she intends to take steps to ensure the accreditation of the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy to offer a National Certificate in Roadworks Construction, which is an equivalent to a National Qualification Framework level 3 qualification, to assist in addressing the national issue of road maintenance and infrastructure improvement; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures will she put in place to ensure the quality and sustainability of road repairs conducted by graduates of the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy?
Reply:
1. As the Minister of Transport, I am fully aware of the collaboration between Discovery, Avis South Africa and Edu Wize on Discovery Pothole Patrol academy that is accredited by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) to offer a 12-month practical skills training programme on NQF Level 3 qualification that kicked off on 1 February 2024.
2. Considering the rapid decline in the condition of South Africa’s roads and the lack of resources and technical capacity to fix potholes, My Department welcome the Pothole Patrol Academy`s initiative to provide on the job practical training in road Construction and Maintenance with the aim to improve the general condition of roads. My Department is engaging with various stakeholders and private sector for involvement and collaboration in addressing the bad condition of roads in the country of which Discovery, Avis South Africa and Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) are already in partnership. Furthermore, My Department support any initiative to create jobs for youth while fixing potholes.