Rotten Egg Smell Blankets Johannesburg: Residents Warned Of Possible Hydrogen Sulphide

A strong, pungent “rotten egg” odour swept across large parts of Johannesburg on Friday morning, causing concern among residents and reigniting worries about air quality in the city.

Suburbs including Randburg reported waking up to the overpowering stench, often linked to hydrogen sulphide — a gas commonly associated with industrial emissions and waste.

Noxolo Dlamini, 43, a resident of Randburg, described her initial reaction: “When I opened the windows this morning, I was welcomed by a pungent smell lingering in the air. I thought there was a blocked drain in my complex,” she said. “But as I was driving to work, I realised the smell was everywhere in Randburg.”

Johannesburg City Officials Acknowledge Recurring Hydrogen Sulphide Concerns

This is not the first time Johannesburg residents have experienced the notorious “rotten egg” odour. In 2022, then MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Michael Sun said a similar smell reported across the city was attributed to hydrogen sulphide, though no localised source in Johannesburg was identified at the time.

Ward 102 councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete confirmed that authorities had been notified of Friday’s incident:

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Flights Halted, Schools Closed: Limpopo Flood Crisis Escalates

“We are aware of the gas smell throughout Johannesburg and have reported the issue. We will revert with feedback. A similar incident occurred in 2022 and was attributed to Sasol releasing gas into the air. However, at this stage, this is only a possibility, and the cause has not yet been confirmed.”

Campbell-Cloete urged residents to take precautions: “Please stay indoors if you can, and run air conditioning or air purifiers.”

City Warns Residents as Investigations Continue

A City of Johannesburg official said that occasional occurrences of the smell are not unusual:

“If you live in Joburg, you would know that occasionally there is this smell due to hydrogen sulphide emissions or waste-related sources. We are also in proximity to the Vaal area.”

Authorities are investigating the source of the odour while advising residents to minimise exposure where possible.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky