Foam clouds spark alarm along the Palmiet River

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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

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