Monitoring and surveillance of water quality and availability that is intended for human consumption, recreational and industrial use.
Monitoring water quality and availability, including mapping of water sources and enforcing laws and Regulations relating to water quality management.
Ensuring water safety and accessibility in respect of quality (microbiological, physical and chemical), and access to an adequate quantity for domestic use as well as in respect of the quality of water for recreational, industrial, food production and any other human and animal use.
Promoting access to water for all communities, by providing inputs towards the planning, design and management of water supply system and ensuring healthy community water supplies through surveillance.
Ensuring monitoring of and effective wastewater treatment and water pollution control, including the collection treatment and safe disposal of sewage and other water borne waste and surveillance of the quality of surface water (including the sea) and ground water.
Advocacy on proper and safe water usage and wastewater disposal.
Water sampling and testing in the field and examination and analysis in a laboratory.
Surveillance of waterborne related diseases to ensure healthy community water supplies.
SANS241- Drinking Water Quality Standards
Food safety
Food Control is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a mandatory regulatory activity of enforcement by National or Local authorities to provide consumer protection and ensure that all foods during production, handling, storage, processing and distribution are safe, wholesome and for human consumption; conform to quality and safety requirements and are honestly and accurately labelled as prescribed by law. Food Control as included in the definition of ‘municipal health services’ in the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), inter alia, includes:
Enforcement of the food related provisions of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 9Act No: 54 of 1972) and Regulations.
Routine inspections of food handling establishments (premises) and of foodstuffs covered by the relevant legislation.
Investigation of outbreaks/incidences of food borne diseases (infections and poisonings) and introduce appropriate preventative and remedial control measures.
Implementing measures for the recall and/or condemnation and proper disposal of foodstuffs unfit, unwholesome for human consumption in accordance with applicable legislative procedures.
Implementing control programmes for specific high risks foodstuffs, such as milk, meat, eggs, seafoods and prepared foods.
Supporting industry about the health certification of consignments of foodstuffs destined for export and with special monitoring programmes implemented by approved certifying authorities (Agriculture, SABS, etc) aimed at promoting the export of foodstuffs to other countries.
Issuing of certificate of acceptability in terms of Regulations R638.
Disposal of the dead involves the monitoring of funeral undertakers, mortuaries, embalmers, crematoriums, graves and cemeteries for compliance, and managing, controlling and monitoring exhumations and the reburial or disposal of human remains. EHPs are responsible for issuing a certificate of competence to compliant operators.
In order to prevent the occurrence of nuisances at such premises, regulations governing the establishment and operation of mortuaries by enforcing Regulation R363(regulations relating to management of human remains) and the scope includes:
Controlling, restricting or prohibiting the business of an undertaker or embalmer, mortuaries and other places or facilities for the storage of dead bodies.
Monitoring practices at cemeteries, crematoria and other facilities used for the disposal of dead bodies.
Managing, controlling and monitoring exhumations and reburials or the disposal of remains.
Issuing certificates of Competency to Funeral Undertakers premises complying with legislation.
Pest control in premises plays a key role in the prevention and control of major vector-borne diseases. Transmission of disease from pest infestations can occurs in both the internal and external environment of premises through contamination of equipment, surfaces, food or water.
The scope of profession for Environmental Health prescribes the role of environmental health practitioners in vector control monitoring to include the following
Identifying vectors, their habitats and breeding places
Conducting vector control in the interest of public health, including control of arthropods, molluscs, rodents and other alternative hosts of diseases;
Removing or remedying conditions resulting in or favouring the prevalence of or increase in rodents, insects, disease carriers or pests;
Ensuring the residual spraying of premises and precincts;
Investigating zoonotic disease and vector-borne diseases in the working and living environments;
Surveying imported cargo and livestock for the prevalence of disease vectors;
Undertaking serological testing of rodents, dogs and other pets or animals.
Scheduled Activities Permit
The Scheduled Activities Bylaw provide measures for the prevention, minimization, and management of environmental and human health impacts likely to arise from premises from which certain trades, occupations, businesses, activities, or processes are undertaken; to prohibit certain activities or conduct to ensure and promote a healthy environment; to provide for the repeal of laws and savings, and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
The eThekwini Scheduled Activities By-law was published in the Provincial Gazette on the 13th of August 2020 and came into effect six months from that date.
Scheduled activities are listed in Schedule 1 of the by-law. However, the municipality may also require activities that are not listed in Schedule 1 to obtain a permit, if the municipality reasonably believes that the activity can negatively impact human health, damage the environment, or cause a nuisance.
If you already have a permit that was issued under the old Scheduled Trades and Occupations By-law for the City of Durban (1979) or the Offensive Trade Regulations for the Borough of Durban (1921) then you need to apply for the Scheduled Activity Permit under the new bylaw.
Aims to develop and implement programs to support vulnerable communities and families by connecting them to vital health and wellness related services.
This is achieved through Community awareness campaigns and Outreach Programmes with a focus on the following programmes:
Health Education, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Communicable and non-communicable diseases)
Promotion of Food Security through the implementation of Food Garden Projects
Implementing Youth Friendly programmes to combat social ills such as Teenage Pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse, Gender Based Violence etc.
Provision of support and facilitation of Social Health interventions to communities
Facilitating the establishment and functionality of Clinic committees
How does the community access these programmes?
The community members can call the Social Health office on 031 311 3644 or 031 311 3626. You will then be referred to the respective subdistrict accordingly, in order to make arrangements with a Community Facilitator in the area. Alternatively, you can also send an email to Dianne.Rautenbach@durban.gov.za
For the Provincial Department of Social Development queries, please contact their call centre number 033 264 3001 for further assistance.
The communicable Disease Centre focuses on the surveillance, prevention, management, and control of communicable diseases.
The Communicable Disease Control focuses on the surveillance, prevention, management, outbreak response and control of communicable diseases. These among other things include all Notifiable Medical Condition as prescribed by the National Minister of Health.
The section is manned by 3x Communicable Disease Control Coordinators (CDC Coordinators) according to the three subdistricts i.e. North, South and West
1. If I go to a local eThekwini Municipal Health clinic, what services can they offer me?
At local Health clinic you can receive:
treatment for minor illness, Advice on children’s growth and development, immunisation, family planning, antenatal care, HIV testing service(HTS),Chronic care which includes non- communicable disease management , Antiretrovirals and Tuberculosis treatment.
2. What should I bring with me if I visit the clinic?
Bring ID document for adults, Road to health card for children
3. If I take my child for immunization at a local clinic, is it mandatory for parents to arrive in the morning?
No, it is not. You can come between 07h30-15h30
4. If I was mistreated at the clinic, what’s steps can I take to report the matter?
Every clinic has a manager Nursing services, she is available to assist you on site. If she is not available, there is always a second person in charge. Or ask for complaints desk where you can log in complaint in writing.
5. Does eThekwini Municipal Health clinic perform male circumcision, and how do I go about it?
Yes, eThekwini Municipal facilities do perform MMC. Get to your neatest clinic and they will start the process to have MMC done
6. Can I collect chronic medication such ARVS at the local clinic?
Yes, ARVs are available at every clinic. They will also advise on a programme called CCMDD that gives flexibility to collect at a pick up point near you
7. How would defaulting medication(any) affect my health?
Your health will not improve as expected. In some cases, complications like death can occur like in TB
8. How do I contact my area Environmental Health Practitioner?
The table linked here[LM1] may assist in directing you to your nearest office for assistance.
9. I own a restaurant, what permits, or licences do I need to be compliant?
Any person operating a business which handles food is required to have a Certificate of Acceptability and a Business Licence. These can be applied for at your nearest Environmental Health office.
10. Where can I lodge the Environmental Health complaints?
Complaints can be logged at 031 3113555 or your nearest Environmental Health office or on 031 3116000 for emergencies after hours. Alternatively visit Customer Care Office walk-in service at 9 Archie Gumede Place (Health Head Office) , ground floor at the reception.
11. I want to conduct a ritual slaughter on my premises what is the procedure?
You can contact the nearest EH Office for an application form for ritual slaughter which will include the conditions that u would need to comply with.
12. I want to operate a funeral undertaker business; how do I go about it?
Funeral Undertakers may not operate without a valid certificate of competence obtained through application at the nearest Environmental Health Offices.
13. How do I obtain an Atmospheric Emissions Licence?
The South African Atmospheric Emission Licensing & Inventory Portal (SAAELIP) is an online portal for applying for an Atmospheric Emission License (AEL) in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004.
14. Do I need to complete any application in order to run day care centre / childcare facility?
Early Childhood Development centres may not operate without a valid Health permit and registration with social development. Application forms are available at your nearest EH Office.
15. My neighbour has been bitten by our dog, what do we do next?
The person should seek medical treatment immediately at the nearest clinic, community health centre, hospital, or doctor. The owner of the animal must ensure that they produce a valid vaccination certificate showing that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. The person that was bitten must follow the medical advice given, including completion of treatment for dog bites.
16. How do I register Fuel Burning Equipment?
Contact your local Environmental Health office for the relevant application form and guidance on completing said form.
POLLUTION CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT To manage strategic planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of polices, programme’s, projects, and overall coordination of Pollution Control and Risk Management (PCRM) to achieve the goals of National, Provincial and Local Government in terms of the provision of National, Provincial and Council policy, legislation, norms, and standards.
1. Air Quality Management
The Constitution of Republic of South Africa Act No. 108 of 1996 provides the legal basis for allocating powers to different spheres of government and thus, institutional regulation of pollution. Part B of Schedule 4 of the Constitution lists air pollution as a local government mandate to the extent set out in Section 155 (6) (a) and (7). In terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act (Act No. 39 of 2004) herein referred “NEMAQA” each Municipality must include in its IDP contemplated in Chapter 5 of the Municipal Systems Act, an AQMP as well as describe how the relevant Municipality will implement
the projects and programmes detailed in the Implementation Plan. Furthermore, Metropolitan Municipalities are mandated with implementing the atmospheric emissions licensing system referred to in Section 21 of the NEMAQA and must for this purpose perform the functions of Licensing Authority. In terms of Section 8 of the NEMAQA, the Municipalities are also mandated to monitor ambient air quality.
The objectives of the NEMAQA are to protect the environment by providing reasonable measures to protect air quality and to prevent air pollution, while giving effect to Section 24 (b) of the Constitution in a holistic approach to air quality management (Figure 1)
Figure 1: Air quality management structure.
1.1. Air Quality IDP Programme
Air Quality Management IDP Programme - Improve compliance monitoring of Air Quality Management programmes in accordance with the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act.
• 4B.12 Total number of days in which air quality is deemed to be good (As measured at the NAQI stations) (during a calendar year).
• 4B.13 Percentage of Atmospheric Emissions Licence application received and issued within a 60 days legislative timeframe.
• 4B.14 Percentage of Air Quality monitoring stations providing adequate data over a reporting year (ENV1.12).
1.2 Air Quality Management Projects 1.2.1 Air Quality Management Planning
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has been proactive in accepting these challenges and has since been actively engaged in various programs to manage air quality. One of these programmes has now culminated into the current AQMP for the City. During the process of drafting the AQMP, an extensive public participation process was followed. The inputs received from the various communities, organizations, industries, and authorities that have participated in the public consultation process has shaped and informed this plan.
The AQMP has been developed to comply with the NEMAQA and more specifically, to provide guidance on Air Quality Management (AQM) in the city. Air quality, for this purpose, is defined according to NEM: AQA to include odour and noise, and addresses all sources of air pollution i.e., point, area, and mobile sources. The AQMP addresses the gaps and needs identified in the baseline assessment and is regarded as the Multi-Point-Plan for AQM activities. This plan logically and holistically provides organisational direction and drive to communities, government, and industry about AQM in the eThekwini Municipality.
The following projects are administered in the Air Quality Management Planning section.
Dust Management
Odour Management
C40 Air Quality Projects
Air Quality Education and Awareness
Environmental Impact Assessment
Air Pollution Impacts Mitigation
Air Quality Technical Support
1.2.2 Air Quality Authorization
The eThekwini Municipality has an obligation under NEMAQA for activities that result in atmospheric emissions which has a negative effect to the environment, listed in GN893 of November 22, 2013. The Municipality is regarded as the Licensing Authority responsible for processing all atmospheric emission license (AEL) applications, renewals, variations, transfer, and review of AEL’s. All applications as made on an online Portal called South African Atmospheric Emissions licensing and Inventory Portal (SAAELIP) at a prescribed fee, regulated by the regulations prescribing the AEL processing fee. The AEL fees are processed through the eThekwini Municipality’ RMS.
1.2.3 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring and Information
In terms of Section 8 of the NEMAQA, the Municipalities are mandated to monitor ambient air quality. There are sixteen (16) ambient air quality monitoring stations in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality area which are operated and maintained by Health Unit. The ambient air quality information component of South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) is a dynamic online system with two main modules for managing ambient air quality stations, data and reporting of information to the public and a module for managing all assets procured by government for the purpose of effectively monitoring ambient air quality. All ambient monitoring data collected for the purpose of assessing compliance with the NEMAQA by national, provincial, district/metropolitan and local municipalities shall be made available to SAAQIS for dissemination to the public (https://saaqis.environment.gov.za).
The SAAQIS provides tools for user to manage ambient monitoring data (importing, verifying, validating, analysing, exporting and reporting). The data management application provides users with ability to perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), data storage and presentation/reporting routines online in order to meet monitoring and reporting requirements for ambient data. The asset management system allows for users to create and manage ambient monitoring assets inventory (instruments and spares), as well as managing/reporting stations operations such as calendar of visits, activities during visits (instrument calibration and maintenance, repairs, and any other station operations). The SAAQIS ambient monitoring component is designed to meet requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and is used by monitoring networks as part of the quality system for SANAS accreditation. In order to ensure integrity, quality and representativity of the ambient monitoring data, ambient air quality monitoring for compliance purposes shall be conducted according to prescribed norms and standards.
Figure 2: A map of continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations.
Figure 3: Schematic diagram of eThekwini Municipality real-time reporting into SAAQIS system.
The National Air Quality Indicator (NAQI) There are four (4) NAQI stations in eThekwini Municipality, and these are City Hall – Durban, Ganges, Settlers and Wentworth. NAQI is a methodology for calculating and ascertaining an indicator to monitor the state and trend of air ambient quality in South Africa.
The NAQI is used by a range of stakeholders from air quality managers to the general public. The main purposes of a NAQI are to:
Inform the objectives of the NEMAQA (enhancement, protection, governance).
Monitor national progress in implementing NEMAQA policy targets – towards national compliance.
Provide an overall picture on the efficacy of air quality interventions.
Provide a monitoring tool to measure the effects of policy responses.
Serve as an environmental air quality indicator to assess the condition and reflect air quality trends nationally.
Provide a tool to support policy-makers in air quality management, policy development, prioritisation and evaluation; and
Serve as a communication tool on air quality matters by simplifying complex atmospheric observations to plots and figures easily understood by the public.
1.2.4 Compliance and Enforcement
Manage compliance and enforcement with the following Acts:
National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998
National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004
National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008
Provide technical comments on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
2. Food Safety Support
For the effective management and administration of processes to ensure the provision and maintenance of a high-quality food safety management system across the eThekwini Municipality including the provision of food safety management support service in the sub districts in accordance with relevant legislation and departmental policy.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation
To design, manage and control quality management systems pertaining to PCRM including Environmental Health in the eThekwini Municipality.
The Environmental Health Monitoring and Evaluation section plays a pivotal role in assessing and ensuring the overall health of the environment in a specific jurisdiction or area. It involves systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to environmental factors affecting public health. The section collaborates Pollution Control and Risk management in clouding Environmental Health in the identification of potential environmental hazards, monitors the impact of human activities on environmental quality, and evaluates the effectiveness of policies and interventions aimed at mitigating environmental health risks. By providing crucial information and insights, it guides strategic decision-making and policy formulation for improved environmental management and public health outcomes.
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