Armed with little more than shovels, brooms and determination, a group of unemployed men have repaired more than 400 potholes across Buffalo City, earning the nickname “the real EPWP” (Expanded Public Works Programme) from grateful residents.
Since 2020, the members of “Uit Die Hart” — a grassroots initiative meaning “from the heart” — have been waking before dawn to fix streets, repaint road markings and clean verges in areas including Windyridge Road, Beaconsfield Road, Magnolia Street and St John’s Road.
Founders Errol and Derrick Ellis began the initiative in 2018 in response to the crumbling infrastructure in their community.
By 2020, they had roped in Enver Exford, 31, Ricardo Faltein, 37, and Leonard Constable, 41, to expand their efforts.
“We are unemployed, and to avoid being accused of committing crimes in our neighbourhood, we wake up and make ourselves busy during the day,” Exford said.
“We appreciate any supportive gesture from motorists which recognises our efforts, from as little as smiles and thumbs-ups to people waving and hooting as they drive by.
“It motivates us to keep waking up and making a difference in society.”
Their tools are basic, their uniforms nonexistent, and their wages are whatever grateful motorists might hand over.
Yet the group’s impact has been felt well beyond the roads they maintain.
Garage manager Anand Munsamy, who has watched their work over the years, now sponsors daily meals for the men.
“As a token of my appreciation for their commitment to the community’s safekeeping efforts, I provide them with anything I can which can help put a smile on their faces.”
He said the group had not only repaired roads, but also helped push broken-down cars to safety and intervened when criminals attempted to rob pedestrians.
Cyclist Marcus Speelman, 22, said: “These men could have been doing other things with their time, but instead they look out for other people.
“When I go fishing, I know I can leave my bicycle with them and they will keep it safe until I return.
“Sometimes I wish I could do more for them.”
Beyond filling potholes, the men have begun planting flowers along roadsides, watering and caring for them daily — a visual testament to their pride in their work.
But their efforts are not without challenges.
Heavy rain often washes away their patchwork repairs, forcing them to start over.
“It slows us down, but we keep going,” Exford said.
MPL Chantel King praised their “unwavering dedication, compassion and selfless service”.
“Errol and Derrick Ellis, noticing the municipality was not in a position to maintain potholes at the bottom of Parkridge Road leading to Buffalo Flats, started to fill potholes with sand and cement,” she said.
“This was done out of concern for motorists’ vehicles and to keep themselves busy since they are unemployed.
“Nowadays it is not often that you find unemployed young men who make a positive contribution to communities, so this act deserves to be recognised.
“They are always friendly and cheerful, greeting people with smiles and jokes.
“Despite having no income, their passion for road safety is inspiring.
“Though their work may seem small, it has a big impact and offers hope to young people struggling with unemployment.”
Daily Dispatch
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