Top 5 Pothole Hotspots in South Africa and How to Report Them?

South Africa's road network is one of the most vital components of its economic and social infrastructure. However, across major cities and rural areas alike, potholes have become a serious and growing challenge. These road defects not only cause significant damage to vehicles but also contribute to traffic delays and pose serious safety risks to motorists and pedestrians.

While municipal teams continue to repair damaged roads, the scale and speed of deterioration often outpace traditional maintenance methods. Identifying the top pothole hotspots and knowing how to report them effectively is essential for citizens and authorities alike.

In this blog, we highlight the top 5 pothole-prone areas in South Africa, explain the current reporting mechanisms, and explore how AI-based road inspection technologies like RoadVision AI are making road safety smarter, faster, and more efficient.

Why Potholes Are a National Concern in South Africa?

Potholes are more than a nuisance — they’re a national infrastructure issue. According to reports from SANRAL and local municipalities, South Africa has thousands of kilometers of deteriorating roads due to poor drainage, aging asphalt, and irregular maintenance cycles.

Many provinces experience high vehicle volumes, seasonal rainfall, and budget gaps, which makes pothole development rapid and widespread.

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Top 5 Pothole Hotspots in South Africa (2025)

Here are the regions consistently reported for their pothole severity, based on public complaints, insurance claims, and local surveys.

1. Johannesburg (Gauteng Province)

• Known for severe urban traffic and old road networks
• Areas like Sandton, Randburg, and Roodepoort frequently report deep and wide potholes
• The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) receives thousands of complaints per quarter

2. Durban and eThekwini Metro (KwaZulu-Natal)

• High rainfall and port-related heavy truck traffic increase road wear
• Suburbs like Umlazi, Pinetown, and Phoenix are common complaint zones

3. Cape Town (Western Cape)

• Despite proactive governance, potholes still appear after rains or water pipe repairs
• Areas like Bellville, Mitchells Plain, and Khayelitsha see frequent deterioration

4. Mangaung Metro (Bloemfontein, Free State)

• Underfunded local road departments and harsh winter conditions contribute to pothole spread
• High-risk zones include inner city Bloemfontein and Botshabelo

5. Polokwane (Limpopo Province)

• Roads servicing both city traffic and agriculture freight deteriorate quickly
• Citizens regularly report damage on rural-urban connector routes

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How to Report a Pothole in South Africa?

Reporting potholes is a civic responsibility and often the first step toward fixing infrastructure problems. Here’s how citizens can take action:

1. Use Municipal Apps and Websites

• City of Joburg’s JRA App
• eThekwini Fault Reporting Tool
• Cape Town’s C3 Service Delivery App

2. Email or Call Road Authorities

• Most city websites have “report-a-problem” portals
• Some areas also allow SMS-based submissions

3. Use AI-Backed Survey Apps (Like RoadVision AI)

• Cities and contractors using tools like RoadVision AI’s Pavement Condition Survey can automate the detection and geotag defects before citizens even notice them
• Residents can suggest these tools to municipal offices

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Benefits of AI-Based Pothole Detection Over Manual Methods

• Faster identification across wide areas
• Standardized condition scoring (no subjectivity)
• Geotagged defect maps
• Budget forecasting for proactive repairs
• Integration with GIS and smart city systems

South Africa’s road problem doesn’t just need manpower — it needs intelligent automation.

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Conclusion

Potholes remain a major threat to road safety, vehicle maintenance, and traffic efficiency across South Africa. While the responsibility of road repairs often falls on local governments, citizens can play a powerful role by reporting issues and demanding better infrastructure.

But true progress requires innovation. Manual inspections and reactive maintenance can no longer keep up with the scale of deterioration. AI-powered solutions like RoadVision AI are already helping cities across the globe detect road defects, prioritize repairs, and reduce accident risks—all in real time.

Whether you’re a concerned citizen, an infrastructure planner, or a municipal authority, embracing AI for road inspection could be the key to safer, smarter transport systems across South Africa.

RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing AI in roads to enhance safety and streamline road management. Using advanced roads AI technology, the platform enables early detection of potholes, cracks, and surface defects through precise pavement surveys, ensuring timely maintenance and optimal road conditions. Committed to building smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI aligns with IRC Codes, empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights that cut costs, reduce risks, and enhance the overall transportation experience.

To see how it works, book a free demo with RoadVision AI today.

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FAQs

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Q1. What causes potholes in South African roads?

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Potholes are primarily caused by water seeping through cracks in the road, followed by traffic pressure. Poor drainage and delayed maintenance accelerate this.

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Q2. Can AI really detect potholes automatically?

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Yes. Systems like RoadVision AI use videos and photos to detect, score, and map potholes.

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Q3. Where can I report potholes in my area?

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You can report via local city apps or websites. In cities using AI tools, potholes are automatically detected and mapped without needing manual input.

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