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.

Examples of environmental issues you can report

• Chemical dumping 

• Water pollution

• Construction material and refuse dumping

• Air pollution 

• Burning trash 

• Sewage leaks

• Pest infestations like rats, cockroaches or termites

• Alien invasive vegetation  

• Litter

• Streets in need of sweeping

• Waste management

• Illegal dumping

• Late-night music

• Noise pollution from factories

No Luck Reporting?

So now you are tearing your hair out! If you have tried reporting and you can't get through or your issue has still not been resolved, try contacting your local councillor to help. You can find out who that is here

If you have already contacted your councillor and still not having any luck, it's time to get organised! Click here to find out how.

Photograph: Maru Attwood