NYAKALLONG, Free State – Voëlpan, also known as Sheteng by the Nyakallong community because of its unbearable stench, has become an environmental disaster that has plagued the area for decades.
Community activist Astone Chaole, of Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua), has compiled a disaster report. He has been fighting for residents’ rights since early 2021 and documented how the crisis reached new heights when toxic water began flooding homes and forcing families to flee.
After heavy rains in late 2021 and early 2022, water quality examination was done by David van Wyk and the Bench Marks Foundation. They confirmed that airborne toxins and the dam’s stench were causing respiratory problems including asthma and other lung illnesses through the inhalation of poisonous fumes.
“Water began entering people’s yards and houses. As the problem worsened, it closed the R30 provincial road and covered pump stations, causing more sewage spillages. It submerged houses and forced residents from their homes. Those who left had to be accommodated by relatives,” said Chaole.
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The health impact has been devastating, particularly for elderly residents who comprise most of Riverside’s population.
“Within six months, with people living with this toxic water in their houses, four elderly people died from respiratory illnesses and arthritis. Those who are not dead are slowly dying. Children cannot breathe at night and are constantly visiting the clinic,” Chaole explained.
DA Councillor Jessica Nel said local and provincial government had failed Nyakallong.
“It is disappointing that Harmony Gold Mine has not fulfilled its social responsibility towards the community but has rather passed responsibility to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality,” she stated.
Failed projects reveal the community has become a hub for corrupt tenders.
A contractor was paid over R7 million to build a stormwater system, but never started work. Residents in upper Nyakallong have not had running water for over 15 years due to dilapidated infrastructure, relying instead on water tankers three times weekly.
“Everywhere sewage water is accumulating in large masses, making it dangerous and unhealthy.
“If empty promises and tender corruption are not enough, residents have had to endure environmental dangers posed by toxic mine waste and sewerage leakages into Voëlpan,” Nel said.
Nel experienced the toxic effects firsthand during a recent investigation, suffering chest tightening, airway irritation, and coughing after exposure near the dam.
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“One cannot begin to imagine the health struggles residents experience daily. Vulnerable children with fragile immune systems are worst affected as they play in streets exposed to such contamination,” she said.
Despite awareness campaigns, media involvement, and dialogue with the mine and municipality, no successful solutions have emerged to alleviate the poor living conditions. Nel has escalated the crisis through multiple channels. She has written to Matjhabeng’s municipal manager and mayor and is corresponding with David McKay, DA Human Settlement spokesperson, on housing project failures.
“Further enquiries will be sent to Pemmy Majodina, minister of Water and Sanitation, for urgent response and intervention,” Nel said.
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