Sanitation
Rubbish is piling up across Johannesburg
With only two operating landfills, compactor trucks have longer turnaround times, creating refuse collection backlogs
By Seth Thorne
News | 13 March 2026
Pollution is killing Gauteng’s fresh water sources
Failing sewage systems, rapid urbanisation and industrial pollution have turned Gauteng’s rivers into an environmental and public health problem
By Seth Thorne
Feature | 10 March 2026
Popular Cape Town watersports site becomes a toxic health hazard
Zeekoevlei is used by schools and clubs for sailing and rowing but a toxic algal bloom has led to it being closed since December
News | 26 February 2026
Cofimvaba: a town without public toilets
Last week, the town was down to just two toilets but these have no water
Brief | 18 February 2026
250 learners share three pit toilets at this Eastern Cape school
Fama Primary School in Flagstaff is falling apart
Brief | 27 January 2026
Two more years of sewage stink for Polokwane families
Upgrades to the wastewater treatment works delayed until 2028/29 after contractors fired for poor performance
Brief | 27 January 2026
Failing water systems will cost R400-billion to fix, says minister
73% of water authorities in South Africa have “poor” or “critical” water systems
Chart by The Outlier. Text by GroundUp Staff.
Charts | 23 January 2026
Human Rights Commission visits school where learners use playground as a loo
Toilets are being repaired at Van Coller primary after parents shut down the school last week
Brief | 20 January 2026
Parents close Eastern Cape school where playground is used as a toilet
Toilets at the primary school in Komani have not functioned for six years
Brief | 14 January 2026