Reports of violence, territorial disputes, and ongoing security lapses continue to alarm both workers and nearby communities. These issues came under scrutiny during a three-day conference held in Bloemfontein, where stakeholders from national, provincial, and local government gathered to address waste management challenges.

The event, led by deputy minister Bernice Swarts, focused on improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable waste services under the theme “Waste infrastructure Investment towards equitable sustainable waste services and circular economy.”

During site visits conducted by officials from the department of forestry, fisheries and environmental affairs (DFFE), alongside the Mangaung Metro and provincial government, several persistent problems were identified. Among them were ineffective fencing, uncontrolled access points, and the emergence of illegal residential structures within landfill sites.

“Some of the observations are that access is the challenge, although there is fencing, but we’ve seen some of the fencing is not effective because there are areas it has been vandalised. It is also inhibiting effective access control, and this is the case for both landfill sites,” said DFFE deputy director-general Mamogala Musekene.

Officials also noted that the registration of waste pickers remains incomplete, though efforts are underway to formalise the system by issuing identification cards. Authorities emphasised that landfill permits strictly prohibit residential settlements on-site.

“Our licenses do not allow for residential sites to be established within landfill sites. There are some illegal structures that were there, and there was engagement with waste pickers to remind them of the conditions of our license.

“Hence, the operation also included police to assist with escorting waste pickers and assisting with identification. It’s critical from a municipality perspective to have access control contained, with security on site to secure assets as we have machinery worth millions there,” she said.

Tensions on the ground paint a troubling picture. Local waste pickers, many of whom depend on recycling for survival, claim they face intimidation and violence. According to reports, disputes over territory and control have escalated, with allegations that organized groups dominate parts of the sites.
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Long-time waste picker Mpolokeng Mokoaleli, who has worked at the site since 1992, said conditions are deteriorating: “We don’t work peacefully anymore because of people from neighbouring countries.

“They’ve taken over and fight among themselves for power. Last year alone, five bodies were collected from this site. They shoot each other, bully us, and bring unlicensed firearms.”

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Mokoaleli alleged illegal substances and weapons are smuggled into the landfill at night, despite the presence of municipal security at entry points.

Mangaung had committed to transforming waste management into a formalized business sector. The initiative aimed to restore order, improve regulation, and unlock economic opportunities through recycling and sustainable waste practices.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi, Refilwe Bekane sm

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