Discovery Further Remedies Pothole Pandemic with Repair Academy

Discovery has officially launched the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy, which seeks to provide individuals from previously disadvantaged communities with the opportunity to learn new skills and achieve a new qualification during the national pothole pandemic.  

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pothole patrol

Image: Discovery

It is no secret that the majority of provinces in South Africa are in desperate need of road repair. Unable to keep up with the growing amount of rutted roads and gaping trenches which shred tyres and crack rims, Discovery’s privateer Pothole Patrol is a shining light for regular motorists who simply can’t afford to replace damaged components or wait several months or even years for the road agencies on potential payouts. In this scenario, prevention is better than cure and Discovery, after an impressive pilot project, will be equipping previously disadvantaged individuals with a qualification to conduct long-lasting road repair.

The programme will span twelve months in which the 24 male and female learners, aged between 22 and 34, will undergo practical skills training, which affords these individuals an NQF Level 3 qualification. The Academy will provide students with classrooms and on-the-job training. After completing the programme, the individuals will obtain a National Certificate in Roadworks Construction.

“We want to sustainably uplift the academy’s learners so that once they complete the 12-month programme, they not only know how to repair potholes and what to do in a road construction environment but are equipped to start their own business.” – Kgodiso Mokonyane, Head of Strategy and Value Added & Ancillary Products at Discovery Insure.

pothole patrol

Image: Discovery

As for the Pothole Patrol initiative, it has managed to repair over 200 000 potholes on major Johannesburg roads since its launch in 2021. Initially, the pothole repair intiative intended to repair 1 000 potholes a week but has since exceeded this target by 25%. It is important to note the scope of the Discovery Pothole Patrol’s repairs is limited to potholes measuring no larger than 1 metre by 1 metre, and anything larger than this or exceeding a depth of 3 cm is escalated to the Johannesburg Roads Agency. The Pothole Patrol relies on its mobile app, which residents use to report any potholes in their area and is then addressed by the Pothole Patrol.

“As a mobility business, with thousands of vehicles on the road, we have an equal responsibility of ensuring that we advocate for road safety in our communities. Therefore, being part of the Discovery Pothole Patrol initiative ensures that we carry out this responsibility,” says Litha Nkombisa – Chief Sales Officer at Avis Southern Africa.

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The post Discovery Further Remedies Pothole Pandemic with Repair Academy appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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