Mpumalanga Municipality Fined R160 Million for Environmental Misconduct

The Dipaleseng Local Municipality in Mpumalanga has been fined R160 million by the Balfour Magistrate’s Court for severe environmental violations that took place over almost five years.

The municipality was found guilty of contravening the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the National Water Act, with misconduct occurring between December 2018 and August 2023. The court determined that the municipality was responsible for significant water pollution, including the disposal of untreated sewage and hazardous waste into local water sources, such as the Suikerbostant River and Gasteplaas Dam.

Impact of Pollution

This pollution affected communities in Balfour Town, Kanini, Greylingstad, Grootvlei, Nthoroane, and Siyathemba, leading to environmental degradation, poor water quality, and inhumane living conditions. Livestock deaths due to contaminated water prompted complaints from residents, sparking an investigation by the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs.

Judgment and Penalties

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Sello Seitlholo emphasized the significance of the court’s decision:

• The R160 million fine includes a R40 million suspension for five years, conditional on no further violations during that period.
• The municipality pleaded guilty to all charges, underscoring the gravity of its actions.

“This ruling is a pivotal step in holding polluters accountable,” Seitlholo stated. “It should serve as a wake-up call for other municipalities to comply with environmental regulations or face severe consequences.”

The judgment highlights the need for municipalities to prioritize environmental management and ensure compliance with legislation to prevent further harm to communities and ecosystems.