Four years of driving sustainable change with Pothole Patrol

As an insurer, we want to make our roads safer for everyone who uses them. We do this by encouraging better driving behaviour with our Vitality Drive programme. However, safer roads also depend on the condition of the road surface itself.

That's why, in May 2021, Discovery Insure launched the Pothole Patrol, in partnership with Avis Southern Africa and the City of Johannesburg. This year marks four years since the launch of this initiative, and it has been going from strength to strength.

282 261 potholes repaired in Joburg since inception

The Discovery Pothole Patrol app uses geolocation to allow users to log and report potholes within the JRA's jurisdiction, which encompasses the Johannesburg metro.

Once a pothole is reported, an inspector is sent out to determine its size and depth. The pothole must measure a maximum of 1 m by 1 m and not be deeper than 3 m (anything larger or deeper is escalated to the JRA). A repair team is then allocated to fix the pothole. If the pothole was reported through the app, the user will receive feedback when it's been fixed.

Since its inception in May 2021, the Pothole Patrol has repaired an impressive 282 261 potholes. The initiative's initial target was to repair 1,000 potholes a week - but the team has exceeded that target by more than 50%.

From filling the gaps to building skills

To ensure this force for good reaches more people through sustainable change, the Discovery Pothole Patrol Academy was launched in 2024, in partnership with Avis Southern Africa and the City of Johannesburg.

Following a successful pilot in 2023 with 18 learners, the Academy was accredited by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) to offer a 12-month practical skills training programme that provides an NQF Level 3 qualification.

In 2024, its first official year, the Academy provided classroom and on-the job training to 24 learners through EduWize, an accredited learnership and skills development provider. In February 2025, the first group of learners graduated, equipped with real-world road construction skills and the confidence to soon start their own businesses.

Discovery Insure continues to drive real, lasting impact on South Africa's roads. It's not just about fixing what's broken - it's about creating safer journeys and a better future for all.

To report a pothole in Johannesburg, simply download the free Discovery Pothole Patrol mobile app (available for iOS and Android), register, and then upload a picture or capture your location

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