R25 Road gets MEC’s attention, community leaders demand more than maintenance
DENNILTON
The R25 Road, a crucial artery connecting key areas in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng Provinces, has finally caught the attention of the MEC for Roads and Infrastructure in Limpopo, Ernest Rachoene, who has announced plans for maintenance work on the road.
Rachoene made the announcement during his Budget Vote Speech, delivered at the Lebowakgomo Legislature on Tuesday 15 May 2025. Rachoene said R25 is part of about 69 roads scheduled for maintenance in Limpopo Province during the 2025/2026 financial year.
While the community welcomes the news, local community leaders are urging the authorities to go beyond mere maintenance and undertake a full-scale project to upgrade the road.
The R25 Road has long been a source of frustration for motorists and residents, with its deteriorating condition posing safety risks and causing damage to vehicles.
The community has been vocal about the need for significant improvements, and the MEC’s announcement has sparked hopes for a better future.
However, community leaders are adamant that maintenance alone will not suffice. They argue that a full project is necessary to address the road’s underlying issues and ensure a long-term solution.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Councillor in Sekhukhune District Municipality, Ali Maloba, said maintaining the road is not enough and they wanted an upgrade project on the R25 Road.
“We appreciate the MEC’s attention to our plight, but we need more than just a band-aid solution. A full project will not only fix the road but also boost economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents,” he said.
He added that they are also not happy that not even a single full-scale road project was given to Sekhukhune in the 2025/2026 financial year.
“Sekhukhune District is the second biggest in Limpopo but every time when it comes to budget allocation, we are the last to be considered. I wonder which criteria of budgeting is used to allocate such a discriminatory budget. This is a clear indication that the MECs office and the executive of Limpopo Legislature do not value the people of Sekhukhune,” he said.
Maloba said it is not fair that proper rehabilitation projects will be implemented in other districts and Sekhukhune will only be afforded Dikgerekgere Programmes.
“We are not happy with the level of disrespect the MEC and the Limpopo Government is showing to the masses and business communities of Sekhukhune,” he said.
Maloba indicated that five years ago, the same department allocated R19 million for the maintenance of the R25 Road, which did not make any difference as the road is in total despair and becoming worse.
“This is the reason we demand a full upgrade not maintenance. We are totally against this idea because R25 Road from Dennilton Phooko to T-Junction is in unbelievably bad state and requires a serious intervention not a mere maintenance,” he said.
