Blesbokspruit a concern for residents

The Blesbokspruit in Nigel has become a topic of great concern for residents.

Illegal dumping and cultural practices led to residents becoming more worried about the environmental impact on the river.

The biggest cause for concern for residents is cultural practices, which often take place late at night, according to some residents.

These practices take place all along the river but most often behind the John Vorster Stadium. The impact on public health and safety was also brought into question.

HERUAT met with Wollaston Labuschagne, ward councillor for Nigel (Ward 88) on June 7 at the spruit to investigate the claims of illegal dumping and cultural practices.

“I have already communicated with EMPD’s General Goodman Mzolo, who is aware of these cultural rituals,” said Labuschagne.

“Mzolo also visited the Blesbokspruit and ordered EMPD members to monitor the situation. My modest opinion is that the people who visit the Blesbokspruit do not necessarily violate any national laws or municipal by-laws by entering and using the river.

“The fact that some of these groups use animals as part of their rituals and leave the carcasses behind, either in the river or the veld surrounding it, is problematic as it pollutes the environment.”

A group of people, who regularly make use of the area for their cultural practices, was spotted at the river during the visit.

“We use the animals for their blood, to cleanse ourselves as part of the ritual,” explained one of the cultural leaders, Siya Bonga. “But we do not leave the animals here. Many tribes make use of the river for other ritual uses, I do not know.

“But we normally bury the dead animals, we do not throw it in the water. Some use the river at night, while others like ourselves use it during the day.”

Environmentalists Roché Pepler and Santana Pestana were also present during the visit to the Blesbokspruit.

“For us, and I am sure for the residents of Nigel as well, the concern lies in the environmental impact of illegal dumping and the remains left behind as a result of cultural practices,” explained Pepler.

“We are concerned about the health risks the polluted river will have on us in the long term. This river flows into the Vaal River and eventually the Vaal Dam, from where we get our water,” Pepler said.

“I understand that the rituals may be somewhat unusual or strange for some residents,” Labuschagne elaborated on the subject.

“But we must remember that the freedom of movement and belief is enshrined in our constitution so, my opinion is that we should be accommodating and tolerant. I undertake to visit these places where the rituals are performed to monitor the situation.

“As Bonga explained, some groups might be at the Blesbokspruit late at night, and if it causes a nuisance for residents, the police or the EMPD will have to step in.”

The area of land behind the John Vorster Stadium it seems is often also used to dump trash and building materials, among other things.

“Litter and building materials end up in the river, even if it isn’t dumped in the river,” said Pepler.

“We need to find a way to stop it.”

Labuschagne urged residents to contact either the EMPD, police or the local health department if any illegal dumping activities are spotted near the Blesbokspruit.

Heraut requested feedback from Ekurhuleni metro on May 28. However, by the time of going to print, no response had been received.