Johannesburg — The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist attraction in South Africa, is currently facing an environmental crisis.
For the past 126 days, raw effluent has been discharging into the area, raising concerns about the long-term damage to the region’s ecosystem and its reputation as a world-renowned tourist destination.
The Cradle of Humankind, located in the Gauteng province, is one of South Africa’s most visited sites, attracting thousands of tourists, including international dignitaries and experts. It holds significant archaeological value, with fossil records that contribute to the understanding of human evolution.
However, the site is now battling severe pollution, which has persisted for months despite reports to local government authorities.
Nicole van Dyk, a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), voiced her concerns on social media, highlighting the state of the site and the government’s inaction.
“The cradle is a huge tourist attraction for South Africa, and yet this is how the government treats it,” van Dyk stated, referencing the raw effluent flooding the area.
The cradle is a huge tourist attraction for South Africa and yet this is how the government treats it.
Much of the #G20 guests would love to see it, however it’s currently flooded with a whole grotesque Manner of things. I know there was a Swedish film crew there in recent weeks https://t.co/mp7sieVjBm— Nicole van Dyk 🇿🇦 MPL (@MyLeaderNicole) March 26, 2025
The discharge was first reported to the ANC Executive in Mogale City in November 2024, yet 126 days later, no substantial action has been taken. Environmental activists, along with local residents, are expressing frustration with the lack of response to the growing pollution crisis.
Tyrone Michael Gray, a concerned citizen, posted a video on social media on March 26, 2025, showing the current state of the site.
“This pollution directly affects the Cradle of Humankind,” Gray said. “It’s been reported to the ANC Executive in Mogale City in November 2024. Yet 126 days later here we are.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng has also condemned the ongoing situation.
“Raw sewage has been flowing freely in Mogale City for 126 days now and counting. This pollution directly affects the Cradle of Humankind and the local residents,” the party tweeted. “We have reported this pollution to the ANC Executive in Mogale in November 2024. To date, no action has been taken.”
😷❌ Raw sewage has been flowing freely in Mogale City for 126 days now and counting. This pollution directly affects the Cradle of Humankind and the local residents.
We have reported this pollution to the ANC Executive in Mogale in November 2024. To date, no action has been… pic.twitter.com/cMr8JGmk8P
— DA Gauteng (@DAGauteng) March 26, 2025
According to SABC News, pollution in the rivers flowing through the Cradle of Humankind poses significant environmental, economic, and social challenges.
These rivers, crucial for conservation efforts and the well-being of local communities, are now contaminated by untreated or partially treated sewage from the Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant, which has been dysfunctional since 2008, continues to discharge untreated waste into the Blougatspruit, which flows into the Bloubankspruit.
Trevor Brough, Director of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Association, raised concerns about the health of the waterways, noting that the sewage works is failing to meet the necessary water treatment standards.
“Currently, this plant is dysfunctional. It’s actually been giving problems since 2008. Currently, there is quite a lot of activity underway at the works itself to try and get the works fully operational again” the report quoted Brough as saying.
Local residents, particularly those in Munsieville, have also been suffering from raw sewage spilling onto streets and contaminating water sources, the report said.
One resident lamented, “We see sewage exploding several times. They fix it, and it explodes again. This place smells, and they are trying to fix it, but it still smells.”
The contamination poses significant health risks, especially for communities relying on these rivers for drinking, bathing, and irrigation. The spread of waterborne diseases, including cholera and dysentery, is a growing concern.
Polluted water also threatens local biodiversity, disrupting the food chain and harming sensitive species in the region. The degradation of the environment is already impacting tourism, with businesses in the area reporting significant losses.
“We used to have about 20 to 40 people fishing on weekends, but now we barely have any customers,” said Brookwood Trout from a local fishing farm.
The Mogale City local municipality has acknowledged the issue, saying that it has rolled out a programme to refurbish non-operational pump stations, with a focus on those in Munsieville and surrounding areas.
Despite delays caused by the need for imported equipment, the municipality claims to have refurbished five pump stations at a total cost of R11 million.
