Always ask for a reference number

Report to the National Environmental Crimes & Incidents Hotline

• Call toll-free 24/7: 0800 205 005  (available in 11 official languages during office hours)

• Email: complaints@environment.gov.za

General Reporting to the Govan Mbeki Municipality

• Call Centre: 0800 600 001/004

• WhatsApp: 083 790 0659

• Email: callcentre@govanmbeki.gov.za

• Twitter: @GovanmbekiM

Report noise pollution to the Bethal Police

Contact Bethal SAPS (South African Police Services) 

• Call: 017 631 8260

Steps for successful reporting

1. Contact your municipality or national hotline to report the problem.  

2. Stay patient, be polite and always ask for a reference number.

3. Let your neighbourhood group know that you have reported the problem and share the reference number with the group.

4. Keep following up using your reference number. The more you and your neighbours follow up, the more likely it is to get fixed.

Environmental issues you can report 

• Chemical dumping 

• Mismanaged waste from mines and factories 

• Construction material and refuse dumping

• Litter 

• Factories or businesses causing air pollution

• Air pollution 

• Burning trash 

• Sewage leaks

• Water pollution

• Pest infestations like rats, cockroaches or termites

• Alien invasive vegetation  

• Late-night music and other noise that disturbs well-being

No luck with reporting?

If you can't get through or your issue isn’t being resolved, reach out to your ward councillor or community groups. You can escalate your issue by clicking here for more options.

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.

Photograph: Maru Attwood