Rotten egg smell across Joburg sparks investigation by city officials
Rotten egg smell across Joburg sparks investigation by city officials
Rotten egg smell across Joburg sparks investigation by city officials
Gary Oberholzer
Rotten egg smell across Joburg sparks investigation by city officials
Residents across several Johannesburg suburbs have recently reported an unusual sulphur-like smell drifting through the air — prompting an investigation by the City of Johannesburg’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD).
The odour, often described as similar to the smell of “rotten eggs”, was first noticed on 16 January 2026 and again on 9 March. Reports came from areas including Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort and Fourways, as well as communities beyond the city’s boundaries.
City Manager Dr Floyd Brink confirmed that the municipality activated its air-quality monitoring systems shortly after residents began raising concerns.
“Protecting the health and wellbeing of residents remains our priority. Our technical teams are actively monitoring air quality data and working with other spheres of government to determine the source of the odour,” Brink said.
Monitoring stations in Buccleuch and Alexandra detected elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) during the episode. According to Dr Tebogo Modiba, Executive Director of EISD, readings at the Alexandra station showed hydrogen sulphide concentrations peaking at around 36–37 parts per billion, while sulphur dioxide levels reached approximately 52 parts per billion.
Although these spikes were enough to produce a noticeable smell, officials say the concentrations remain below levels typically associated with serious health risks.
Recent weather conditions — including warm temperatures, humidity and intermittent rainfall — may also have contributed to the way the odour spread through the atmosphere.
Authorities believe the smell may be linked to transboundary pollution, potentially originating from industrial activities within the Highveld region. As a result, the matter has been escalated to both the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the Gauteng Department of Environment.
In the meantime, residents are advised to remain indoors during periods of strong odour and to limit strenuous outdoor activity. Vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions, should be monitored for symptoms such as eye irritation, headaches or dizziness.
The City says it will continue analysing air-quality data while working with national authorities to determine the exact source of the smell.
