Sandown residents demand action as Sandspruit River pollution worsens after years of neglect
Mounting piles of waste, informal recycling, and river pollution have plagued the Sandspruit, north of South Road, for more than two decades. Frustrated residents accuse the City of Johannesburg of turning a blind eye.
For more than 20 years, residents of Sandown and surrounding suburbs have lived alongside what they describe as a growing environmental disaster: The stretch of the Sandspruit River, north of South Road and west of the bridge.
Once a quiet greenbelt filled with birdlife and used by walkers and dog owners, the area has deteriorated into a polluted dumping ground, as informal recyclers, illegal dumping, and informal activity continue unchecked. Locals say they’ve reported it repeatedly, but little has changed.
Read more: Sandspruit River ongoing pollution crisis frustrates Sandown residents
“It’s been ignored for too long”
Resident David Alswang said the problem has persisted for at least two decades. He blames municipal inaction for allowing the situation to spiral out of control. “It’s a complete disregard for the environment. After every heavy rain, the riverbanks are covered with waste washed downstream. It’s heartbreaking. The pollution is unsightly, it harms wildlife, and even dogs have fallen ill after playing in the water.”
Alswang added that, over the years, various officials, including police and fire services, have been seen at the site, particularly after fires broke out or complaints were raised. “They show up, take a look, and leave. Then everything goes back to the same.”
Councillors acknowledge slow progress
Ward 103 councillor Lynda Shackleford has confirmed that she is well aware of the issue, and has been pushing the City of Johannesburg for action since 2022. “I share residents’ frustration that progress has been slow. We’ve seen occasional clean-ups by Region E’s CRUM Department, but they’re not enough. The site quickly returns to the same state.”
She said she has been working with neighbouring Ward 91 councillor Andrew Stewart, as well as the Kramerville area administrator and city entities, to secure and protect the open space. “We’re trying to co-ordinate efforts to fence off and safeguard the area. Open spaces like these are essential for residents’ wellbeing and must be preserved.”
Also read: Pollution still an issue in the Jukskei river, especially with rain season coming
However, she acknowledged the complex social dimension of the problem, saying that many of the individuals living along the spruit are displaced or undocumented foreign nationals. “I have empathy for reclaimers who rely on recycling to make a living, but sorting and burning waste along the riverbank causes serious environmental and health risks. There needs to be a sustainable, regulated solution.”
Shackleford said she continues to escalate the matter through council channels and oversight visits, but believes a sustained, citywide strategy is the only real solution.
Call for community action
Stewart said other areas have faced similar challenges, and made progress through collaboration between residents, councillors, and local businesses. “In Athol and Glen Athol, homeowners’ associations and businesses worked with us to fence off green spaces and bring in private contractors to maintain them. We want to see the same outcome along the Sandspruit.”
He said the problem reflects a much wider trend across Johannesburg. “The city has around 180 informal settlements. Many green spaces have been overtaken by them, as well as reclaimers. Johannesburg is doubling in size every 25 years, but the economy isn’t keeping up. There aren’t enough jobs or housing, and that’s fuelling this crisis.”
Stewart warned that, without co-ordinated action between the city and national government, the problem will continue to worsen. “It’s a complex issue, but we can’t keep shrugging our shoulders. Environmental neglect today will cost all of us tomorrow.”
City of Johannesburg departments yet to respond
The Sandton Chronicle reached out to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department for comment. At the time of going to print, no response had been received. Updates will be provided once they become available.
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