Joburg Youth Mobilise for Cleaner, Safer Air

On the basis of Air Pollution Awareness, the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD) of the City of Johannesburg partnered with Breathe Cities and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) to host the Air Aware Pre-Conference Workshop in Braamfontein at the SAIIA headquarters. The workshop focused on air pollution policy and implementation, aiming to educate young people about local pollution sources and provide practical steps to help protect their families’ health. The workshop was designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, tools and confidence to engage effectively in air quality policy discussions. It also prepared them to communicate credible air quality evidence at the upcoming conference and to construct a Youth Statement on air pollution and its health impacts in the city, which will later be presented to policymakers. This initiative positions young people as key stakeholders in driving improved air quality management across Johannesburg. The workshop serves as a precursor to the Air Aware: Youth-Led Conference on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation, set to take place at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on 26 February 2026. A highlight of the workshop was the group engagements, where participants contributed written inputs for the Youth Statement. Thematic discussions covered air quality and health impacts, clean mobility, waste-to-value and no-burn solutions, youth accountability and governance, 2030 clean air futures, and school-level air quality action platforms. Air pollution in South Africa remains a significant public health concern, with many lives lost due to exposure to fine particle pollution. According to Greenpeace USA, fine particulate pollution (PM2.5 — a dangerous pollutant formed by burning coal and fuel) cost South Africa over R9.26 trillion in 2023, equivalent to 14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These costs stem from premature deaths, respiratory illnesses, lost workplace productivity and overburdened health systems. Air pollution disproportionately affects children and young people in marginalised communities. The City’s clean air policy presents an opportunity to address these inequalities, but meaningful progress depends on inclusive participation. “These conversations are vital. We have learned more about air pollution and the solutions the City is implementing. Improving air quality requires educating communities and sharing this information widely,” said workshop participant Paseka Molejane. Youth@SAIIA Project Coordinator and Youth Air Champion, Lehlohonolo Jack, emphasised the importance of youth inclusion in policy platforms, noting that young people bring lived experiences and future-focused solutions that strengthen decision-making. Programme coordinators reaffirmed the City’s commitment to inclusive environmental governance. “By creating space for youth voices in air quality management and policy dialogue, we are building a generation that understands the impacts of pollution and is ready to champion cleaner, safer air for everyone,” said Musa Mahlatji, Deputy Director for Air Quality Management in the City of Johannesburg. In pursuit of sustainable development, environmental resilience and improved public health, the City continues to work with partners to place young people at the forefront of environmental action. While the challenge of air pollution remains significant, the energy and determination displayed at the workshop demonstrate that the youth are ready to fight for cleaner air.