City of Joburg intensifies action to restore Kya Sands and protect communities The City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), through its Waste Management and Regulation Unit, convened a strategic stakeholder engagement on 26 March 2026 at the Norscot Manor Recreation Centre in Randburg to provide an update on the Kya Sands Rehabilitation Project and to strengthen collaboration with affected stakeholders.
The session forms part of the City’s ongoing engagement efforts aimed at addressing longstanding environmental challenges at the Kya Sands landfill site and was chaired by Ward councillor Cllr Devon Steenkamp.
The landfill, which ceased operations in 2010, has, over the years, become a hotspot for illegal dumping and related environmental challenges. This has negatively impacted surrounding communities and businesses, with recurring waste fires contributing to deteriorating air quality in areas such as Fourways, Cedar Lakes, and Bloubosrand, affecting approximately 80,000 residents.
The rehabilitation project aims to restore environmental integrity, improve air quality, and safeguard public health. Key interventions include the removal and recycling of illegally dumped waste, the installation of security infrastructure, the restoration of the boundary wall, the continuous monitoring of air and water quality, and the development of an integrated waste treatment facility at Kya Sands.
To date, significant progress has been achieved. Approximately 98,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste have been removed. The site has been secured with deployed security personnel, and eight local SMMEs subcontracted for plant hire and other services with 37 members of the community employed in the project. Air quality monitoring systems were completed in January 2026. “Ongoing stakeholder engagement sessions continue, while construction of the boundary wall is set to commence at strategic points. Measures to curb illegal dumping have been strengthened, and interventions to extinguish and prevent recurring fires are actively underway,” says Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department, Cllr Jack Sekwaila.
He emphasised the importance of the project, noting that the rehabilitation will play a critical role in curbing illegal activities, securing the site, enforcing environmental compliance, and improving air quality in affected areas. EISD Executive Director Dr Tebogo Modiba said the project is a long-term intervention aimed at permanently securing the site, preventing illegal activities and providing a long-term waste management solution for the area. Douglasdale Community Policing Forum Chairperson Lizzy Mabena said: “The City seems to be failing to hold large companies accountable, there are allegations that some are illegally dumping at the site, with others reportedly contracted by the City itself.” She further asked what measures are being taken to address abandoned land and property.
Mabena also enquired whether the City could take over these properties, noting that many of them have accumulated significant municipal debt.
Concerns were also expressed about the placement of security personnel, with calls for coverage at key access points, and the need for stronger collaboration between the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In response, Director of Waste Management and Regulation, Makhosazana Mtshali, acknowledged these challenges, noting budget constraints while confirming that the City’s Environmental Management Inspectors (EMI’s) are working closely with JMPD and SAPS to strengthen enforcement and confirmed four companies have criminal cases opened against them, while five other issued with compliance notice.
Mtshali added that the City is reviewing the Waste Management By-Law to enhance regulation, protect public health, and promote recycling and reuse initiatives. The City is also exploring options for controlled construction and demolition waste disposal to curb illegal dumping.
The City of Johannesburg remains committed to restoring environmental safety, improving air quality, and supporting the long-term recovery of the Kya Sands area.
