Sewage Scandal! Viral Video Exposes Alleged Illegal Dumping in Mogale City!
A viral video circulating on social media has ignited a controversy in Mogale City, South Africa, after residents captured footage allegedly showing municipal workers illegally dumping sewage into a stormwater drain. The incident, which reportedly occurred at the corner of Windsor Street and Main Reef Road in Luipaardsvlei on September 18th, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about environmental safety and municipal accountability.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The video, filmed by local resident Neels Jooste, appears to show a municipal sewage truck discharging waste directly into the drain. Jooste, along with safety officer Wayne Marais, confronted the workers, but they allegedly refused to identify themselves or provide an explanation for their actions.
"We asked why they were doing this and to identify themselves, but they did not," Jooste said.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
Beyond the immediate foul odour, residents are worried about the broader environmental impact and potential safety hazards. Jooste claims the sewage encourages excessive weed growth, which could obstruct visibility for motorists on the busy road, increasing the risk of accidents.
"The sewage makes weeds and plants grow there, which can block visibility for motorists on the busy road and cause crashes," he explained.
Allegations of Repeat Offenses
Marais alleges this isn't an isolated incident. He claims to have witnessed similar dumping activities in the past, suggesting a systemic problem within the municipality.
"One truck was dumping sewage while another rinsed it away with water," he alleged.
Municipality Responds
Councillor Lourens Gouws arrived at the scene shortly after the video surfaced, confirming the strong sewage odour and condemning the act as illegal dumping. He emphasized that municipal trucks have designated disposal sites and speculated that the workers may have been trying to avoid the proper disposal process.
MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu acknowledged the video and stated that a sewer blockage had been reported.
Government Tightens Belt: New Spending Cuts Announced
In related news, the Zimbabwean government has announced drastic measures to curb spending, including a hiring freeze, a 25% reduction in fuel allocations, and a ban on hotel workshops. The directives, outlined in Treasury Circular Number 10 of 2025, aim to enforce fiscal discipline after years of overspending. All contracts exceeding US$2 million now require treasury approval, and foreign travel will be restricted to externally funded trips only. These measures reflect a broader trend of governments seeking to optimize resource management and ensure accountability.