I will be walking the length of the Jukskei River — one of Johannesburg's most polluted waterways — to investigate how pollution from its source to its mouth is affecting communities, wildlife, and water security. Along the way, I’ll meet residents, activists, and experts, documenting the untold story of how neglect, development, and inequality have turned a once-sacred river into an open sewer.”
📖 WHY THIS MATTERS
The Jukskei River cuts across some of Johannesburg’s wealthiest suburbs and its most vulnerable townships — yet few people ever see its full course. From Ellis Park to Alexandra to Lanseria, the river tells the story of a city divided by infrastructure neglect, rapid urbanisation, and environmental injustice.
Pollution from factories, stormwater drains, and untreated sewage flows directly into the river every day. Downstream, this pollution feeds into the Crocodile River and ultimately affects the Hartbeespoort Dam — one of Gauteng’s major water sources.
This isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s a public health crisis, a social justice story, and a mirror of Johannesburg’s urban neglect.
🏃♂️ THE PROJECT
I will walk the full course of the Jukskei River over several days, camping along the way and documenting what I find. Each day, I’ll:
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Record video diaries and interviews with community members, activists, and experts
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Document pollution hotspots and map them
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Share live updates on social media to involve the public
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Investigate the sources of the pollution — and who’s responsible
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Publish a series of articles and videos telling the river’s story from source to mouth
🗓️ TIMELINE
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Launch: Immediately after funding goal reached
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Expedition: Starting from Monday, the 13th of October, 7–10 days walking the river (10 km/day)
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Daily Updates: Photos, short clips, findings posted online
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Publication: Investigative series to be published after the journey + pitched to major news outlets
🌍 CONSIDER SUPPORTTING THIS
To make this investigation possible, I’m raising R10 000 to cover:
🏕️ Basic camping gear (tent, mat, torch, etc.)
🎤 Audio & video recording equipment (mic, power bank, SD cards)
🍞 Food and basic supplies during the walk
📡 Connectivity & transport for logistics and publishing updates
🧪 Optional: Basic water testing kits to show real-time pollution levels
Your support will help uncover a hidden environmental crisis running through Johannesburg’s backyard — and amplify the voices of communities living along the river. This is citizen-funded investigative journalism at work. No government grants. No corporate backing. Just the public funding the public’s right to know.
Please click on the support button on this page (can be accessed by first clicking the three lines at the top left corner of the your screen if you viewing through a smartphone)