Illegal dumping continues to be a problem in Soweto, posing serious health hazards to the community.
Speaking to Urban News, Ward 22 councillor Sebenzile Mabuza of Pimville said that while service delivery delays contribute to the problem, it is also the community’s responsibility to ensure their neighbourhoods remain clean and safe.

“We have implemented many projects to try to combat illegal dumping in our community. A clean-up was carried out and the site was turned into a vegetable garden, which I had hoped would benefit the community. However, when the vegetables started growing, they were stolen and the area quickly reverted to an illegal dumping site,” said Mabuza.

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Pimville resident Nhlanhla Tshabalala said illegal dumping has a negative impact on the community, causing air pollution and attracting rodents.

“It is not a good look for the community. We can combat illegal dumping if community members put a stop to it and report those responsible,” said Tshabalala.

Mabuza added that community members need to understand the impact of illegal dumping and the damage it causes to the environment.