The Democratic Alliance has requested an investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission into manganese dust pollution affecting residents in Nelson Mandela Bay.
DA councillor Annette Lovemore wrote to the commission on 10 June. She cited a municipal report showing dust levels at the Port Elizabeth harbour and Markman industrial area far exceeding limits, with 89 percent of Markman samples and all harbour samples above the industrial threshold.
The petition from South End residents calls for immediate enforcement of bylaws, mitigation measures, and relocation of operations to Coega IDZ. Transnet has planned the move since 2016, with the current target date set for 2031.
Lovemore noted that complaints began in June 2020 and that nine compliance notices were issued last year. The report warned of neurological and respiratory health risks, and stated that licences for bulk storage facilities expire on 30 June 2027.