Illegal dump sites are becoming a scourge across the rural areas of Muldersdrift, Mogale City. These unsanctioned practices are leading to severe environmental degradation and pose significant health risks to our community. Despite our clear opposition, we have been informed that the Gauteng MEC for Environment, Ewan Botha, intends to create 'transit stations' on government-owned rural properties, Plots 230 (previously successfully closed illegal dump site next to the N14) and 197 Rietfontein 189IQ (old borrow pit approx 1km from Sunset Drive on Beyers Naude). These stations will essentially serve as refuse dump sites where only recyclable materials are removed, exacerbating the existing problem.

We as residents of Muldersdrift and Mogale City call on the Gauteng Dept of Environment MEC Ewan Botha, Gauteng MEC Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, Mogale City Municipal Manager Makhosana Msezana, Mogale City Executive Mayor Councillor Lucky Sele, Mogale City Executive Director DIEM Madikana Thenga and Mogale City MMC DIEM Councillor Xolile Mkruquli to IMMEDIATELY cease planning, stop both proposed projects and initiate an outright ban on the establishment of recycling centers/refuse sites/transit stations in the Muldersdrift district.

The community of the Video informal settlement next door to the illegal dump site at Plot 230 next to the N14 petitioned to have the illegal dump site closed down due to extensive environmental health issues (breathing and health issues/miscarriages/birth defects). The site was closed at the end of 2025, but the same departments who assisted in its urgent closure are the same ones wanting to establish 'transit stations', reintroducing the same environmental health issues that the community have made clear they do not want without any consultation with the community.

Plot 230 lies immediately next to the national highway N14 and Plot 197 is on the busy provincial M5 Beyers Naude (previously used as a borrow pit to build the N14 and currently not rehabilitated).

Muldersdrift is the gateway to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and both these routes are used by tourists and visitors to this paleontological and environmentally protected area. Recycling transit stations will create very negative visual aesthetics impacting negatively on tourism.

The greater majority of properties/homes and businesses in Muldersdrift utilise borehole/underground water for human consumption. Dump sites/recycling transit stations will release leachate/toxic liquids into local ground water and soils. There is insufficient municipal water supply to accommodate all residents and businesses who would need to seek an alternative.

Both properties sit next to wetlands and a river system and leachate will make its way into our local rivers.

Air pollution will affect thousands of families living in very close proximity with toxic volatile organic compounds and particulate matter as well as the high risk of fire hazards releasing dangerous toxic fumes and exposure/poisoning of residents from waste matter such as the heavy metals in batteries. 

Aesthetic and economic degradation will occur resulting in the loss of much needed positive development and investment in the Muldersdrift district which is regarded as the main development node for Mogale City. This will negatively impact much needed revenue for the municipality, local economic growth and employment. Projects such as recycling transit stations only create approx 20 jobs but will negatively impact the possibility of thousands of jobs in the greater area from lost developement. 

The natural beauty of Muldersdrift, known for its open spaces and rural tranquility, is under threat. Recycling depots/transit stations will  create unsightly landscapes, pollute the environment, and damage the ecosystem. Residents have noted an increase in vermin and a decline in air and soil quality, all of which directly impact our health and the quality of life in our cherished community.

We understand the importance of waste management and recycling, but these initiatives need to be planned and executed with the community's welfare in mind. We need to protect our environment and uphold the rights of our community members. Therefore, we call upon the Gauteng Department of Environment to halt the establishment of these transit stations in Muldersdrift and instead to engage with local stakeholders to develop a genuinely sustainable alternative (i.e. parks, playgrounds, sports, food security plots) that respects our rural environment and promotes the health and well-being of all residents.

Join us in this critical cause. Sign this petition to stand against these irresponsible developments and advocate for a solution that prioritizes our community and environment. Your support is vital to preserving the integrity and beauty of Muldersdrift for generations to come.