In a bizarre yet pointed protest, a 20-metre-deep sinkhole on Rondebult Road in Boksburg was “honoured” with a birthday celebration to mark three years of causing traffic mayhem.
The event, hosted by Ekurhuleni councillor Simon Lapping and ward councillor Marius de Vos, featured a custom-made chocolate cake delivered by a singing “fairy” to symbolise the public’s growing frustration over the lack of repairs.
The sinkhole, which formed in 2022, has severely impacted local traffic, disrupting over 40 000 vehicles daily and costing commuters and businesses an estimated R1 billion annually in detours and delays.
“It’s ridiculous that we’re standing here three years later with no solution,” said Councillor Lapping.
“If this were a suburb in a different area, it would’ve been fixed a long time ago.”
Cake for a crater
Alti Fouche, owner of Silla Specialty Cakes, delivered the unusual order, complete with a giant gouge on top to resemble the crater.
“We usually send singing fairies to parties and celebrations,” she joked.
“This is the first time we’ve delivered a cake to a sinkhole. It’s very exciting – happy birthday, sinkhole!”
Budget blamed for delay
Both councillors blamed budget constraints within the City of Ekurhuleni for the prolonged delay.
Despite multiple complaints and the immense economic toll, no firm timeline has been given for when repairs might begin.
The event, though lighthearted on the surface, underscored growing community anger over basic service delivery failures.
“We’re tired of excuses,” said De Vos.
“This cake is funny, yes – but the situation is not.”
Have you seen this Boksburg sinkhole?
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