Foam clouds spark alarm along the Palmiet River

Loading player...
Westville residents woke up to a bizarre sight: thick, foul-smelling foam floating through streets and collecting on properties near the Palmiet River. Many say the stench was chemical and overpowering, raising fears of pollution in the water.

Local resident and photographer Rorke Shirley captured striking images of the foam clouds towering above people and drifting through the neighbourhood. He says light rain may have stirred up contaminants in the river, creating the massive foam build-up that now threatens wildlife and could affect residents’ health.
16 Oct 2025 10AM English South Africa News · Daily News

Other recent episodes

Down syndrome: Moving beyond awareness to meaningful inclusion

Linda Davis, branch director of the Down Syndrome Association, discusses what Down syndrome is, challenges common misconceptions and explains the importance of inclusive education, employment opportunities and support for people with Down syndrome. She also shares how the association empowers young adults and why inclusion must go beyond awareness to…
20 Oct 4AM 3 min

Fugitive winner grabs second chance after near miss 10 years ago

Bluff resident Chris Tomlinson says he went hunting for the East Coast Radio Fugitive 10 years ago but missed him in Amanzimtoti. He told Newswatch reporter, Aerusha Naidoo that this time, he and a friend planned their search for the the mystery man, and it paid off.
6 Oct 6AM 2 min