Environment VALLEY LOW: Small-scale farmers worry they will not be compensated for “losses” Small-scale farmers on the banks of the uMsunduzi River are blaming Pietermaritzburg’s edible oil manufacturer, Willowton Oil, for potential crop failures. They are worried they will not be compensated — and some claim livestock has died as a result of the pollution. Mlu Mdletshe reports on the aftermath of the disaster. Written by Mlu Mdletshe August 28, 2019August 28, 2019
Conservation Watch Environment Disaster fund needed to clean Duzi river spill 1,6 million litres of fatty oils and caustic soda poured out of Willowton Oil into the Msundusi River on Tuesday leaving a trail of destruction By Fred Kockott As a major KwaZulu-Natal river turned into a cauldron of dying fish this week, Willowton Oil – the company responsible for the pollution incident – has been […] Written by rovingreporters August 18, 2019May 29, 2020
Environment Ocean Watch System failure: sewage spill shuts Durban beaches Bathing has been banned in South Africa’s surf city, writes Fred Kockott. This report was updated on 11 May. Written by fredkockott May 10, 2019October 15, 2019
Environment Ocean Watch Durban date for fiery dung beetle A GIANT dung beetle will be making a fire-spurting, Durban debut on Saturday (27 October) as part of an initiative to educate people about plastic waste and how it can be put to good use. Written by rovingreporters October 25, 2018October 26, 2018
Conservation Watch Environment Social & Justice Toxic times: primer takes the fight to polluters A new booklet provides useful information for communities facing pollution problems. Thabiso Goba reports. Written by rovingreporters September 14, 2018September 17, 2018
Conservation Watch Environment DEA gets tough on Mdloti River pollution “Get your act together,” warns DEA First published by Sunday Tribune eThekwini municipality and Verulam’s Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) could face criminal prosecution if they do not effectively address recent causes of faecal pollution of the Mdloti river, writes Fred Kockott So says national spokesman for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Sputnik Ratau. […] Written by rovingreporters February 15, 2017January 28, 2020
Conservation Watch Environment Red flags fly over Mdloti river pollution The ripple effect of sewerage pollution – and possibly also chemical contamination – of the Mdloti River which flows into the sea at La Mercy near King Shaka airport could damage KwaZulu-Natal’s reputation as a world renowned water sports playground, writes Fred Kockott First published by the Sunday Tribune Multiple Canoe Marathon World Champion, Hank […] Written by rovingreporters January 29, 2017January 15, 2020