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Stuff from Johannesburg

Concern over asbestos pollution in Mogale City

Dear Johannesburg

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has learnt that there is asbestos pollution that is severely affecting the residents of Mogale City.

Cases of pulmonary fibrosis have been diagnosed as a result of being in close proximity to the area concerned.

The DA is also in possession of lab tests which were conducted between 16 and 19 November 2018, which indicates that there is asbestos pollution in the area.

This has now been made worse by a proposed new development in the area, which will exacerbate the situation even further.

According to the plans submitted to Mogale City, the new development is currently being undertaken by the Base Church and will be known as Greengate Extension 96.

It is unacceptable that our people’s health and lives are being put in danger because of the asbestos pollution in the area.

The DA is calling on the Gauteng Department of Health as well as the Department of Environmental Affairs to urgently conduct a thorough investigation and intervene to ensure that the area be rehabilitated.

People residing in the immediate area of the old mine should be evacuated immediately until the rehabilitation has been completed.

Regards

Janho Engelbrecht MPL
DA Gauteng Constituency Head- Mogale City

Category:

The Socio-Political Crucible of Soweto

You cannot understand Johannesburg without understanding Soweto (an acronym for South Western Townships). Originally established as a “labor dormitory” to house black miners away from the white city center, Soweto grew into a sprawling metropolis of over 1.3 million people and became the epicenter of the struggle against Apartheid.

The township is home to Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It was also the site of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students protested against the forced use of Afrikaans in schools. The police response and the subsequent death of 13-year-old Hector Pieterson catalyzed international condemnation of the Apartheid regime. Today, Soweto is a vibrant cultural hub, blending historical landmarks like the Orlando Towers (now used for bungee jumping) with a booming tourism industry and a sophisticated middle class. It represents the city’s resilience—a place born from segregation that transformed into a symbol of liberation and modern South African identity.