The community demanded proper roads.
For their demands to be heard, they closed the P63/1 road in Maboloka, North West, on Thursday, 5 February.
They barricaded the road with wood, stones and burnt tyres. They said they want roads Z606 and Z608 to be fixed. The community said it's difficult to access some schools, especially when it's raining.
Selina Nkuna a community member, said: "We're not taken seriously in Maboloka. We don't have proper roads. Our kids don't go to school when it's raining because of bad roads. We want our bridges to be fixed."
Osinana Sikhosana said: "This is heartbreaking. Our roads are very bad and motorists are complaining. We have to escort our kids to school when it's raining."
Xolelwa Mbela (20), a Grade 12 pupil, said: "We're struggling to go to school when it's raining a lot. We're not performing well at school because of these bad roads."
Mpho Serakwane, a Maboloka Jericho Taxi Association taxi manager, said: "We're affected by that road. Our cars are damaged."
Ward 5 councillor Letlhogonolo Sedio said: "We have a problem here. We've tried engaging government officials about this road with three bridges. This problem is affecting our kids' performance in school."
Ward 4 councillor John Ratele said: "Our road isn't drivable. We have a gravel road on a tarred road."
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Bayanda Zenzile, Acting Director of Communications at the Department of Public Works and Roads in North West, said the department acknowledges the protest regarding roads Z606 and Z608.
"The department recognises the community's concerns and views this project as a priority intervention. The community has been assured that MEC Sempe Elizabeth Mokua and Head of Department Moses Kgantsi will meet with community members next week.
"Following technical assessments, the project scope was extended from 2.12km to 6.71km to ensure safer access, particularly for learners attending Madikete Lion and Solomon Lion Schools.
"Although the tender was advertised in November 2025, none of the bidders met required standards. The tender will be re-advertised on 17 February 2026, with contractor appointment anticipated by 31 March 2026.
"The department has deployed a maintenance team to attend to critical sections while the formal construction process is being finalised," she said.
