Download PDFMining activities in Swaneville, Kagiso have been a source of concern for the communities of Swaneville and Mnandini, Tshepisong. The dust from the mine has been affecting the residents of both communities, leading to health problems and discomfort.
The mining activities produce fine particles which on windy days, form part of white dust particles that can be seen in household yards in the nearby communities of Swaneville and Mnandini. Even after cleaning, dust particles still get into homes and other buildings in the areas, causing an ongoing problem for the communities.
The children who play in the water near mines often fall ill and, in some cases, develop mysterious health issues that are difficult to diagnose. The water from the mine dams is now toxic because of pollutants from the mines, such as arsenic, uranium, and mercury. It’s clear that these airborne and water-carried pollutants are having a devastating impact on both the communities’ health and wellbeing.
The impact of mining on health is significant. Exposure to dust and other pollutants can cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of other health issues. In the case of the communities of Swaneville and Mnandini, the health impact is evident. Residents may experience respiratory problems and other health issues like tuberculosis, diarrhoea, and bronchitis. The risk of cholera is also very high due to poor sanitation conditions in Ritvallei and Mnandini.
Precious Mulaudzi, 28, is a resident of Mnandini and a mother of two, says that she has lived in Mnandini for her whole life, and the dust from the mines has affected them, especially on windy days. Mulaudzi tells us that her two children used to love playing in the water near the mine dams, but they have started showing symptoms of diseases Mulaudzi does not understand.
In the beginning, Mulaudzi did not know that the water from the mine dams was toxic, so she always let them play there. This was until another mother from the community complained about the same symptoms. Both parents have now put a stop to their children playing at the dams. University of Pretoria’s Dr Alseno Mosai found that the people of Kagiso face health hazards. He says that they breathe in uranium, arsenic, and mercury, which often seeps into the underground water, which means to be used safely, the water will have to be cleaned.
Silindokuhle Mpande, 19, who is a resident of Swaneville, and a grade 11 learner at Rietvallei Secondary School, says that she did not have health problems but since going to school in Rietvallei, she has developed asthma-like problems. She believes this is due to the dust and pollutants in the area and that affects learners when they are in class.
According to residents, in places like Carltonville, people used to be given milk to drink. However, during a discussion on the state of communities held at House of Movements in Johannesburg, one participant recommended activated charcoal instead. The participant said that the activated charcoal can be bought at pharmacies. This form of charcoal is known for helping to reduce poisoning and with other benefits too such as cleansing the body if they have bacterial infections.
This article is an opinion piece submitted on 11 April 2025. The views expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect those of Karibu! Online or Khanya College. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
