23/10/2026
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Midvaal Local Municipality acknowledges the concerns raised by residents regarding recurring strong sulphurous, ammonia-like and โrotten eggโ odours experienced in different parts of Midvaal. The Municipality recognises the discomfort and concerns these incidents may cause and assures residents that the matter is receiving attention as part of a broader investigation into odour episodes affecting parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
The Municipality takes reports of persistent and unusual odours seriously, particularly where residents have raised concerns about possible air-quality impacts and associated health effects.
Similar odour incidents have been reported in geographically separated areas, suggesting that the issue may extend beyond a single locality. Midvaal Municipality acknowledges the need for a coordinated, evidence-based investigation to establish the nature, extent and possible sources of the emissions.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has indicated that the odour experienced during these episodes is likely associated with elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide (HโS), a colourless gas characterised by a strong โrotten eggโ smell.
The broader HโS matter is being investigated by a national HโS Task Team, with the participation of affected provinces and relevant environmental authorities. The investigation includes assessing potential emission sources, air-quality monitoring results, meteorological conditions and the movement and dispersion of pollutants. Air pollution can be transported over considerable distances, depending on wind patterns and atmospheric conditions. The occurrence of similar odours in different areas at or around the same time is therefore an important consideration in determining whether the incidents may be associated with one source capable of significant dispersion, multiple contributing sources, or a combination of sources and meteorological conditions.
However, the geographical spread of complaints and available wind-trajectory information do not, on their own, establish the origin of the odour experienced. Determining the source requires the correlation of incident locations and times with meteorological information, air-quality monitoring data and, where available, atmospheric dispersion or back-trajectory modelling. DFFE has advised that exposure to hydrogen sulphide may cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory system, headaches, dizziness, nausea and breathing difficulties. Residents are advised to avoid prolonged exposure where strong odours are present and to seek medical attention if they experience persistent respiratory discomfort or irritation.
Midvaal Municipality wishes to clarify that it would be premature to attribute the reported odours to a particular facility, municipality or geographic location while the broader investigation remains underway.
The Municipality will not speculate on the source of the emissions in the absence of sufficient evidence. The investigation must establish the relevant source-attribution evidence before any definitive conclusions can be reached. The Municipality will continue to cooperate with the national HโS Task Team, provincial authorities and other relevant stakeholders involved in the investigation. Relevant information, including reports received from affected communities, is important in supporting the assessment of the incidents and helping the responsible authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the odour episodes.
Midvaal Municipality remains committed to responding to residentsโ concerns and supporting an evidence-based process that protects the well-being of affected communities.
Residents who experience persistent or recurring strong odours are encouraged to report the incidents through the appropriate municipal and environmental authorities. To assist with the investigation, reports should, where possible, include:
- The exact location where the odour was experienced;
- The date and time the odour started;
- The duration of the incident;
- The nature of the odour, such as sulphurous, rotten egg, ammonia-like or chemical;
- The intensity of the odour;
- The neighbourhoods or surrounding areas affected; and
- Any associated symptoms experienced.
This information can assist the relevant authorities in comparing community reports with meteorological conditions and available air-quality monitoring information. Residents experiencing persistent respiratory discomfort, eye irritation or other concerning symptoms should seek medical attention and avoid prolonged exposure to areas where strong odours are present.
Midvaal Municipality will continue engaging and cooperating with the relevant authorities as the investigation progresses. Further information will be communicated to residents as verified findings become available.
The Municipality thanks residents for bringing their concerns to its attention and encourages continued reporting of odour incidents to support the ongoing investigation.
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๐จ๐ซ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ง๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ, ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐๐๐ญ:
Yoland Solomons
Assistant Director: Communications
[email protected] | 010 496 2949
