The growing sinkhole crisis in Gauteng has reached alarming levels, with more than 5,000 sinkholes officially recorded across the province. Although Lyttelton in Tshwane has drawn attention due to a cluster of recent incidents, it represents only a fraction of the wider problem.
According to West Rand District Municipality Mayor Dennis Thabe, the provincial total currently stands at 5,126 reported sinkholes. “Every municipality has its own particular number the important part of the report is that these are only the reported cases,” Thabe explained. “You might end up with some sinkholes not reported.”
Municipality figures show Mogale City with 136, Rand West with 146, and Merafong with a staggering 1,413 sinkholes.
Government and Experts Meet to Tackle the Crisis
The Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) convened a high-level round table at Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp this week. The event brought together government departments, geologists, engineers, urban planners, community leaders, academics, and civil society groups to address the province’s dolomite and sinkhole challenges.
The meeting was spearheaded by the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC). Notable attendees included Gauteng MEC for Cogta Jacob Mamabolo, Deputy Minister Dickson Masemola, and MMCs from various municipalities.
Mamabolo emphasized that the scale of the problem required better coordination between national, provincial, and municipal governments. “We are deeply concerned that when sinkholes form, they remain open for long periods. Coordination of the three spheres of government is where the problem lies,” he said.
Aging Infrastructure Making Things Worse
Tshwane MMC for Corporate and Shared Services Kholofelo Morodi highlighted the role of aging infrastructure in areas such as Lyttelton, one of Centurion’s oldest suburbs.
“Part of the reason sinkholes form is because of water leaks and underinvestment in infrastructure. Some of the water pipes in Lyttelton are over 60 years old and have not been replaced in decades,” Morodi said. This, she explained, leads to soil erosion and ultimately the formation of sinkholes.
Call for Coordinated National Support
Mamabolo noted that municipalities alone cannot tackle the scale of the crisis. He stressed the need for a joint funding and response strategy.
“If Tshwane tries to approach the national government without coordinating with the province’s disaster management, the process stalls,” he said. “The best way forward is Cogta working hand in hand with municipalities to approach national government through a fully compliant process, ensuring funding is secured and rehabilitation takes place.”
A Growing Threat Beneath the Surface
Dolomite-related sinkholes have long been a known hazard in Gauteng, particularly in the West Rand and Centurion regions. But with aging infrastructure, population growth, and water system failures, experts warn the problem is likely to intensify if not addressed urgently.
Provincial authorities say they will continue to work with experts and national departments to develop a sustainable strategy for monitoring, prevention, and rehabilitation. For now, residents are urged to report any signs of sinkholes early to avoid damage or loss of life.
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