ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 JULY 2023

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda today met with community leaders from Verulam to seek resolutions to the challenges facing the Buffelsdraai Landfill site. This follows a violent confrontation at the site between waste pickers and security guards last week, which led to the death of one person and several injuries, including those of security guards. 

There have been reports of more deaths and of people that are missing. This remains unconfirmed.

The site remains closed following looting and torching last week, that left staff traumatized and fearing for their lives.

Participants in the meeting included the Deputy Mayor Cllr Zandile Myeni, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Cllr Nkosenhle Madlala, ward councillors, the local Induna Yesizwe samaQadi, Marco Msomi, representatives from COGTA and from the local iNkosi. Leadership from the Cleansing and Solid Waste, Metro Police and labour representatives were also part of the meeting.

A joint decision was taken by all the parties in attendance to hold a mass community meeting on Wednesday, 19 July to find a lasting and amicable solution to the challenges. The meeting will be held at 9am at the Buffesldraai Sportsfield. 

While the landfill site remains closed, customers are advised to use the Illovo Landfill Site to dispose of general waste. The Illovo landfill site is at D982, Illovo farm. 

For further enquiries, residents can contact the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit helpline on 031 311 8804 or email dsw@durban.gov.za.  
ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality.