ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION VS PROFIT GAIN ON MPUMELELWENI STREAM
Nomanzi Mtshweni
By: Nomanzi Mtshweni
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION VS PROFIT GAIN ON MPUMELELWENI STREAM
There is a stream in Empumelelweni with a polluted body from a significant amount of oil or
petroleum-based substances floating on its surface. The water surface is covered in a thick layer of
iridescent sheen, which is a characteristic of oil spills.
The area is still capable of supporting some form of life, despite the pollution; however, the overall
scene suggests that the waterway has been severely impacted by human activities, potentially
leading to harm for aquatic life and the ecosystem as a whole.
This raises concerns about environmental degradation and the need for proper waste management
and conservation practices to protect our natural resources. It also highlights the importance of
addressing pollution issues promptly to prevent long-term damage to the ecosystem and human
health.
The human impact on this stream is very negative because some people use the stream for washing
their laundry and vehicles when there is no water, while there are also companies nearby, namely
Highveld Steel and Transa-Lloys, who also use the stream as their dumping site, and we don’t know
what chemicals are being dumped there. The people who live near the stream also use the water for
consumption in times of water scarcity. Ultimately, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impacts
of economic decisions and strive for a harmonious relationship between profit and planet. Enforcing
environmental regulations is a must, and a key also holding these companies accountable for
polluting our streams.
Organising campaigns to educate our community about the impact of how we can keep our streams
clean, so we can be able to have an alternative water solution when the is no water, and promote
sustainable water and the importance of keeping the stream clean. Alerting the community about
the companies that are polluting the streams, and that it is also not safe to use the water for
consumption.
Empumelelweni residents are always complaining cause the stream is already having a bad smell and
is causing diseases to community members, and also, since it’s school holidays, children go there and
play, coming back home sick. We, as the Vukani environmental movement, decided to gather the
residents who live near the stream to educate and raise awareness that if we can work together, we
can bring the stream back to life.
