Round Table Engagement On Dolomite and Sinkholes – Gauteng Province
Thabo Motlhabi
The Department of Cooperative and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), in partnership with municipalities across Gauteng Province, hosted a Round Table Engagement on dolomite and sinkholes to address rising concerns from communities affected by land instability across the province. The campaign took place on Thursday, 09 October 2025, at Silverstar Casino, R28, Muldersdrift, Mogale City.
This critical engagement followed growing public outcry and street protests by residents across Gauteng Province, who have witnessed increasing cases of sinkholes and dolomite-related erosion. Many have suffered loss of properties, damage to infrastructure, and threats to their safety. The event aimed to create a collective space for government and municipalities, and also stakeholders, to address the root cause and develop a clear path forward.
Current State of the Province
According to the recent provincial data, over 5,000 cases of dolomite and sinkholes have been reported in Gauteng – a number that continues to rise. Municipalities such as Mogale City, situated in historically mining-intensive areas of the West Rand, are particularly affected. The combination of old mining activities, industrial development, and urban sprawl has exacerbated land instability.
The province’s growing population, driven by urban migration to what is often called the “Province of Hope”, contributes further:
* Uncontrollable Urbanisation
* Illegal Land Occupation
* illegal dumping
* lack of formal consultation with the municipality
These activities significantly weaken land stability, resulting in more sinkholes and dolomite collapses.
Government Response and Stakeholder Engagement
Deputy Minister for COGTA Mr Dickson Masemola addressed the panel and attendees and emphasised the urgent need for an integrated approach between the public and private sectors. He noted that addressing the Dolomite issue required shared responsibility, long-term planning, and strong community engagement.
“This is not only a municipality or provincial issue; it’s a national concern that affects livelihood and economic growth. Public-private partnerships will be key in developing sustainable solutions,” said Mr Masemola.
The Round Table identified key challenges, including:
* Inadequate maintenance of public infrastructure
* Delays in repairing damaged roads and utilities
* Unclear tender and budgeting processes
* Lack of transparency around accountability
Key Outcomes and Way Forward
Panellists discussed how municipalities and the province can:
* Improve public communication and community awareness
* Implement early-warning systems in high-risk areas
* Review land use policies and building regulations
* Engage industries that contribute to land degradation.
* Prioritise infrastructure repair and preventative maintenance
* Allocate a dedicated budget and issue tenders transparently
The event concluded with an open-floor engagement session, allowing community members, NGOs, and businesses to raise concerns and share suggestions with the panel.
The Round Table marked an important step in addressing the growing environmental and infrastructural crisis caused by dolomite and sinkholes in Gauteng; continued collaboration, accountability, and action will be essential to protect lives, property, and economic development across the province.