Tunatazama - Community Monitors

Environment issues

Terrence Ngobeni

Name:                   Terrence Ngobeni

Province:               North West

District:                  Rustenburg

Local Municipality: Bojanala

Village:                   Kroondal Ikemeleng

Date:                      18 September 2024

 

 Environment issues

Illegal dumping and lack of proper waste management in Ikemeleng have dire consequences for livestock that are roaming around our area as they consume harmful waste material like paper and plastic, and also drink water from a contaminated river which causes hazards to the animals and human beings.

On 14 September 2024, I had an interview with Makube Mmuleli (Shepherd) a cattle farmer who expressed concerns about the littering issues in Kroondal. Specifically, he highlighted the presence of litter around Kroondal and near rivers where his cattle drink water. He said, “My cattle have been falling ill from ingesting papers and drinking contaminated water from the mines, which poses dangers to the health of my cattle”.

According to him, “Many people seem unaware that animals should not consume paper, yet in Kroondal, this is a common occurrence due to the lack of proper waste management practices”.  Moreover, the mines in the area are not adequately giving back to the community, as they contribute to health hazards for both humans and animals. Currently, our rivers are contaminated with toxic chemicals, and the environment is littered with waste due to the absence of waste collection sites. All this waste is seeping into the community’s water sources, and unfortunately, no action is being taken to address this issue.

Makube emphasized that with adequate funding for water cleaning initiatives to preserve the cleanliness of our water and environment, and improved communication with the mines regarding social labor plans to benefit the community, we could foster a better relationship between the community and the mining industry. This positive relationship would eliminate the strikes and issues such as burning mining trucks. Together, we could work towards a harmonious coexistence where everyone benefits.

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