Illegal dumping continues to be a pressing issue in Glen Marais, particularly at the JJ Maritz Quarry, where the environmental impact has grown more severe over time. In late 2024, local authorities, including Ward 15 Councillor Amanda Davison, revisited the site, discovering that despite earlier efforts to address the problem, the situation had only worsened. The Kempton Express, alongside Davison, toured the area, where they observed members of the EMPD (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department) removing illegal land invaders from the adjacent wetland. Davison expressed hope that the clean-up and rehabilitation promised by the MMC (Member of the Mayoral Committee) for Environment and Waste Management would proceed as planned. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, as the area remains overwhelmed by daily dumping and hazardous waste fires.
In late 2023, a clean-up initiative was launched at the JJ Maritz Quarry site, but it was never fully completed, leaving the area in a state of neglect. The site has been plagued by ongoing illegal dumping, which not only contributes to unsightly waste accumulation but also leads to hazardous fires that pose serious health and environmental risks. Councillor Davison, frustrated by months of unanswered communications with the Environment and Waste Department, raised the issue during the September 2023 council meeting. The MMC, Eunice Matloga, had assured that resources were being allocated to complete the clean-up, with a target completion date of October 2023. However, as of November 2024, the situation had deteriorated further, with homeless individuals allegedly accepting bribes from residents and businesses, enabling them to dump waste freely. This practice has compounded the environmental damage, especially along the Rietvlei stream, which is now contaminated by the illegal dumping.

The pollution from the site has become a significant concern, not only for the local environment but also for the legal water use license of the JJ Maritz Quarry. The quarry’s operations could be at risk due to the environmental degradation caused by the ongoing dumping and the subsequent contamination of surrounding water systems. During a council meeting on November 28, Davison pressed for answers, asking for a clear timeline for the completion of the clean-up and whether the installation of bollards, which would restrict unauthorized access, would be carried out as promised by Matloga in 2023. She also sought clarification on plans to rehabilitate the site, particularly the Rietvlei stream, which has been severely affected by the pollution.
In response to these concerns, Matloga confirmed that the clean-up efforts were still ongoing, with a revised timeline now in place. She acknowledged the complicating factor of recurring illegal dumping and assured that initial clean-up actions would begin immediately, continuing over the next six months. The MMC also confirmed that the EMPD would be actively involved in enforcing penalties for illegal dumping, and wardens would be assigned to monitor the area continuously to prevent further damage. Regarding the bollard installation, Matloga explained that the matter had been referred to the Roads and Transport Department, with an anticipated installation date set for early 2025, contingent on budget availability.
Matloga outlined an ambitious plan for rehabilitating the area, with the primary focus on waste removal and the restoration of the affected environment. The first steps include removing hazardous materials from the site and conducting an environmental assessment to gauge the extent of the pollution. Eco-restoration practices will follow, including planting vegetation, re-establishing habitats along the Rietvlei stream, and installing gabion walls to prevent soil erosion. Additionally, invasive alien plant species will be removed, and an ecological park will be developed to promote biodiversity. A key component of the rehabilitation plan is community involvement, with local residents encouraged to take an active role in monitoring and maintaining the site to ensure sustainable environmental practices and to prevent future illegal dumping.
Matloga’s comprehensive approach aims to address both the immediate pollution crisis and the long-term environmental health of the area. By combining waste removal with eco-restoration and community engagement, the city hopes to not only clean up the mess but also create a sustainable framework for the future. The ongoing challenges, however, underline the complexity of the issue and the need for continued vigilance. The fight against illegal dumping in Glen Marais may be far from over, but with coordinated efforts, the area can begin the long process of recovery.