Coarse of the Jukskei River

The Jukskei River, one of the most important Waterways in Gauteng, South Africa is in dire trouble! The river has its source in the underground waters of the Johannesburg CBD. The main inflows are to be found in the ground waters of Constitutional Hill, the New Town District and in the Smal Street area.

From there it flows down through the Ellis Park, Judith Paarl, Bez Valley and Kensington areas before reaching Bruma Lake. However, on its way it collects runoff water from the entire 'Rocky Ridge, the Southern part of Yeoville, the semi-industrial industrial sites of Ellis Park, Judith Paarl, Bez Valley, Kensington and Rhodes Park etc.' Many of these are densely and low income population areas.

What once was envisaged as an attractive, environmental friendly water playground and recreational spot, The Bruma Lake, has evolved into no less than a 'cesspit of sludge and disease'.

From Bruma the water flows through some beautiful suburbs of Bedfordveiw and into the dams at Galoolies Farm, a recreational an picnic spot. Then down through Alexander and the Schwetla Informal Settlement on to Rivionia and then into the Lonehill Area.

However, just before reaching Lonehill it gathers the runoff from the Pig and Cattle Farm in the Leewkop Prison! Toxic waste flows into the river. Something that the farm manager refuses to accept.

Now the biggest problem/challenge; The Northern Waterworks near Diepsloot that doses the river, 24/7 with huge amounts of phosphates and chlorine!

The river then ends up in Hartebeespoort Dam, probably the most polluted dam in the World. Then after killing the crocodiles in the Kruger Park the water from the Jukskei flows into the Indian Ocean.