“Prevention starts at the pavement.”
As winter sets in across Johannesburg, residents of Randpark Ridge are once again facing two persistent and closely linked hazards: illegal dumping and the outbreak of veld fires. These aren’t just eyesores or seasonal irritations — they represent real threats to safety, health, property values, and the environment. And both problems are worsening.
The Fire Risk Beneath Our Feet
With dry grasslands, rising winds and a sharp drop in humidity, Johannesburg enters a high-risk fire season every year between May and September. But in recent years, illegal dumping has turned vacant plots and greenbelts into tinderboxes. Discarded furniture, rubble, tyres, and general waste become fuel for runaway blazes.
The Randpark Ridge greenbelt, especially areas bordering the N1, Beyers Naudé, and Ysterhout, has seen multiple small fires in the last two winters — some of which have come dangerously close to boundary walls and homes.
Dump First, Burn Later
Illegal dumping is rampant throughout the northern suburbs. Unmonitored verges, cul-de-sacs, and stormwater servitudes are common targets. A pile of builder’s rubble left for “just a few days” quickly attracts household trash, which in turn draws pests. In winter, it becomes a fire hazard. By the time the municipality is notified — if at all — it’s often too late.
City of Johannesburg by-laws prohibit the dumping of waste in public spaces, with fines up to R5,000 per offence. However, enforcement is patchy at best, and culprits rarely face consequences.
Residents Speak Out
Local residents have expressed frustration:
“We’ve reported the same dumping site five times in two months,” says Lindy, a homeowner on Kelly Avenue. “The waste gets cleared — then two days later, it’s back. This time, it caught alight and burned right up to our back wall.”
Community patrol groups have also flagged these sites as security risks, since they provide hiding places for criminals and attract foot traffic at odd hours.
Known Hotspots in Randpark Ridge
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Greenbelt behind Puttick Avenue and CR Swart Drive
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Verge along Amarant Avenue near Honeydew
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Disused land near Seder Street and Randpark Ridge High School
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Embankments near the N1 bridge at Beyers Naudé
What Can Homeowners Do?
While the city’s enforcement mechanisms remain inconsistent, there are proactive steps residents can take:
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Report Immediately
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Use the City of Johannesburg’s Waste Management Hotline or log an issue with Pikitup via 087 357 1068.
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Use the JMPD anti-dumping hotline: 080 872 3342 to report culprits in action.
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Secure Vulnerable Land
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If you own or border a vacant plot, ensure it’s cleared and fenced. Piles of rubble invite more dumping and fires.
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Join or Support Local Clean-Ups
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Residents’ associations and Neighbourhood Watch groups regularly coordinate clean-up days. Get involved or help fund them.
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Install Motion-Sensing Lights or Cameras
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Visible surveillance deters dumpers. Sharing footage with JMPD has proven effective in some areas.
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Educate Domestic Staff and Contractors
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Ensure your own team knows not to discard grass cuttings, branches, or rubbish onto public land.
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What the City Should Be Doing (But Often Isn’t)
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Faster Response from Pikitup: Delays of weeks between reports and action worsen the problem.
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Public Signage & Patrols: Clear warnings and occasional fines would go a long way.
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Reinforced Bylaw Enforcement: Dedicated dumping task units have been proposed but are yet to materialise.
A Community That Cares
Our suburb remains one of the most desirable in the northern corridor, but we cannot afford to let neglect undermine that. The fight against illegal dumping and veld fires is not just the city’s responsibility — it’s ours too.
Let’s keep Randpark Ridge clean, green, and safe. Together.
If you notice a dumping site or fire hazard, please report it to our residents’ association at 083 457 3653