Immersed in community : Environmental remediation of a mining-impacted township through collective, participatory agricultural research and production

Abstract

The term Witwatersrand translates to “the ridge of white waters”. It derives its name from the low sedimentary hills that stretch east-west across the southern part of Gauteng Province. The Witwatersrand mining belt encompasses areas from the East Rand to the West Rand of Johannesburg, including Soweto, and is mainly characterised by its “West”, “Central”, and “East Rand” sectors. The mining of gold in South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg, has been a primary driver of economic development in the city since its inception. Gold production has influenced Johannesburg’s economic, social, and political histories and left detrimental mining waste evident along the Witwatersrand ridge. This mine waste is produced during the extraction and processing of mineral resources. It often includes waste dumps, slime dams, and other waste storage facilities, which continue to impact the region and the health of communities residing near these waste storage facilities. Issues such as acid-mine drainage and soil pollution, amongst many others, persist even long after the closure of many of these mines. Decades of mining activities have drastically altered the natural landscape and continue to pose environmental and public health risks. Braamfischerville, an RDP settlement situated in the southwest of Johannesburg, is affected by mine tailings that are a stark reminder of gold mining. These tailings are hazardous, posing risks to the health and well-being of residents, the natural environment and livestock within this area through soil contamination, acid mine drainage, and air pollution. In this challenging environment, small-scale community farming has emerged near the mine dump and within residents’ backyards. However, this commendable initiative is overshadowed by the danger it poses due to exposure to harmful dust from the tailings, exacerbating the risks of such agricultural endeavours. Additionally, Braamfischerville grapples with high unemployment, a lack of formal skills development, insufficient communal spaces, and poorly constructed RDP housing, which often lacks partition walls, ceilings, and proper ventilation. These concerns highlight the urgent need for holistic community interventions to address the socio-economic issues prevalent. The proposed intervention aims to repair the toxic landscape by establishing an experimental remediation centre that utilises hemp, a fibrous plant, to remediate the environment. This centre will also provide spaces for research, the manufacturing of hemp into wall and ceiling panels, training, and social interaction, ultimately contributing to the local and township economy.