I am writing to formally record and escalate the extremely serious conditions I personally observed at the Sol Plaatje Municipality’s landfill site on 6 October 2026, at approximately 14:30.

I had previously reported the situation regarding the bulldozer and subsequently conducted an on-site inspection to assess the situation myself. What I witnessed was deeply concerning.

The accumulation of waste has reached an unacceptable level. The overall operation of the site appears to be characterised by severe disorder and a lack of effective control. Vehicles are being directed in different directions, with individuals on site apparently assuming authority over the movement and disposal of vehicles and waste. Large quantities of waste are scattered and accumulated throughout the site.

For an ordinary member of the public attempting to dispose of household waste legally, the experience is intimidating, chaotic and potentially dangerous. The current conditions are, in my view, completely out of hand and totally unacceptable for a public facility that is supposed to provide a safe, orderly and accessible waste disposal service to residents.

Of particular concern is the apparent inability of municipal security and personnel on site to exercise effective control over the facility.

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Security infrastructure compromised

I was also informed and observed that more than 100 ClearVu security fencing panels have reportedly been stolen from the perimeter. The loss of such a substantial portion of the security infrastructure raises serious questions regarding access control, site security, municipal asset protection and the safety of both personnel and members of the public.

This situation cannot be allowed to continue. The current condition of the landfill site is creating an environment in which residents are effectively discouraged from disposing of their waste legally.

This is directly relevant to the growing problem of illegal dumping throughout Kimberley. The effect of this can be seen in the large-scale illegal dumping on every possible open piece of land in and around Kimberley. If the municipality expects residents to use the lawful waste disposal system, that system must be reasonably accessible, properly managed, safe and functional. At present, the conditions I observed do not inspire confidence in any of those requirements.

I therefore believe that this situation represents a potential environmental, public health, public safety, governance and regulatory crisis that requires urgent intervention. I am particularly concerned that this could become a much larger incident if immediate corrective action is not taken. This is a potential ticking time bomb.

Urgent intervention required

I am therefore calling for an urgent and comprehensive intervention, including:

• An immediate inspection and assessment of the entire landfill operation.
• A full investigation into the theft of the ClearVu fencing and the failure of perimeter security.
• An assessment of the current security arrangements and the effectiveness of municipal security personnel.
• Immediate measures to restore proper control over the movement of vehicles and disposal of waste on the site.
• A comprehensive assessment of the accumulated waste and the site’s current operational capacity.
• An investigation into whether the facility is currently operating in full compliance with all applicable environmental and waste management legislation and licence conditions.
• A proper investigation into the causes contributing to the large-scale illegal dumping occurring throughout Kimberley.
• A fundamental review and restructuring of the current waste disposal system, rather than merely addressing individual symptoms.
• A clear corrective action plan with responsible officials, deadlines and measurable outcomes.
• An investigation into the large-scale informal settlement and families residing on the landfill site.

Regulatory engagement and formal requests

I am currently engaging with the Department of Environmental Affairs regarding an investigation into the legality, compliance and operation of the Sol Plaatje waste facility.

Given the seriousness of what I observed, I request that this matter be treated as urgent and that the relevant authorities provide a formal response setting out what immediate measures will be implemented.

I also request that the municipality preserve all relevant records relating to the operation and security of the landfill site, including security reports, incident reports, access records, complaints, equipment records, fencing losses, waste volumes and any relevant operational or environmental documentation.

This is no longer simply a matter of poor housekeeping. It concerns the safe operation of a public waste facility, environmental compliance, municipal governance, public safety and the municipality’s ability to provide residents with a lawful and functional means of disposing of waste.

The current situation requires urgent and substantial systemic change. I trust that this matter will receive the immediate attention it warrants.

Kind regards,

Johan Smit
Councillor – Freedom Front Plus
Sol Plaatje Local Municipality
Kimberley