THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) has urged residents from Isipingo, KwaMakhutha, and Wentworth, who are affected by air pollution from South Durban’s industries, to report all incidents of pollution that they witness.

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SDCEA’s air quality officer, Bongani Mthembu, said medical studies show that polluted air is linked to asthma, cancer, heart disease, and even premature deaths. He said for families in South Durban, this is not just science, but a lived reality because children wake up coughing, the elderly struggle with breathing, and many people have been lost to pollution-related illnesses.

“Pollution is not just an environmental issue, it’s a health and human rights issue. By reporting pollution, residents protect themselves, their families, and their future generations,” said Mthembu.

He advised that anyone who sees, smells, or experiences unusual pollution in their area, whether it is thick smoke, gas leaks or chemical odours, should take action immediately. Mthembu said every complaint logged builds a record, and that record becomes evidence of repeated pollution incidents, and pressures both the municipality and industries to act.

How to report pollution incidents:

1. Call eThekwini City Health Pollution Control Department on 031 311 5555 or 031 311 5150.
Provide details: what you observed, the time, date, and the location. If possible, take photos or videos as evidence.

2. Ask for a reference number
Always request a reference number for the complaint. This is proof that your report has been logged and allows one to follow up.

3. Share with SDCEA
Forward your complaint and reference number to Bongani Mthembu at SDCEA by calling 031 461 1991 or 069 120 4970.

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