Dear Derek

I met you some time ago while in Russia when you were there with a delegation and you said to me if I needed anything in tourism I was to contact you.

Well Derek, I’m appealing to you now.

If we are to increase our tourism to this beautiful country, we seriously need to do something about the state of our provincial roads from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit and the Kruger National Park and private game lodges.

The roads are appalling and so full of potholes one can’t even call them roads; it’s simply shocking and a disgrace that they’ve been left in such desperate need of repair. I know the various municipalities have run out of funds, but then why not introduce a small toll fee to repair the roads.

The coal trucks going through Lydenburg have completely destroyed the roads, making them almost impossible to navigate.

The road from Johannesburg to the Belfast turn off on the N12 and N4 is clearly perfect due to Tolls fees having to be paid; however from Belfast to Dullstroom, Lydenburg and onto Ohrigstad is disgraceful and this is what tourists experience when they visit this amazing part of the world. The road from Ohrigstad to Hoespruit is in a better condition and hopefully this condition will be maintained.

I appeal to you to take a drive from Johannesburg to Hoespruit to experience the roads for yourself and then let me know if you think they’re acceptable to tourists and locals alike.

Many thanks for giving me your ear and look forward to your response.

Kind regards

Teresa