Air Pollution's Hotspots In South Africa

Air pollution is a pressing issue in South Africa, with the country facing some of the worst air pollution levels and severe health consequences globally. It is the second biggest threat to health in the country, causing approximately 25,800 deaths annually. South Africa is a significant emitter of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, with energy consumption and industrial activities contributing to the deterioration of air quality. The country's rapid urbanization and utilization of coal reserves further exacerbate the problem. Activists and organizations like Greenpeace Africa and the Clean Air Fund are advocating for solutions and pushing for policy changes to address the urgent challenge of air pollution in South Africa.

Johannesburg and Pretoria

Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, is facing significant air pollution challenges. With a population of over six million, expected to reach ten million by 2030, the city's rapid growth has exacerbated air quality issues. Johannesburg's history as a gold mining town and its subsequent industrial development have left a legacy of pollution, with the city surrounded by dumping grounds and high volumes of traffic.

The primary sources of air pollution in Johannesburg are industrial plants and power plants, which contribute to the high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. In 2019, the annual average PM2.5 concentration in South Africa was almost six times greater than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended levels. This has severe health implications, with residents of Johannesburg losing up to 3.23 years of their lives compared to those living in cleaner air conditions.

The unique topography of Johannesburg, located on an escarpment or 'Highveld', also contributes to the air pollution problem. The high-pressure systems and calm conditions with minimal wind prevent the dispersal of pollutants, leading to prolonged periods of poor air quality. Additionally, the proximity of polluting industrial zones to residential areas further exacerbates the issue.

The Johannesburg-Pretoria urban area is located near the most industrialised region in South Africa, which includes the energy-intensive and high-polluting petrochemical, chemical, brick, tile, and steel industries. The Mpumalanga Highveld and the Vaal Triangle, part of this industrial region, were designated as the first national air pollution hotspots according to the Air Quality Act of 2004, primarily due to coal mining and coal-fired power stations.

To address these challenges, various initiatives are underway. The Clean Air Fund is working with government, civil society organisations, and academic institutions to advocate for solutions and support systemic change. The University of Pretoria is also taking action by deploying low-cost sensors to inform government decisions. Additionally, in 2015, IBM proposed a partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the City of Johannesburg to utilise advanced technologies for precise air pollution forecasting.

Cape Town

Air pollution is a significant issue in Cape Town, South Africa, with real-time air quality indices indicating that the city's air quality can vary from good to unhealthy. On a particular day in March 2025, Cape Town's overall air quality index was 38, with moderate levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and acceptable levels of other pollutants such as NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) and SO2 (sulfur dioxide).

The Clean Air Fund has recognised the issue of air pollution in Cape Town and supported the UrbanBetter Cityzens for Clean Air Campaign, which empowers young runners to gather data on air pollution and advocate for clean air measures. This initiative highlights the need for data-driven solutions and community engagement in addressing the city's air quality challenges.

Fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, poses one of the greatest health risks from air pollution. These particles, generated by vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and residential heating, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to respiratory issues and other adverse health outcomes.

To address the air pollution in Cape Town, the Clean Air Fund has collaborated with Climate Visuals to launch a collection of photographs portraying the communities most impacted by poor air quality. Additionally, the South African Medical Research Council is generating localised evidence to understand the impact of air pollution on health, and the University of Pretoria and Zabcor are deploying low-cost sensors to inform government action. These initiatives aim to strengthen the understanding of air pollution's impact and guide effective policy responses.

Highveld Priority Area

Air pollution is a significant issue in South Africa, causing approximately 25,800 premature deaths each year. It is the second biggest threat to health in the country, and nearly 100% of the population breathes air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended levels.

The Highveld Priority Area (HPA), located in the Mpumalanga province, is one of three National Air Quality Priority Areas in South Africa. This area has been recognised as an air pollution hotspot, with air quality that breaches citizens' constitutional right to a healthy and safe environment. The HPA includes the towns of Secunda and eMbalenhle, which have been the subject of studies investigating the impact of poor air quality on the respiratory health of adolescents in the region. The studies analysed data from 2005 to 2019 and compared it against national and WHO air quality standards.

The HPA is characterised by industrial plants and mines, with low-income communities and informal settlements located nearby. These communities are disproportionately impacted by the poor air quality, bearing the brunt of the health consequences. Despite efforts to improve the situation, a 2020 report by the Centre for Environmental Rights concluded that air quality in the HPA remains poor and non-compliant with health-based NAAQS, with no significant reduction in aggregate emissions over the years.

To address this issue, the Clean Air Fund has been working with various organisations and institutions in South Africa since 2023. They have funded initiatives such as the UrbanBetter Cityzens for Clean Air Campaign, which empowers young people to gather data and advocate for clean air measures. Additionally, the University of Pretoria and Zabcor are deploying low-cost sensors to inform government action on air quality management. These collaborative efforts aim to support policymakers and businesses in implementing effective solutions to tackle the root causes of air pollution in the HPA and across South Africa.

Mpumalanga

The toxic air pollution in Mpumalanga has severe health consequences for residents. Human exposure to pollutants emitted by coal plants, such as sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, and fine particulate matter, has been linked to chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. It also contributes to other serious health issues, including strokes, heart attacks, birth defects, and premature deaths.

The impact of Mpumalanga's air pollution extends beyond the province, as the pollution blows across to nearby cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria due to their close proximity and regular wind patterns. This means that millions of people living in these cities are also affected by the poor air quality originating from Mpumalanga.

The South African government has faced legal challenges over the poor air quality in Mpumalanga. In 2022, a court ruled that the unsafe levels of air pollution in the province breached residents' constitutional right to a healthy environment. Environmental justice groups have advocated for improved air quality and urged the government to take further steps to address this issue.

Despite these efforts, Mpumalanga continues to struggle with air pollution, and the complex relationship between the state and corporations has made it challenging to hold mining companies accountable. The situation in Mpumalanga highlights the urgent need for effective policies and solutions to tackle air pollution and protect the health and well-being of those affected.

South Africa's carbon tax

South Africa is the first African country to adopt a carbon tax policy. The carbon tax was implemented in June 2019 and covers around 90% of the country's total GHG emissions, with agriculture, forestry, land use, and waste excluded. The tax follows the polluter-pays principle and is imposed on fuel inputs based on emission factors and procedures in line with the standards published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The carbon tax regime allows for performance adjustments, with a basic tax-free allowance ranging between 60% and 75% of emissions across sectors. Additional allowances and offsets can increase this to up to 95% in certain sectors. The government has proposed to strengthen the carbon tax policy by progressively raising the carbon tax rates between 2023 and 2030, with the carbon tax rate increasing to R190 per tonne of CO2e for the 2024 calendar year.

The carbon tax cost recovery quantum for the liquid fuels sector has also increased from 0.66c/litre to 0.69c/litre, effective 1 January 2024. Additionally, the carbon fuel levy will increase to 11 cents per litre for petrol and 14 cents per litre for diesel, effective 3 April 2024. These measures are expected to significantly raise the price of carbon in South Africa compared to other G20 countries.

South Africa is rapidly urbanising, and air pollution is a significant issue, causing approximately 25,800 premature deaths in the country in 2019. It is the second biggest threat to health in the country, and nearly 100% of the population breathes air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline levels. Johannesburg, the Highveld region, and Cape Town are some of the areas most impacted by air pollution, with low-income communities and informal settlements bearing the brunt of the poor air quality as many live near industrial plants or mines.

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