The Mpumalanga High Court found Emalahleni guilty of multiple environmental offences after untreated sewage repeatedly spill into the Olifants River. Credits: Emalahleni FM News
By Duncan Mnisi
Mpumalanga – The Mpumalanga High Court has imposed a hefty R650 million fine on Emalahleni Local Municipality for multiple environmental violations, marking a significant victory for environmental advocates and communities affected by pollution.
The municipality pleaded guilty to unlawful waste disposal, water pollution, and failure to comply with environmental regulations under the National Environmental Management Act and the National Water Act.
Between March 2019 and March 2025, untreated sewage from Emalahleni’s sewer systems overflowed into tributaries of the Olifants River, severely impacting water bodies such as the Witbank Dam, Naawpoort River, and Klein Olifants River.
These spills posed serious threats to ecosystems, public health, and local economies, prompting investigations by the Green and Blue Scorpions following numerous community complaints.
State Advocate Beauty Cibangu highlighted the gravity of the pollution, stating, “The damage caused by this pollution affects ecosystems, public health, and the economy. It’s a serious offence that demands accountability.”
The court’s ruling includes a R650 million fine—R150 million of which is suspended for five years, contingent on no further offences. The remaining R500 million must be directed toward wastewater infrastructure rehabilitation by 2031.
In response, the Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) announced a R309 million upgrade plan to restore and expand the region’s water and wastewater systems.
Currently 27% complete, the project involves refurbishing the Ferrobank Waste Water Treatment Plant to increase capacity from 12 to 23 million liters per day, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant.
MEC Speed Mashilo affirmed the department’s commitment: “We have already begun refurbishing the wastewater plant, and the R500 million allocated will accelerate upgrades to prevent future environmental harm.”
The court’s directives also require the municipality to allocate funds for infrastructure repairs by April 2031, with regular stakeholder meetings to monitor progress. “We will deploy extra technical support to help Emalahleni recover from these challenges,” Mashilo added.
Environmental advocates, including Advocate Cibangu, emphasized the importance of swift action: “Ignoring these issues damages ecosystems, public health, and the economy.”
The combined legal and infrastructural measures aim to restore confidence in Emalahleni’s water services and protect its residents from future environmental hazards.
