Picture: The North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane/Facebook
By REGINALD KANYANE
11 May 2026 – The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane has intensified its environmental compliance and enforcement programme aimed at addressing illegal dumping, non-compliant landfill sites, environmental pollution and municipal failure to enforce waste management by-laws across the province. Lenkopane said this forms part of her department’s declared 18-day provincial environmental compliance marathon, which has already commenced in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, where environmental compliance inspections and assessments are currently underway.
She further said to date, between two and three municipalities within the district have already been covered, with multiple illegal dumping hotspots, non-compliant waste sites, and areas of environmental concern identified for further intervention and enforcement action. Lenkopane added that the programme focuses not only on municipal compliance, but also on the responsibilities of citizens, businesses and communities in curbing illegal dumping and protecting the environment.
“The department has observed with serious concern the continued deterioration of waste management systems in certain municipalities, the uncontrolled growth of illegal dumping sites, and the increasing environmental and public health risks associated with these practices.
“Of particular concern is the direct linkage between unmanaged waste sites, rodent infestation, flies, and harmful organisms that contaminate communities, shops, storage facilities, and food handling areas, contributing to food safety risks and incidents of food poisoning,” she said.
Lenkopane said illegal dumping and poor waste management practices are further contributing to environmental degradation, pollution and climate change pressures, while undermining the constitutional right of communities to a clean and healthy environment. She said her department reiterates that municipalities have a direct legal responsibility to implement and enforce waste management bylaws, maintain compliant landfill operations, and ensure proper waste disposal systems within their jurisdictions.
“We have instructed the department to strengthen inspections, compliance monitoring, and enforcement measures in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) and the National Environmental Management: Waste Act. The department will intensify environmental compliance inspections, enforcement of landfill licensing conditions and monitoring of municipal waste management systems.
“This includes identification of illegal dumping hotspots, compliance verification against Integrated Waste Management Plans, issuing of directives and compliance notices and recommendations for enforcement action where violations persist,” said Lenkopane.
She said municipalities found to be operating unlawful or non-compliant landfill sites or municipalities failing to act against illegal dumping and environmental pollution, may face consequences in terms of environmental legislation. Lenkopane said the province is entering a new phase of environmental enforcement and accountability.
“The culture of neglect, uncontrolled dumping, and failure to enforce by-laws cannot continue. We further emphasised that while DEDECT remains committed to providing intergovernmental relations support, technical assistance and environmental compliance guidance to municipalities, this support must not be interpreted as a substitute for municipal accountability.
“The department will support municipalities where support is required, but municipalities must execute their constitutional and legislative responsibilities. Where there is continued disregard for environmental compliance obligations, the department will not hesitate to act within the provisions of the law,” she said.
Lenkopane said the department confirmed that the 18-day compliance marathon will continue across other districts of the province as part of a broader environmental compliance, public awareness and waste management intervention programme under the “Matlakala ke Zaka” campaign. She said communities are encouraged to work together with government in reporting illegal dumping activities and protecting the environment for present and future generations.
The Guardian 