Jukskei River turns red in Alexandra as children warned to stay away

Residents in Alexandra have been warned to keep children away from the Jukskei River after sections of the waterway reportedly turned red, raising concerns about what may be in the water.

The warning was shared on Facebook by The Screenshot Association on Friday, 25 September, urging parents and guardians to prevent children from swimming in, touching or otherwise coming into contact with the river until the unusual discolouration has been investigated.

The cause of the red colouring remains unclear.

Residents urged to avoid contact with the river

The social media warning comes as concern grows over the unexplained change in the river’s appearance.

Residents were advised to keep children away from the water while more information is sought. At the time the alert emerged, no official statement from the City of Johannesburg or Johannesburg Water had been located confirming what caused the water to turn red.

This means the reported discolouration should not be treated as confirmation that a specific contaminant has been identified.

A river already under environmental pressure

The latest concern is particularly significant because the Jukskei River has a long history of pollution.

The waterway has been affected by untreated sewage, industrial effluent, illegal dumping and urban runoff. High levels of E. coli and other pathogens have also previously been recorded, adding to concerns about the health risks associated with contact with the river.

For communities living close to the river, the condition of the water is therefore more than an environmental issue. It is also a public health concern.

The latest change in colour has renewed calls for the water to be properly investigated and tested.

What residents should know

For now, the source of the red colouring has not been confirmed.

Residents, particularly parents and guardians, are being urged to follow the warning to keep children away from the river and avoid direct contact with the water until further official information is available.

Authorities have also been urged to investigate the discolouration, establish what caused it and assess any potential impact on the river and surrounding environment.

The concern in Alexandra is not simply about the colour of the water. It is about understanding what has caused the change and ensuring residents are not exposed to an unknown substance.

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Source: The Screenshot Association / Facebook

Featured Image: Screenshot from Video