Residents across parts of Johannesburg have taken to social media over the past few days to complain about a strange and unpleasant smell lingering in the air.

Many say the odour smells like “rotten eggs”, with people posting online to ask whether others can smell it in their neighbourhoods.

Some residents say the smell has become a nuisance, making it difficult to enjoy spending time outside, with many choosing to stay indoors until the smell disappears.

It’s a very sulphur like smell😭😭
It’s horrible!!! https://t.co/YTOyoOo9t8

— Portia Moemedi (@PortiaMoemedi) March 10, 2026

City investigating the smell

According to the City of Johannesburg, reports of a strong sulphur-like smell were received from several areas, including Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort and Fourways. Some reports also came from areas outside the city’s boundaries.

Dr Floyd Brink said the city activated its technical monitoring and investigation processes after residents raised concerns.

“Protecting the health and well-being of residents remains our priority. Our technical teams are actively monitoring air quality data and working with other spheres of government to determine the source of the odour and ensure residents are kept informed,” Brink said.

It's just the usual stench of non-compliance of industry when the wind blows.

— Mrs B Awesome (@BlueNip) March 12, 2026

What is causing the smell?

Monitoring stations in Buccleuch and Alexandra detected elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), a gas commonly associated with a rotten egg smell.

According to Dr Tebogo Modiba, the highest levels recorded were enough to produce a noticeable smell but remained below levels typically linked to serious health risks.

Weather conditions, including warm temperatures and humid air, may also have contributed to the odour spreading across different parts of the city.

The city added that the smell could be linked to emissions associated with activities in the Highveld industrial complex. The matter has been escalated to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the Gauteng Department of Environment for further investigation.

@CityofJoburgZA why does JHB stink like rotten eggs? what are you doing to fix it????????????

— Liz Dums 🍒 (@elizadumsfit) March 11, 2026

What residents should do

As a precaution, the city has advised residents to remain indoors when the sulphur-like smell is particularly strong and to avoid strenuous outdoor activity.

Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions, should be monitored for symptoms such as eye irritation, throat irritation, headaches, dizziness or fatigue.

The city says its air quality teams will continue monitoring the situation while working with other authorities to identify the source of the odour.

Day 3 of waking up to a chemical-like smell in Sandton. This surely can’t be good for our health. The City of Joburg Municipality, or whichever mine is responsible, really needs to do something about this 🙂.

— Quincy Neyo (@Quincy_neyo) March 11, 2026

Can you smell it too?

Have you noticed the “rotten egg” smell in your area?

Residents across Johannesburg have been sharing their experiences online, reporting the odour in different neighbourhoods.

Can you smell it too? Head to the comment section and tell us where you noticed the smell in your area.

Joburg has been smelling like my two year old’s poop since Monday. Also haven’t seen any government communique on what exactly it is that we’re breathing. Singashoni bo please.

— Mr Dlamini (@Ant_089) March 11, 2026

third day in a row, what the hell is that smell in johannesburg!!!! https://t.co/DkKmQfYLMx

— 👩🏽‍🎨 the makeup shapeshifter (@slimgirlsupreme) March 11, 2026

Someone did mention that Joburg smells like sulphur. Bethuna 😭inoba that’s why we are sneezing and coughing non-stop 🤧

— BusieM (@BusieM_M) March 11, 2026

Even here in Benoni,it is like some rotten eggs type of smell. Somebody must explain,we cannot live like this

— LordMathopo (@MathopoEki57346) March 11, 2026