The Govan Mbeki Municipality has recently been fined R200m by the Bethal Magistrate’s Court for contravening environmental laws.
According to Monica Nyuswa, the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, the municipality unlawfully committed acts that caused significant pollution to the environment between November 2019 and September 2020.
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Nyuswa stated that the municipality was found guilty on six counts related to contravening the National Environmental Act of 1998. These included the pollution of water resources, contravention of the National Water Act of 1998, failure to comply with the compliance notice, unauthorised disposal of water, and contravention of the act that detrimentally affects water resources.
As part of a plea and sentence agreement between the state and the municipality, the court imposed a fine of R200m. However, R50m of the fine is suspended for five years, on the condition that the municipality does not commit any further contraventions of the National Environmental Management Act of 2002 and the National Water Act of 1998.
In addition to the fine, the municipality has been ordered to repair all equipment identified by the contractor before December 2026. They are also required to install weighbridges at all landfill sites by May 30, 2025.
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This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to environmental laws and regulations. It highlights the consequences that can be imposed on municipalities for causing significant pollution to the environment.
It is hoped that this fine will encourage the Govan Mbeki Municipality and other municipalities to take proactive measures to protect and preserve the environment for the benefit of future generations.
