Mpumalanga, South Africa: Greylingstad Residents Protest Against BJK Meat Rendering Plant Over Environmental Concerns

Greylingstad residents under the Dipaleseng Municipality in Mpumalanga, South Africa have intensified their long-standing complaints through a municipality sanctioned picketing against the operations of BJK Industries, a meat rendering plant owned by Leo Group UK.

The community accuses the company of environmental negligence, citing foul odours, air pollution, and improper waste management practices that they say have disrupted daily life and endangered public health.

Dipaleseng Municipality granted permission for a peaceful protest outside BJK’s main entrance on March 28, 2026.

In an official letter signed by Mr. TWB Dlamini, Director of Community Services and Public Safety, the municipality emphasized that the picket must remain peaceful, unarmed, and compliant with police regulations.

Protesters were reminded not to obstruct access to premises, wear disguises, or interfere with law enforcement, with violations punishable by fines up to R20,000 or imprisonment of up to one year.

Carel Pienaar of the Save Greylingstad from BJK NPO, coordinated the march, encouraging residents to gather at the NG Kerk in Botha Street before proceeding to the plant.

“Let’s make it a success tomorrow to show BJK and the departments that have to oversee the doings and goings of BJK that we want action and clean air,” Pienaar urged in a message to supporters.

Residents who describe themselves as “BJK victims,” expressed their concern on what they call the “abusive, arrogant, unlawful conduct” of the company’s directors, Danny, Ricardo, and Chris.

Community complaints against BJK Industries’ meat rendering operations include the persistent foul odours and lack of communication regarding BJK’s official complaints procedure, leaving residents uncertain about how to report problems, especially after hours.

Residents in the Greylingstad area which comprises the high-density area of Nthoroane and the low density Willemsdal also complain of the foul odour vehicle spillages of animal by-products citing inadequate clean-up methods such as “simple wiping up of loose gravel and picking up offal pieces,” according to Pienaar.

They also accuse the municipality saying that inspections required under BJK’s air emissions licence have not been properly communicated to the public.

Community members argue that these issues have been ignored or underreported, preventing licensing authorities from grasping the full extent of the environmental impact.

BJK Industries positions itself as a producer of “quality animal proteins, fats, oils, minerals and frozen meat” for the pet food, livestock, and aqua feed industries.

The company highlights its Quality Assurance Programme, which includes supplier audits, compliance checks, and inspections designed to ensure high standards of production.

However, critics argue that these assurances have not translated into tangible improvements for Greylingstad residents. The lack of visible enforcement of complaint procedures and insufficient communication with the community remain central grievances.

Greylingstad residents insist that their demand is simple: clean air, proper waste management, and accountability. As Pienaar summarized, “You are the solution. See you tomorrow!”

The outcome of today’s protest, backed by municipal authorization, may determine whether BJK and regulatory authorities take stronger action to address the environmental concerns that have plagued Greylingstad for years.