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.