Discovery Insure and Avis Southern Africa have announced a groundbreaking partnership to support the Discovery Pothole Patrol in Johannesburg. The collaboration between the two companies aims to identify and repair potholes on major roads in the city, addressing a longstanding issue that poses a significant safety hazard.
The Discovery Pothole Patrol initiative was initially launched in May 2021 with the objective of assisting the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and the City of Johannesburg in effectively dealing with the prevalent pothole problem. The new partnership with Avis Southern Africa further strengthens the initiative’s mission to make Johannesburg’s roads safer for everyone.
Anton Ossip, CEO of Discovery Insure, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Together with the Johannesburg Roads Agency, we are excited to have Avis join the Discovery Pothole Patrol. Potholes are a major safety hazard, and we believe this cross-sector partnership aimed at tackling the problem of potholes in the city will help to make Johannesburg’s roads safer for everyone.”
Ramasela Ganda, Group CEO of ZEDA Limited and Avis Southern Africa, emphasized the shared commitment to road safety, saying, “We believe that everyone has a role to play in making our roads safer, and as an integrated mobility business, we are committed to providing our customers with a safe and reliable driving experience. This partnership will ensure that we stay true to this commitment. By working together with Discovery Insure and the JRA, we can make a real difference in the lives of our customers and broader society.”
The Johannesburg Roads Agency manages a vast 13,599-kilometer road network across the City of Johannesburg, making their mission of providing quality, accessible, and livable roads for the community of utmost importance. Zweli Nyathi, Acting CEO of the JRA, welcomed the extended partnership and explained, “We therefore welcome this extended partnership in support of the Discovery Pothole Patrol, which is assisting our depots with some of our reactive maintenance on our extensive road network and thus ensuring safer mobility for road users.”
The collaboration between Discovery Insure, Avis Southern Africa, and the JRA aligns with the City’s transformative approach to service delivery. Cllr. Kenny Kunene, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, applauded the extended partnership, stating, “The Discovery Pothole Patrol Initiative, eliminating one pothole at a time, is just one example of how the JRA and the City’s Transport department are transforming the way in which it looks at service delivery. Through partnerships and developmental models where citizens and businesses are no longer passive recipients of services but active participants, we can work together for the greater good.”
In addition to contributing skills to road maintenance in Johannesburg, the Discovery Pothole Patrol will play a vital role in enhancing road safety and driving experience in the city. By identifying and repairing potholes, the initiative aims to minimize accidents, vehicle damage, and potential injuries caused by these road hazards.
With the combined expertise of Discovery Insure, Avis Southern Africa, and the JRA, the Discovery Pothole Patrol is set to make a significant impact on the road infrastructure of Johannesburg. This cross-sector partnership showcases the power of collaboration and serves as an example of how businesses and government entities can come together to address common challenges for the betterment of society.
As the initiative progresses, motorists can look forward to smoother, safer roads, contributing to an overall improved driving experience in Johannesburg. Through the concerted efforts of Discovery Insure, Avis Southern Africa, and the JRA, Johannesburg is taking a proactive.
