Why Joburg smells like rotten eggs (again)

If you stepped outside this morning, took a confident deep breath and immediately regretted it, you’re not alone. Johannesburg has woken up wrapped in a distinctly foul smell. Think rotten eggs. Think damp drains. Think salmonella flavoured chicken.

Before we all start blaming our neighbours, here’s what’s actually going on.

The March 2026 Update

While we first reported on this "funk" back in January, the current atmospheric conditions in March have created a perfect storm for the smell to return with a vengeance.

As we transition toward autumn, we’re seeing more temperature inversions. This is when a layer of warm air traps cooler (and smellier) air near the ground, acting like a giant Tupperware lid over the city.

The wind factor isn't exactly helping. Current weather patterns have shifted the winds directly from the East/South-East, bringing a fresh delivery of emissions from the industrial hubs in Secunda straight into our morning coffee.

It’s not you, it’s the air

Joburg’s air quality isn’t exactly winning awards, and on certain days, the city becomes a bit of a pollution trap. When wind speeds are low and temperatures drop overnight, pollutants become trapped near the ground rather than dispersing. By morning, we’re all basically walking through yesterday’s leftovers, exhaust fumes, industrial emissions and other airborne nasties included.

That sulphur-y, rotten-egg smell many people are noticing? Well, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, it’s often linked to hydrogen sulphide and similar compounds, which can drift in from industrial areas or form when organic matter (we’re looking at you, sewers) breaks down. It's not dangerous at the levels typically recorded, just deeply unpleasant.

The Mpumalanga connection

While Johannesburg has its own pollution battles, the distinct sulfuric smell is almost always linked to the massive coal-to-liquids and petrochemical plants in Secunda, Mpumalanga.

Under "normal" conditions, the high-altitude stacks at these facilities allow gases to disperse into the upper atmosphere. However, as air quality experts have noted, it only takes a shift in wind direction, specifically a south-easterly flow, to push a concentrated "plume" of these routine emissions directly into the Gauteng basin, turning our city into a glorified toilet bowl.

So, no, there isn't a gas leak in your kitchen. It’s just the Gauteng Basin doing what it does best: collecting industrial leftovers. The good news? Forecasts suggest a shift in wind direction by tonight or tomorrow, which should blow the stench toward someone else’s backyard.

Until then, stay indoors, light a candle, and maybe distract yourself by planning your next night out.

Better still, browse our list of the 7 best things to do on a rainy day in Johannesburg for some fun indoor activities. 

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