From 28 to 30 August, the City of Johannesburg’s Environmental Health department, alongside other stakeholders, led a clean-up campaign in Lenasia South, focusing on Ward 120. Areas such as Borah Peak Street, Lenasia South Ext 4, Himalayas, and K43 Meriting were targeted to remove illegal dumping, which has spread rapidly and negatively affects residents’ lives. The waste also contributes to air pollution.
Gabisile Mbhele, Operations Manager for Environmental Health, told GLOBE POST that the initiative was sparked by the growing number of illegal dumping sites across Lenasia South and Region G as a whole. “There are many dumping hotspots, and residents often don’t understand the health risks of illegal dumping. Burning rubbish, for example, causes serious health issues. With summer around the corner, rats and flies will become a bigger problem because they are being fed by these dumps,” she explained.
“Region G has more than 20 informal settlements, and Pikitup does not collect waste in these areas, forcing residents to dispose of rubbish in open velds and creating more dumping sites due to a lack of proper bins. Even in areas with bins, overcrowding remains a challenge. For example, Lenasia South Ext 4 has many rental properties, so multiple households often share a single bin, which frequently leads to illegal dumping,” she said.
A door-to-door campaign was conducted during the clean-up to educate residents about the dangers of illegal dumping and encourage responsible waste disposal.
The clean-up was carried out by Ward 120 Environmental Health team, including manager Fatima Cordom, operations manager Gabisile Mbhele, area inspectors Nyeleti Minyuku and Zandile Masenya, volunteers, Pikitup and others. Together, they used close to 1000 plastics to clean spaces where children play and animals roam.
Mbhele encouraged residents to separate waste at the source and make use of buy-back centers to earn money from recyclables. She also praised the volunteer teams who assist in clean-ups. “These volunteers are willing to help, and all they ask for is a small thank-you gift in the form of a food parcel. They are available to clean with us whenever needed. Residents can contact our office to donate or support these volunteers at Environmental Health, 1st Floor, Ennerdale Ext 9, or call 011 945 7493,” she added.
The Health Environment department calls on community leaders, local businesses and residents to work together to end illegal dumping and keep Lenasia South clean and healthy.
Illegal dumping is a major environmental problem, causing waste to accumulate and contributing to air pollution. Open burning of dumped waste releases harmful pollutants that can cause respiratory and other health issues. Overcrowding and lack of bins in informal settlements force residents to dump waste in open spaces. Solutions include providing adequate bins, regular collection services and installing barriers. Community education is vital to encourage responsible waste disposal. With infrastructure improvements and active community engagement, neighborhoods can become cleaner, healthier and safer.
