Riverside – Cape Town section of Nyakallong

Khayisile Matsaba

by Khanyisile Matsaba

Riverside is the second area named by the first residents who arrived in or discovered Nyakallong. This section was named after the Lorraine Mine, which began discharging water into a nearby pan called Voelpan.

Last year, the Nyakallong monitors interviewed Mrs. Mthombeni, one of the original discoverers of Nyakallong. She explained that Voelpan would sometimes dry up during the operations of Lorraine Mine, leaving behind white dust that contributed to asthma and tuberculosis among residents. The situation worsened when Harmony Mine began operations, leading to the ongoing crisis we currently face.

This situation has had a substantial impact on the entire community. Many residents are now facing yards that frequently flood or remain damp. Several families have lost their homes and furniture, and numerous elderly individuals are suffering from arthritis. Tragically, one grandmother who lived next to the first demolished house passed away due to the cold conditions. The entire community continues to struggle with sewage problems, as the sewage pump remains flooded.

Many politicians and celebrities have visited the Riverside section, making empty promises. This crisis has been featured on shows like “Skhipha Amafiles” and “Leihlo La Sechaba,” yet there has been no improvement.

A possible solution would be to build a new pump station. Additionally, the community could consider starting a phytoremediation project. We should avoid suggesting that the mine drain the water elsewhere, as that would only shift the problem and put other communities in the same situation.