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The DA in eThekwini today calls on Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda to put in place a proper recycling program in the city which could ensure that the jobless can safely and legally make a living from recyclables.

The call follows the DA’s oversight visit to the Buffelsdraai landfill site where 18 waste pickers were last week shot resulting in one death.

While the DA appreciates that Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has reached out to the Buffelsdraai community and waste pickers, the Mayor failed to see this community as part of stakeholders in the waste management value chain. The reality is, waste pickers and recyclers form part of important stakeholders and the mayor and the city have got a legal responsibility to ensure that the city has got an effective waste and recycling management plan as this is necessary for the city's own sustainability.

The collapsed orange bag recycling program is evidence enough of this failure. The city needs inclusionary policies and practices towards waste pickers and recyclers.

From our oversight we were shocked to learn that tons of waste in the landfill site remains on fire for almost 10 days, unabated, following the illegal invasion by waste pickers on the landfill site last week Wednesday, posing some serious health hazards to nearby residents.

The DA has also learnt that the municipality has failed to completely extinguish the fire or have any tangible plan in place to smother the flames. Ordinarily a fire of this nature requires a response involving the use of extensive soil being put on top of the fire which should put the fire out and keep dangerous gasses from reaching nearby residents. From the information we've received and according to our observation no work is currently being carried to extinguish the fire.

Residents of eThekwini are in desperate need of a Mayor that will get things done not a poser. The 2024 elections provide an opportunity to residents to make this a reality by voting in a government with a proven track record of good governance.

Issued by Councillor Mzamo Billy - DA eThekwini Deputy Caucus Leader