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A South African Politician Goes Snorkeling in a Giant Pothole to Highlight City Management Failures
The stunt prompted city crews to start repairs after residents reported the water-filled trench more than three years ago.
- On Saturday, Joburg Mayoral Candidate Helen Zille snorkeled in a large, water-filled trench in Douglasdale to draw attention to the city's infrastructure mismanagement.
- Residents had reported the damaged Balder Road for three years, citing a burst water pipe and deteriorating infrastructure that local authorities failed to address despite repeated complaints.
- Following Zille's viral publicity, the Johannesburg Road Agency and Joburg Water dispatched crews to flush the water, repair the leak, and install new pipes, according to resident Susan Mottram.
- The mayor of Johannesburg stated on Tuesday that the pipe "had repeatedly failed over the past three years," noting crews filled the hole one day after Zille's stunt.
- Zille recently launched a five-point manifesto pledging to "fill potholes within 72 hours," "get 95% of traffic lights working," and use modern technology to protect major intersections if elected.
11 Articles
11 Articles
South African politician takes dip in pothole to show city management failures
Helen Zille, a well-known South African politician, wore a wetsuit, a mask and snorkel, and a pink-and-white swimming cap as she doggy-paddled through the pool of muddy brown water in an upscale Johannesburg suburb
On Saturday, the candidate at Johannesburg City Hall took out her mask and snorkel to swim... in the middle of a high road and campaign.
Associated Press News
A South African politician goes snorkeling in a giant pothole to highlight city management failures
A veteran South African politician is campaigning for mayor of Johannesburg by snorkeling in a giant, water-filled trench.
Helen Zille pothole party: City of Joburg finally takes action
The City of Johannesburg has finally taken action against a giant pothole located in Douglasdale. This follows Helen Zille’s viral video of her taking a swim in the dirty water, located on Balder Road. The “PR stunt” comes shortly after the DA’s mayoral candidate launched her five-point pledge, which vowed to take control of all spheres of local government, including road safety. HELEN ZILLE POTHOLE PARTY: CITY OF JOHANNESBURG TAKES ACTION Acco…
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