Rotten-egg odour sweeps across West Rand into Fourways

Residents of the West Rand may have noticed a smell in the air this morning, October 28, which could best be described as the smell of sulphur, cat urine and even rotten eggs.

The smell stretched all the way from Randfontein to Fourways, leaving residents scratching their heads about what it could be.

BCI Security chief communications officer Paul Catlett said reports may vary by area, and the cause and concentration of any gases during this latest episode have not been independently verified by BCI Security.

“A rotten-egg odour is commonly associated with hydrogen sulphide. Sulphur dioxide can also irritate the eyes and airways, but the smell alone cannot tell us which gas is present or how much is in the air,” said Catlett.

He explained that similar odour episodes were reported before.

“In March, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said monitoring data from that episode showed elevated hydrogen sulphide at some monitoring stations. The department said the odour was likely caused by hydrogen sulphide and that south-easterly winds had carried pollution from Mpumalanga towards Gauteng. These findings relate to that reported episode; they do not, by themselves, establish the source of the odour now being reported.”

He explained that in a previous sulphur-like odour investigation in Johannesburg, the spread of complaints and weather conditions pointed to a possible source outside the city. Identifying the cause of any new episode requires current monitoring and investigation by the relevant authorities.

Possible health effects

According to Catlett, hydrogen sulphide may irritate the eyes and respiratory system. Depending on the level and duration of exposure, people may also experience a headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness or breathing discomfort. Serious effects are associated with high exposure; the odour itself is not a reliable way to measure the concentration or assess the risk. At higher concentrations, a person’s ability to smell hydrogen sulphide may also be reduced.

“People who notice a strong odour can reduce time outdoors while it persists, close windows if the smell is entering their home, and report the time and location to the relevant municipal or environmental authorities. Anyone experiencing persistent breathing difficulty or significant irritation should seek medical advice. These steps are consistent with the department’s guidance during a previous episode,” said Catlett.

He explained that BCI Security is sharing residents’ reports as a community concern, has not conducted air-quality testing and is not identifying a responsible source.

DA caucus leader reports poor air quality since 2023

DA Caucus Leader Alderman Tyrone Gray explained that the party has been reporting poor air quality in Mogale City since May 2023, initially caused by burning at the Luipaardsvlei landfill site.

Gray stated that the site is currently closed.

“Air quality monitoring stations are not functioning optimally, such as the one stationed at Leratong, with equipment that is outdated and does not adequately monitor a sufficient array of pollutants.”

A safe and healthy environment is a constitutional right as per Section 24 of the Constitution:

Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being, and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that prevent pollution and ecological degradation, promote conservation, and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.

Furthermore, Section 152(1)(d) of the Constitution states that the promotion of a safe and healthy environment is an object of local government.

This is a clear infringement of the rights of the people of Gauteng and residents of Mogale City to a healthy and safe environment.

“As the DA, we have escalated these matters to both the South African Human Rights Commission for investigation and have reported to the national Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. We will continue to champion this crucially important matter. We uphold that a healthy environment is a necessity and not a luxury.”

Gauteng Weather issues alert

Unauthorised regional forecasting account Gauteng Weather posted on X that a strong sulphur smell was present in Gauteng from an east-south-easterly wind today, October 28, causing unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups in affected areas.

Report the smell

Residents are also urged to report the smell to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment on 0800 205 005 or email envirocrime@dffe.gov.za.

Mogale City Local Municipality feedback pending

The Krugersdorp News approached the Mogale City Local Municipality for comment on whether officials have received complaints about the smell and where it is coming from via WhatsApp on Wednesday, October 28, at 08:49 and sent an email at 09:15. Refilwe Mahlangu, assistant to the Mogale City Local Municipality Media and PR manager, confirmed receipt of the email and WhatsApp messages and stated that she had forwarded them to the relevant department.

An update will be published once their comment is received.