FEATURE
Figure 8 . The founder of the awardwinning Hennops Revival NGO , Tarryn Johnston , says they have a ‘ great working relationship ’ with the city of Tshwane . She says Joburg and Ekurhuleni municipalities pitch up at … meetings , but that ‘ as at a national level , any action is unfortunately absent ’. ( Photo : Tarryn Johnston , founder and CEO of Hennops Revival )
X said : “ Authorities have allowed upstream pollution from sewer plants and other harmful water uses to continue unchecked .”
X doubted whether the municipalities could undo the damage . “ They probably are understaffed and underskilled and under-supported in some instances , compounded by lack of resources and the complete failure of local authorities .”
Corobrik ’ s application
If the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ( DMRE ) does grant Corobrik the licence to mine the coal at its brick factory , the existing state of the Rietvlei suggests there is little chance that the City of Tshwane has the requisite staff or skills to monitor potential pollution .
While the proposed Corobrik mine is situated in Tshwane , Zwane emphasised that mining activities fell outside the city ’ s jurisdiction . He said the city had “ raised concerns about Corobrik ’ s application and will appeal any decision that compromises the environment ”.
Liefferink said Corobrik had to manage its mine as per its environmental management plan commitments and not pollute , “ so that if pollution occurs , the law will follow its course ”.
“ Unfortunately everything in SA
Figure 9 . In the absence of government concern and action , says Hennops Revival ’ s Tarryn Johnston , the private sector has started to invest in the future through credible NGOs , which she says is where the greatest changes seem to be unfolding . ( Photo : Tarryn Johnston , founder and CEO of Hennops Revival )
doesn ’ t always work as it should and any proper process could be ignored or denied or corrupted , such as the damage caused by mismanaged treatment works , and the Department of Water and Sanitation ’ s lack of action due to corporate misgovernance ,” X said .
While concerns have been raised about corporate responsibility and municipal capacity – and taking into consideration that the City of Tshwane was castigated by the SAHRC for the barely functioning state of a number of its WWTWs – Zwane said Tshwane was committed to a more sustainable and ecologically responsible future .
Unanswered questions
Whether a “ sustainable future ” is in the pipeline for the Rietvlei environment seems to be up in the air , with Corobrik directing questions to consultants Licebo Environmental and Mining ( Pty ) Ltd .
Licebo environmental scientist Johny Mafego would only confirm that “ the final basic assessment report ( BAR ) and environmental management programme ( EMPr ) was submitted to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ( DMRE ) on the 12th of October 2023 ”, in turn directing Daily Maverick to the DMRE for comment .
However , repeated questions put to the DMRE have been unanswered , which some would link to a state of paralysis in the department .
The preservation and restoration of environmental and public health in a large chunk of the country ’ s financial heartland , meanwhile , awaits the DMRE ’ s decisive action and collaborative effort .
“ Don ’ t forget , 20 % of Tshwane ’ s drinking water is extracted from Rietvlei dam ,” Johnston said . DM
Figure 10 . ‘ Our meetings with DWS and metros have been attended by representatives of all the metros and national DWS , and highlighted ongoing concerns , but in the end , its conclusion seems to be that it is easier to break the law than it is to enforce it .’ ( Photo : Tarryn Johnston , founder and CEO of Hennops Revival )
17 Grassroots Vol 24 No 1 March 2024