Waste burning one root cause of Raslouw pollution – metro

An investigation by the Green Scorpions has identified multiple sources contributing to the ongoing air pollution affecting residents at the Raslouw Gardens Estate and surrounding areas.

Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, listed the possible sources, including:
– Open burning of plastics, tyres, and other nonrecyclables in the Mooiplaats informal settlement
– An illegal landfill operating near the legal site
– Industrial emissions from Sunderland Ridge
– Similar waste burning by informal recyclers in areas such as Olievenhoutbosch.

He explained that winter atmospheric inversions worsen the situation by trapping pollutants in the air, particularly during the early morning and evening hours when residents report the most discomfort.

While enforcement actions have been taken, including health notices, fire responses, and waste removals, Mashigo said the problem persists due to deeper structural issues.

Mashigo stated, “The root causes lie in the ongoing illegality and informality of the surrounding areas. Mooiplaats in particular is expected to be formalised only at a later stage by the provincial government.”

He stated that the Green Scorpions also emphasised that addressing the issue requires a co-ordinated citywide approach, involving multiple departments, and cannot be left to the Environmental Management team alone.

“Addressing symptoms without dealing with root causes like criminal burning activities, illegal landfills, and informal settlements will only provide temporary relief.

“The matter has been escalated to various Tshwane departments, including Waste Management, Housing, Emergency Services, Municipal Health Services, and Law Enforcement,” he added.

According to Mashigo, proposed interventions now include strategic planning to reduce urban informality and criminality, fast-tracking the formalisation of Mooiplaats and stricter bylaw enforcement.

Improved co-ordination between departments and stronger collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs are also expected to play a role in addressing the issue of undocumented foreigners.

“Additional ongoing measures include monitoring industry compliance, reactive firefighting, health enforcement, formalising informal recyclers, and continued waste removal.”

The metro also plans to implement a city wide awareness campaign and conduct regular joint operations, co-ordinated by the Integrated By-law Enforcement Committee, to help reduce pollution and reduce public nuisances in Raslouw and similar areas.

This update comes after months of complaints from Raslouw Gardens Estate residents, who say they are still experiencing toxic smoke in the area, with no visible improvements.

Estate manager, Louis de Koker, previously told Rekord that the estate is located next to the Sunderland Ridge industrial area and directly adjacent to the Mooiplaats informal settlement, where the pollution appears to originate.

At the time, De Koker said residents appreciated the initial response from the Department of Environment in May, but were alarmed that no meaningful change had occurred since.

“The problem persists with growing intensity. The air is often filled with thick, toxic-smelling smoke that poses significant health risks to our families, including children and the elderly,” he said.

He confirmed that the department had identified the source of the pollution and acknowledged the waste burning in Mooiplaats, but believes the problem has only intensified.

“The source was identified by the department and confirmed by our observations. It appears to be consistent, and mainly originates from the uncontrolled burning of waste in the informal settlement,” he said.

De Koker added that while residents understand the circumstances in Mooiplaats, including the lack of proper waste disposal and environmental education, the issue points to a deeper systemic problem.

“This highlights a deeper systemic issue that requires proactive and sustainable intervention from the relevant departments.

“It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that such public health risks are addressed not only reactively but also with long-term preventative strategies,” he continued.

He said the Raslouw Gardens community is calling for a comprehensive investigation into pollution sources, especially those active at night.

He is also calling for clear guidance on project timelines, formal updates, and accountability from both the Municipal Health Services and the Gauteng Department of Environment.

“We are also calling for meaningful engagement with the Mooiplaats informal community to help establish humane, lawful, and sustainable waste management systems, alongside education and infrastructure support,” said De Koker.

“This situation affects not just our comfort but our health and quality of life.”

Resident Yusuf Kirwan also voiced concern about worsening conditions, saying, “The air pollution is getting out of hand.

The pitch-black smoke in the area is unbearable and makes it hard for those with respiratory health conditions.”

Kirwan also said that the smoke appears to be coming from the Mooiplaats area, yet no lasting solution has been implemented.

He emphasised that the problem is impacting the daily well-being of residents and their ability to go about normal routines.

“This smoke makes my chest feel heavy, and my eyes burn every day,” he added.

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