R563 provincial road remains a problem

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09-06-2025
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Krugersdorp News
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Due to a sinkhole, commuters are forced to find alternate routes.

Earlier in May, the Krugersdorp News reported about a sinkhole that appeared on the R563 in Oaktree. Fortunately, preventive safety measures were quickly implemented to alert motorists to this danger.

This week, Evert du Plessis, a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) and the DA’s Gauteng Shadow Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Roads, Transport, and Logistics, performed an oversight examination of the road.

The dangerous condition of the R563 has been the subject of multiple complaints to the DA Gauteng from Krugersdorp residents and motorists.

DA constituents inspected the road to determine the urgency of the issue and spoke with motorists to learn about their perspectives.

Since March, I’ve witnessed three accidents because of this sinkhole, I’m not happy with our roads department. I’m always afraid when I drive on the R563, anything can happen,” said Pogiso Maxongo, a motorist from Krugersdorp.

Du Plessis mentioned who is responsible for the provincial road’s maintenance.

“There are several entities that are involved here. The problem is that sinkholes fall under the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and because there is a road involved, the provincial roads department must play its part, but we did not receive any help from them,” he said.

Ward 39 councillor Gwen Britz outlined how she tried to solve this issue.

“I have urged that preventative safety measures be put in place right away. In addition, I have demanded that abnormal load vehicles stop using the road immediately and that all such traffic be promptly rerouted, and that traffic calming measures be implemented.

Given the circumstances, the additional stress presents an intolerable risk.

“While there are steps we can take now, the first and most critical requirement is the commissioning of a geotechnical report. This will provide the technical basis for all further action and ensure that the response is both effective and safe,” she said.

The News approached the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport for comment on this matter, but they did not provide feedback on the cause of the sinkhole, or if it related to infrastructure issues or natural geological processes. The News inquired about how the road closure affects residents, businesses and motorists, and what alternatives are available. A follow-up on this developing story will be published as soon as their feedback is received.