Traffic lights are becoming symbols of Gauteng’s infrastructure crisis, with hundreds no longer functioning across the province. Combined with roads riddled with potholes, this has left an estimated 65% of Gauteng’s road network in a severely deteriorated state. The resulting chaos is fueling traffic congestion, increasing accident risks, and frustrating commuters and motorists alike.
Premier Lesufi Sounds the Alarm
This alarming situation was brought to public attention by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during a media briefing held in May 2025. According to Lesufi, of the 4,500 roads under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, only 35% are considered to be in good shape. That means approximately 2,925 road sections are affected by structural decay and infrastructure failures.
Mapping the Damage: CSIR Steps In
To better understand and address the situation, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is working with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Lesufi confirmed that CSIR has been appointed to assist in identifying and mapping potholes across the province. Recent findings show that Gauteng has a total of 5,400 kilometers of road infrastructure—comprising 5,000 km of tarred roads and 1,800 km of gravel roads.
Immediate Financial Response
In response to the crisis, the GPG has allocated R1.5 billion for short-term repairs and maintenance. Lesufi also emphasized that, by the end of 2025, the provincial government will take over the coordination of road maintenance efforts currently managed by various municipalities and departments. This is aimed at improving efficiency and accountability.
Major Investment for Long-Term Infrastructure Upgrades
Budget Allocations and MTEF Planning
Earlier this year, the GPG unveiled a large-scale infrastructure investment plan. During the March 2025 Budget Speech, R7 billion was allocated to the Department of Roads and Transport for the 2025/2026 financial year. A further R28 billion has been committed under the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to fund long-term transport upgrades.
Key Roads Targeted for Repairs
As part of its resurfacing initiative, the province has earmarked several major roads for urgent upgrades, including:
- Golden Highway
- Garsfontein Road
- Malibongwe Drive
- K101 Olifantsfontein Road
- D1814 Bronkhorstspruit Road
Intersection Improvements
Critical intersections in Johannesburg and Pretoria are also being prioritized due to their importance in traffic flow and public safety.
Traffic Lights: A Growing Concern
Theft and Vandalism on the Rise
Traffic light failures are compounding Gauteng’s traffic issues. These lights are often targeted by criminals due to the valuable copper and aluminium inside, which can be sold for scrap. Others are damaged in car accidents or acts of vandalism.
Lesufi’s Call for Driver Responsibility
Premier Lesufi expressed concern about the increasing number of collisions involving traffic signals, urging motorists to be more cautious. “We must stop kissing traffic lights with our cars,” he said, referencing the frequent damage caused by crashes.
The High Cost of Repairs
Currently, there are around 400 non-functional traffic lights in the province. The cost to repair just one can reach R300,000, creating a significant burden on municipal budgets and adding to traffic congestion.
A Province at a Crossroads
Gauteng’s road infrastructure is in a dire state, with both potholes and broken traffic lights posing serious challenges. However, with billions in funding and increased oversight from the provincial government, there is hope for recovery. Whether these plans lead to lasting improvements remains to be seen, but for now, Gauteng residents must endure a network in urgent need of repair and reform.
Residents are hopeful that the province’s promises will translate into real change, as safe, efficient roads and functional traffic systems are essential to daily life and economic growth.
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