City of Johannesburg municipal departments unite to clean up and restore the polluted Sandspruit River

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) said it has launched a coordinated, multi-entity plan to reclaim and restore the deteriorating Sandspruit River corridor, following growing public pressure and widespread concern over pollution, illegal dumping, and informal occupation north of South Road.

This comes after Sandown residents and local councillors voiced frustration over years of neglect and slow progress in addressing what they described as a worsening environmental crisis along the river.

JCPZ spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirmed that the entity is working closely with a range of city departments and agencies to reclaim, restore, protect, and maintain the Sandspruit greenbelt.

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“JCPZ’s Rangers, together with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), continue to maintain regular patrols to ensure sustained enforcement and deterrence against illegal dumping and unauthorised occupation,” said Moodley.

She added that the City’s Community Relations and Urban Management (Crum) Department is playing a key role in tackling safety concerns and coordinating infrastructure partnerships, including fencing and rehabilitation of the site.

“Following recent inspections by Pikitup, the city’s waste management entity, a joint clean-up operation is being planned in collaboration with JCPZ, JMPD, Crum, the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), and the Department of Home Affairs.

“This integrated strategy aims not only to remove illegal waste and occupiers from adjacent land but also to address the underlying social and environmental challenges contributing to the degradation,” Moodley said.

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She added that SAPS and Home Affairs will assist in dealing with undocumented individuals living along the riverbanks, while the city continues to explore longer-term, humane solutions for displaced people.

JCPZ acknowledged that Johannesburg’s rapid urban growth and economic pressures are driving increased informal occupation and waste dumping in open spaces across the metro.

“Enforcing environmental protection and maintaining riverbanks across the city remain complex challenges. Despite regular clean-up campaigns, illegal dumping continues to recur, placing a strain on natural ecosystems and infrastructure.”

While no recent environmental study has been conducted on the Sandspruit specifically, Moodley referenced findings from a Zandspruit River assessment near Cosmo City, which revealed that E. coli levels and turbidity exceeded permissible standards, conditions likely mirrored in the Sandspruit due to sewage overflow, informal settlement activity, and direct waste disposal.

JCPZ urged residents to take an active role in protecting the Sandspruit and other waterways by promptly reporting illegal dumping, pollution, or environmental crimes.

Reports can be made through the following channels:

• Joburg Connect Call Centre: 011 375 5555 or 0860 562 874 (0860-JOBURG)
• Pikitup (Dumping on pavements/streets): 087 357 1030 or illegaldumping@pikitup.co.za
• National Environmental Hotline: 0800 205 005 or omplaints@environment.gov.za
  Residents are encouraged to provide the date, time, and location of incidents, as well as photographs or vehicle licence details where possible, and to always request a reference number.

“JCPZ acknowledges the concern of residents and nature enthusiasts who regularly visit and care deeply about the Sandspruit. The entity remains committed to restoring and safeguarding this important ecological corridor through integrated interventions, ongoing enforcement, and strong community partnerships,” Moodley concluded.

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