DA calls for urgent action to stop illegal dumping and burning in Rietfontein. Picture Credits: joburgetc
By Staff Reporter
Rietfontein – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has called for urgent intervention to halt ongoing illegal dumping and open burning of waste on provincial land in Rietfontein, Mogale City.
According to the DA, the affected property is owned by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and has deteriorated into an illegal dumpsite, posing serious health and environmental risks to nearby residents. The party says waste is being openly dumped and burned on the site, raising concerns about air pollution, environmental degradation, and community safety.
The DA states that earlier this year, following complaints from residents and DA councillor Shennan Cochrane, members of the party’s Environment portfolio conducted an oversight visit to the site. The matter was subsequently reported to the Gauteng Department of Environment.
Environmental Management Inspectors from the Gauteng Department of Environment and Mogale City later confirmed several environmental violations, including illegal dumping, open burning of waste, and the absence of access control at the property.
The DA says the Gauteng Department of Environment issued an enforcement action directing the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport to stop the unlawful activities and rehabilitate the site. A final directive, issued on 28 October 2025, instructed the department to prohibit dumping, burning, and recycling of waste on the property and to submit a Waste Impact Report or Rehabilitation Plan within 30 days.
According to the DA, the department failed to comply with the directive. The party says the Department of Environment has since confirmed that the process of referring the matter for criminal prosecution is now underway.
The DA argues that the situation reflects a broader failure of accountability within the Gauteng government and says residents deserve stronger enforcement of environmental legislation to protect their health, safety, and dignity.
On the other side of Pretoria, in Rietfontein AH/Mooikloof, there is 24/7 illegal dumping and burning. We have tried for 3 years to get the authorities to do something, it falls on death and incompetent ears.