Jack Mkhabela (31) has become known around Van Dyk Park as the Pothole Angel, taking it upon himself to repair the many potholes that plague the area.

The Tsakane resident started fixing potholes in Mimosa Street earlier this year after seeing how motorists have to avoid wheel-spinning potholes.

“I lost my job due to Covid-19. I was in the neighborhood looking for a job when I noticed how bad the road surface was, in this street as well as in everything Van Dyk Park,” Mkhabela said.

“I went to the local dump and found some bricks lying around, so I took it, cleaned it up and using some makeshift tools, paved the nest. chicken.”

Jack has come back every day and says he has managed to fix over 20 potholes and hopes he can fix them all.

His day starts at 05:30 when he leaves the house and heads for the area, sturdy bag, chisel, hammer and shovel in hand.

Once he is close to his destination, he begins to scour the sidewalks and veldt for discarded bricks, which are placed in the tough bag.

“When I have about 18 to 20 bricks, I will sit in the veldt to clean it of any cement or dirt,” he said.

“Then I collect my traffic cones and get ready for the day’s work.

“I square the pothole to the best of my ability and dig it in enough to make sure the bricks are level with the surface.

Meticulous paving of the holes Jack says he makes sure the bricks are well placed to ensure they don’t shift or shift when vehicles, as well as trucks, drive over them.

“The community supports me and often stops to say thank you and donate to me,” he said.

“I’m still looking for a job but in the meantime I will continue to repair the roads. It’s nice to help others and make a difference.

Residents and motorists are delighted with the work carried out.

“If you look at the sections that the subway has repaired and the parts that Jack has done, his work far surpasses that of the subway,” said frequent road user Brenda Steenkamp.

“His work and the way he does it is definitely superior. He deserves our recognition.

To get in touch with Mkhabela, send an e-mail to [email protected]

Read also: Potholes: tell us what you think

Also read: WATCH: Outbreak of potholes on city roads frustrates drivers