Palmiet River foam under investigation

Loading player...
Local ward councillor Melanie Brauteseth says urgent action is being taken after Westville residents woke up to thick, foul-smelling foam covering parts of the Palmiet River and nearby properties.
Residents reported large, airborne “clouds” of white foam with a strong chemical odour, believed to be caused by pollutants entering the river. Brauteseth says the contamination threatens local wildlife and poses possible health risks to residents. She’s meeting municipal and environmental officials next week to demand answers and accountability.
16 Oct 2025 10AM English South Africa News · Daily News

Other recent episodes

Remembering Monkey Helpline founder Steve Smit

Steve Smit, the animal rights activist known as the "Monkey Man" and founder of Monkey Helpline, has died. Speaking to Newswatch's Lauren Hendricks, his partner Carol Booth remembers a man who never earned a salary in 20 years, dedicating his life instead to fundraising and rescuing injured wildlife.
13 Aug 6AM 5 min

Community rescues dog trapped in Bluff manhole

A dog trapped for hours in a manhole on the Bluff in Durban has been rescued. Member of the community group Bluff RTL8 has told Newswatch's Lauren Hendricks that attempts to get help overnight were unsuccessful.
6 Aug 8AM 2 min

eThekwini speaker blames poor coordination for Adams Mission water crisis

eThekwini Speaker Thabani Nyawose has blamed poor community coordination for delays in building proper water infrastructure in Adams Mission. He has been speaking to reporter Nhlanhla Mabaso, as investigations continue into the death of Celani Zungu, who was run over by a city water tanker.
4 Aug 8AM 2 min