DELMAS — Residents living near the N12 dumping site in Delmas, under the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, say they are being forced to endure constant exposure to toxic smoke as uncontrolled waste burning continues to blanket their homes.
Community members describe a worsening situation, with thick, dark smoke regularly engulfing entire neighbourhoods, forcing families indoors and exposing them to what they believe are harmful air pollutants. Despite repeated complaints, residents say there has been no visible or meaningful intervention from the municipality.
According to those affected, the problem has escalated from a nuisance to a daily health hazard. The smoke is accompanied by a persistent foul smell and swarms of flies, creating conditions residents say are unfit for human habitation. Even with doors and windows shut, the smoke continues to seep into their homes.
Residents report a growing number of health problems, including chest pains, sinus complications, persistent coughing and breathing difficulties — symptoms they directly link to prolonged exposure to the burning waste.
Frustration within the community has reached a breaking point, with residents accusing authorities of neglect and failing to protect basic living conditions. Many warn that continued inaction is placing lives at risk.
The Highveld Chronicle contacted the Victor Khanye Local Municipality on 20 April 2026 for comment. However, no response had been received by the time of publication.
Residents say the silence from officials has deepened their sense of abandonment.
Residents Speak Out
Mangaliso Sibanyoni described the daily impact on his family:
“The dumping site is affecting us badly. When it’s not the smoke, it’s the smell. I have a child with a chest problem, and this makes it worse. You can’t even open your door because of the smell and the flies. It’s not a good situation at all.”
Pinkie Sonqa echoed similar concerns:
“The dumping site smells a lot. I never had sinus problems before, but now I do because it is always burning. It affects us every day, and I don’t understand why it keeps burning.”
She added that residents are left to cope on their own:
“I’m now relying on spray just to manage. They must remove it here. At night, when we are supposed to be resting, you can’t sleep because of the smoke.”
As conditions continue to deteriorate, residents are calling for urgent intervention from the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, warning that further delays will have serious and lasting consequences for the health, dignity and safety of the community.
