Khotso Mabaso, an emerging farmer in Hennenman, is fighting to save his 200-hectare farm from environmental damage caused by a nearby landfill site. Mabaso, who purchased the land in 2020 for crop and livestock farming, says plastic pollution from the Machabeng Municipality’s dumping site has rendered half of his farm unusable and even killed his livestock.
Municipality Accused of Violating Constitutional Rights
Mabaso alleges that the municipality has ignored his pleas for intervention, despite a 2022 directive from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment ordering the local government to address the issue. The dumping site, located just meters from his farm, violates Section 24 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a safe and healthy environment.
“I spoke to the ward councillor, the matter was escalated, and even the minister wrote to the mayor, but nothing has changed,” Mabaso said. “The biggest challenge is plastic pollution—it’s destroying my land.”
Livestock Deaths and Limited Grazing Land
The farmer revealed that nine of his pregnant Bonsmara cows died after ingesting plastic waste. A local veterinarian confirmed that plastic consumption was the cause. With only 100 hectares of his farm still viable for grazing, Mabaso says his farming operations have been severely crippled.
“I bought these cows at an auction, and now I’ve lost them. It’s very difficult for me to farm here,” he lamented.
Municipality Promises Action—But Farmer Remains Skeptical
The Machabeng Municipality claims it is taking steps to decommission the landfill.
“We have initiated proactive measures toward closure, in compliance with environmental laws,” a municipal representative said.
However, Mabaso says he has heard similar promises before. He has since escalated his grievances to the Presidential Hotline and the Public Protector, but with no resolution in sight.
Safety Concerns Compound Farming Struggles
Adding to his woes, Mabaso reports increasing criminal activity on his farm, leaving him fearing for his safety. “I’m just a farmer trying to make a living,” he said.
As the situation worsens, Mabaso’s plea for intervention grows more urgent. Without swift action, his dream of sustainable farming may be lost—along with his livelihood.
