ELECTION 2026 | Springs air-quality monitor offline as residents raise pollution concerns

Health-e News ELECTION 2026 | Springs air-quality monitor offline as residents raise pollution concerns The old mine dumps surrounding Slovo Park in Springs on Gauteng’s East Rand are difficult to miss.

Three of the mine dumps rise high behind people’s homes, forming part of the landscape of the small community between Bakerton and Welgedacht.

Residents say dust from the dumps blows into their homes on windy days.

But people in Slovo Park and neighbouring areas are also concerned about a strong, unpleasant smell that regularly settles over parts of Springs.

Their concerns come as the City of Ekurhuleni confirms that its Springs air-quality monitoring station is currently not reporting to the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS).

The City says the station last consistently produced reliable, validated data in July 2026.

Essential technical maintenance and calibration have not been done because a specialist service provider is required.

The City says it is still going through a procurement process to appoint one.

Living next to old mine dumps Some Slovo Park residents who spoke to Health-e News did not know that the “mountains” they have lived alongside for years are old mine dumps.

Sarah Nkabinde lives close to one of them.

When Health-e News visited her home, she was coughing.

She says her chest was sore, although she had not been to a clinic and does not know what is causing it.

Although there is no medical evidence linking Nkabinde’s chest problems to dust from the mine dumps, residents say the dust affects their breathing and forces them to close their windows and doors on windy days.

Another resident, Sara Koto, also closes her windows and doors when the dust becomes bad.