Residents, environmental activists and local schools are preparing to take a stand against the ongoing sewage spills plaguing local coastlines.
The advocacy group Bays of Sewage Helderberg (BOS-H) has announced a peaceful protest scheduled for this Friday (16 January), calling for urgent government intervention to save the region’s beaches and marine life.
The protest, themed “Save Our Ocean – Stop the Pollution”, will start opposite the Hibernian Towers in Beach Road, Strand at 18:00. Participants will march to the Strand Lifesaving Club and then engage in a community beach clean-up.
Water quality advocate Jamii Hamlin said the group intends to invite to Cape Town’s mayor, deputy mayor and Francine Higham (Mayoral Committee member for Health and Community Welfare) to the event.
In a symbolic gesture of transparency, the officials have been invited to not only accept a petition of grievances but also to “have a swim” in the waters affected by the spills.
“This ‘Stop the Sewage’ petition is vital because ongoing spills affect everyone’s daily life,” Hamlin points out.
When sewage overflows into our rivers and beaches, it exposes the public to harmful bacteria. The lack of adequate warning creates anxiety that takes away the simple pleasures many communities rely on for well-being.
Beyond the immediate health risks, Hamlin highlighted the devastating “ripple effect” the pollution has on the local economy.
The protest comes as tourism and hospitality sectors report that visitors have stayed away from fouled beaches.
The petition points out that the pollution is causing severe damage to wetlands and estuaries, killing fish and seabirds, and threatening the Mother City’s unique biodiversity.
Activists argue the City is failing to uphold Section 24 of the South African Constitution, which guarantees the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being.
The BOS-H petition calls on the municipality to take greater responsibility and act with increased transparency regarding water quality monitoring and infrastructure maintenance.
For many residents of the Helderberg, the upcoming march is a breaking point. As the flyer states: “Enough is enough.”
Organisers are encouraging all concerned citizens to attend and stand together to protect the future of the coastline in the basin.
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