Residents of Seshego township near Polokwane, Limpopo, have expressed concern about the mushrooming of illegal dumping sites in their area. They say the waste is a health hazard, which could also cause environmental degradation.

The concerned residents have also called on municipal authorities to start enforcing bylaws against illegal dumping.

“The dumping issue is frustrating us as the people of Seshego. The dumping area smells, and that does not sit well with us. The area is always full of waste, and even if the municipality tries to clean it, people just continue dumping waste here. Yes, it is true, we are struggling.

“The community members just dispose of dead animals, which causes a foul smell. The river is almost full and we cannot walk through it. As community members, we should help one another by cleaning our community and keeping it clean. The waste that is disposed of all over does not sit well with us as it will cause different diseases and we might not be able to overcome those diseases if we continue to live like this. We plead with the community to stop disposing of the waste here and love their country, just like other countries, by keeping it clean,” says a resident.

Meanwhile, the Polokwane Municipal Spokesperson, Thipa Selala has conceded that illegal dumping is a huge challenge.

“The war continues. What we can say is that the illegal dumping sites that you visited are actually some of those that are on our priority list for clearing. We continue to clear, especially in the Luthuli area. Once we have cleared those areas, the community members continue to go and dump illegally there. We have also erected illegal dumping fine boards to say if you dump here illegally, you’ll be fined R5000, but those boards are also vandalised. We will continue with the war. Our teams are on-site, clearing those areas affected by illegal dumping,” says Selala.

Selala says their request for the community is to work with the municipality to protect their land by reporting illegal dumping.

CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN – 🚫 ILLEGAL DUMPING
Illegal dumping can pollute rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater.#GovZAUpdates#ServiceDeliveryZA
🌊#WaterPollution pic.twitter.com/GHmJX7HFkU

— Information Resource Centre (@GCIS_IRC) October 11, 2025

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