While taking water level readings and collecting litter, Jane Trembath, chairperson of the Korsman Conservancy, was left aghast when she stumbled across a pile of shoes (crocs) near the banks of the pan.
Trembath as well as the conservancy committee is concerned about the impact discarded clothes may have on the biodiversity within the pan.
She explained that large quantities of clothing, shoes and unopened cans of expired food have made their way into the pan for numerous years.
“We have established that black bags containing clothing are being dumped into the stormwater drains leading from Sunnyside Avenue, Brand Street and The Drive,” she said.
“When it rains the bags are washed into the inlet near the Aubrey Reitz Park resulting in the items landing up on the banks of the pan. The clothing most often includes boys, girls, ladies and men’s clothes.”
A recent water study conducted by University of Johannesburg (UJ) student, Thizwi Tshivhuyahuvhi under the guidance of Professor Richard Greenfield, found that the pan had the highest count of microplastics.
During the study, samples were also collected from Bullfrog, Sand and Blauw pans.
“Clothes release fibres into the water and the most recent discovery could be attributed to the high levels of microplastics found within Korsman,” said Trembath.
“Further to that, these items pose a direct threat to the birds that nest within the sanctuary which could lead to strangulation.”
Wading into the water and finding some humour in the situation, committee member Shyur Ganespersad chimed:
“Or worse, we might soon see a flamingo donning a pair of jeans and crocs demanding to call the shots.”
Trembath said that she has discovered a great deal about the clothes’ previous owners stating that it is all high quality.
“I suspect that well-meaning residents may be giving the unwanted clothes to employees, unfortunately, it has found its way into the pan,” she said.
“As with refuse and recyclables, we urge members of the community to dispose of clothing in a responsible manner. I suggest donating it to a local charity organisation that can repurpose or sell it.”
She said that this is not an isolated incident with similar findings being made at the Atlasspruit.
“It seems that we were just lucky to have found crocs in our water,” she said.
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