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Environmental
Violations
Portal

2521 Reports Submitted

Reporting environmental violations
helps hold transgressors accountable

In terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other The state therefore has the duty to respect, protect, promote and fulfil this right.

Individuals, community members and activists who have had their environmental rights violated are encouraged to report such violations to one or more of the 3 departments below.

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  • 1 – Select a Department
  • 2 – Select a Violation
  • 3 – Complete Report
  • 4 – Confirmation

Select the government department that is relevant to the environmental violation you are reporting:

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) mandate is to manage, protect and conserve South Africa's environment and natural resources. The DFFE’s duties are informed by section 24 of the Constitution which provides that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing.

Select Department

https://www.dffe.gov.za

Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) is mandated with regulating and promoting South Africa’s mineral resources. While promoting these minerals for economic development, the department has the responsibility to ensure that this is done in a sustainable manner that is not harmful to the health and wellbeing of people. You can report any mining related violation to this department.

Select Department

https://www.dmpr.gov.za

Department of Water and Sanitation

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is the custodian of South Africa's water resources. It is primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of policy governing this sector. While striving to ensure that all South Africans gain access to clean water and dignified sanitation, the department also promotes effective and efficient water resources management to ensure sustainable economic and social development.

Select Department

https://www.dws.gov.za

Please ensure that you are reporting to the correct department!

Submitting to the wrong department minimizes your chances of getting assistance. If you are not sure which department to report to, please double check if your violation(s) fall in any of the mentioned categories. This is not an exhaustive list, but is aimed at serving as a guide on the type of violations that can be submitted to each department.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t get a response?

If you do not get a response, please follow up with the department using the reference number you received after you lodged your complaint. The portal is not the only method you can use to escalate your matter. You can still address letters, emails or speak to the departments officials in addition to reporting on the portal. You can also seek assistance from other public interest organisations if you would like additional support for the issue.

Can I call someone if I do not get a response?

Yes. You can call the departments hotline:

  • Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE): 0800 205 005
  • Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS): 0800 200 200
  • Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR): Does not have a hotline but you can call this number: 012 444 3000

What happens if I report to the wrong department?

Reporting to the wrong department minimises your chances of getting the issue resolved. Please ensure that you submit to the correct department. The department receiving the complaint may refer your case to the correct department but this is not guaranteed.

Can I submit a complaint to more than one department?

Yes. Some violations overlap, allowing you to report to more than one department. For example, the contamination of water by a mining company can be reported to both the Minerals and Water departments.

What if I have lost my reference number?

Please double check your emails. If you still cannot find your reference number you can re-submit the complaint and you will be issued with a new reference number. However, when you submit your report you can make reference to that fact that you have reported the issue before. You can also call the hotline and alert them.