"Transport remains the heartbeat of South Africa's economic growth and development," she said speaking at The New Age's business breakfast in Midrand.

Good roads are the backbone of our economy, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said on Monday.

"Transport remains the heartbeat of South Africa's economic growth and development," she said speaking at The New Age's business breakfast in Midrand.

"Most of our roads network is older than 25-years-old and it has exceeded its design life and that is why we have so many potholes."

She said the government was committed to upgrading the roads and funding the rehabilitation of potholes.

Peters spoke about fixing potholes and said it was a priority.

Since 1994, the government has done a lot to upgrade the roads, railway, maritime and airport infrastructure.

About R22 billion had been invested in South Africa for the upgrade of airports across the country, she said.

"The transport sector is a significant enabler for economic growth and social development," Peters said.

Transport had a huge impact on people and was important for important goals like eradicating poverty.

She said the department would continue to upgrade and maintain the transport sector.

The event was broadcast live on SABC2.