Problems experienced in Mvoti- uMzimkhulu were related to industrial water pollution. High levels of chemical poisons were reported in the Mvoti River near KwaDukuza/Stanger, which resulted in an immediate banning on fishing activities, swimming or drinking water near the Sappi paper mill. A multi-national pulp and paper company advised fishermen not to eat any fish or other marine creatures from the river mouth until further tests have been conducted. The company also acknowledged that some of the pollutants had the potential to cause cancer and endocrine system health problems in humans and animals, depending on the dose and duration of exposure.