Residents around Fourways, North Riding, Bloubosrand, Kya Sands, and neighbouring areas have taken a stand in the fight against the constant burning in the illegal dump sites in Kya Sands.

The residents have been working hard to report the issue, sending emails daily to the city, and also reaching out to authorities, begging for intervention.

Read more: Illegally dumped debris removed from Elise Road

Residents also appealed direct to the Gauteng MEC for the Department of Environment Ewan Botha. After receiving emails from affected residents, he led a multi-stakeholder joint operation on October 30, which resulted in the closure of illegal recycling operations, the arrest of undocumented individuals, and the disruption of ongoing environmental crimes threatening nearby communities.

The first site visit revealed active burning at an illegal landfill, with perpetrators fleeing as the team arrived. At the second site, conditions had deteriorated since the initial reports, and recyclers continued operating illegally in plain sight. Two unlicensed recycling facilities were immediately shut down for operating without environmental authorisation, and two undocumented individuals were arrested, with several others fleeing the scene.

Botha commended the unity of purpose demonstrated by all partners, emphasising that the results marked only the beginning of a sustained provincial drive against environmental crime. “The fight is on. We now know, first-hand, what we are dealing with, and I’m up for it. I hope you are all ready for this battle. We cannot lose. For the sake of the residents and our province… We cannot lose.” Addressing residents, the MEC reaffirmed his personal commitment to leading from the front in addressing the long-standing environmental and health risks in Kya Sands.

Keith Elliot, of the Kya Sands Burning Wasteland Community Forum NPC, explained that they are aware of the recent action, however it is not a comprehensive solution. “We are aware that the city has awarded a tender to secure and rehabilitate the Kya Sand Waste Disposal site, which was the first illegal dump in the area. We will be very grateful when dumping finally stops at that site, but there are still at least four other active sites, where dumping and burning takes pace daily. The city needs a broad plan to close off the whole area and to stop dumping at all sites completely.”

Also read: Councillor Harman concerned about illegal dumping on Elise Road

He further stated that the community is extremely active. The WhatsApp group has grown from just over 500 members to over 1 600. This growth has been in the last month because of two new sites that have opened, closer to residents who have not been affected by the pollution before. “This is why we are demanding a comprehensive solution. We have recently charted work groups, which are focusing in areas such as media and publicity; fundraising and stakeholder engagement, to name a few. The community is very supportive and remains determined to solve this matter.”

In late September 2025, the NPC launched a new Notice of Motion in the Johannesburg High Court. In this matter they are citing twelve respondents at national, provincial, and local levels of government. These include the Presidency, the commissioner and minister of police, co-operative governance, at both provincial and national level, national Environmental Ministry, and the city and its organs (Pikitup, City Management, and JMPD).

“What we are calling for is a co-ordinated solution which brings national, provincial, and local resources to bear on the problem.” continued Botha. “We have set timelines for specific actions, but, overall, we are demanding that within 120 days the problem must have been assessed, stakeholders must have been consulted, and an action plan to stop all illegal activities is devised and implemented.

“In addition, we are asking that the respondent is compelled to report progress to the court periodically, and that the court retains supervisory jurisdiction over the matter. We are optimistic about a positive outcome from this action for our community.”

Ward councillors Devon Steenkamp and Mark van der Merwe have also put together a petition that will be submitted to the City of Johannesburg.

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