THE South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) is urging the public to continue reporting air pollution incidents to help hold polluters accountable.

SDCEA said residents have long carried the heavy burden of living next to some of the country’s largest industries.

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Air quality and health officer for SDCEA, Bongani Mthembu, said residents in south Durban areas have suffered the smell of sulphur to the choking smoke over Wentworth, and dust clouds in Umlazi.

“Air pollution remains one of the community’s greatest threats. Medical studies show that polluted air is linked to asthma, cancer, heart disease, and even premature deaths. For families in south Durban this is not just science, it’s lived reality.

“Children wake up coughing, elders struggle with breathing, and too many loved ones have been lost to pollution-related illnesses. Every resident has the right to clean air and your complaint is a powerful tool to hold polluters and the city accountable,” said Mthembu.

He warned the public that pollution is not just an environmental issue, rather a health and human rights issue.

He added, “By reporting pollution, residents protect themselves, their families, and their future generations.”

Also read: Update: Environmentalist calls for urgent probe into Clairwood fire

How to log a pollution complaint in eThekwini?

If you see, smell, or experience unusual pollution in your area, whether it’s thick smoke, gas leaks or chemical odours, take action immediately.

Step 1: Report to eThekwini City Health Pollution Control Department.

Call 031 311 5555 or 031 311 5150

Provide details: What you observed (smoke, smell, gas), the time, date, and location. If possible, take photos or videos as evidence.

Step 2: Ask for a reference number

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

Step 3: Share with SDCEA

Forward your complaint and reference number to Bongani Mthembu, air quality officer for South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) on 031 461 1991 or 069 120 4970.

SDCEA works alongside residents to ensure complaints are followed through and that industries and government are held accountable.

Why your complaint matters?

Every complaint logged builds a record. This record becomes evidence of repeated pollution incidents and pressures both eThekwini Municipality and industries to act. Without community complaints, polluters continue unchecked. The truth cannot be ignored.

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