The Jukskei River, one of Johannesburg’s oldest waterways, holds historical significance as part of the city’s founding story.
Yet today, it faces an environmental crisis marked by severe pollution, health risks, and flooding.

The river has become heavily contaminated due to urban runoff, industrial effluent, beliefs, and leaking sewage infrastructure, with high levels of E. coli and other pollutants posing serious risks to both residents and wildlife.

Illegal dumping of plastic, rubble, and other waste has worsened the situation, often clogging water channels and contributing to flooding during heavy rains.

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Despite these challenges, community members living near the river, particularly in areas such as Jukskei Park, have shown strong commitment to change. Local environmental volunteers frequently organise clean-up campaigns, remove debris, and raise awareness about responsible waste disposal to protect the river’s ecosystem.

In support of such ongoing community efforts, the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS), together with Ward 94 councillor David Foley, recently hosted a Water Safety Awareness Campaign along sections of the Jukskei, including the bridges on Main Road and the Steyn City area along Winnie Mandela Drive.

Led by community educator Irene Ngwepe, the outreach reached around 70 community members who were performing cultural and religious rituals at the river. Participants received safety pamphlets, emergency contact details, and guidance on avoiding accidents during the rainy season.

Foley stressed the importance of awareness, particularly as flash floods could strike unexpectedly.

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“River safety is very important as flash floods after rain can suddenly happen. We want to make sure residents understand the risks and know how to stay safe,” he said.

When asked about the frequent religious rituals performed by various church groups along the river, Foley explained that the campaign’s purpose was purely educational.

“The idea was not to stop people from performing their rituals, but to educate them to save lives. This wasn’t an enforcement operation; it was our firefighting and EMS teams engaging the community on safety.”

The initiative forms part of the City’s broader commitment to community and environmental safety, working hand-in-hand with residents to protect both lives and local natural resources.

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