The state of Limpopo’s landfill sites
AfriForum audited 127 landfill sites in all nine provinces this year as part of its national project to measure the standard of landfill sites in South Africa.
Only 4 out of 12 landfill sites that were audited in Limpopo have adhered to national standards. In terms of applicable legislation and regulations, including the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act no. 59 of 2008), a landfill site must adhere to particular standards.
This is how the best landfill sites compare to the worst:
| Best | Percentage | Worst | Percentage |
| Groblersdal | 98% | Ellisras | 16% |
| Marble Hall | 84% | Hoedspruit | 20% |
| Louis Trichard | 84% | Naboomspruit (Mookgophong LM) | 34% |
| Tzaneen | 100% | Naboomspruit (Western Breeze) | 20% |
| Nylstroom | 0% | ||
| Phalaborwa | 36% | ||
| Leeupoort | 4% | ||
| Warmbaths | 40% |
The audit consists of a list of 33 questions that measure the minimum requirements for landfill sites in South Africa and includes factors such as access control, fires, medical waste, fencing and rehabilitation. A landfill site must obtain at least 80% to comply with legislation.
According to David Rule, AfriForum’s Assistant Coordinator for the Soutpansberg region, more than half of the landfill sites in Limpopo are in a shameful state. “More than half of the landfill sites are in a shameful state and this can mainly be attributed to the absolute decay of municipalities in the province. Wasteful expenditure and maladministration are big causes for concern in the province. Finances are used inefficiently and the necessary machinery is in disrepair due to insufficient maintenance.”
Rule adds that the lack of waste management licences and medical waste which was illegally dumped on the landfill site were some of the biggest problems AfriForum noticed during this audit.
AfriForum branches will also apply pressure on authorities in their areas to establish waste monitoring committees to improve the waste management process. These committees will consist of municipalities and interested parties wanting to improve waste management in a particular town.
The audit report will also be handed over to the Green Scorpions for further investigation and action against guilty municipalities. AfriForum will continuously monitor the process to ensure that landfill sites are brought to standard.
