Air Aware: Youth Statement on Air Pollution in Johannesburg

The 'Air Aware' youth statement highlights the severe impact of air pollution on young people in Johannesburg, particularly in low-income areas like Alexandra, Soweto, and Diepsloot. It identifies waste burning, household fuel use, transport emissions, and industrial pollution as primary sources of contamination that lead to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular strain. The document demands a transition toward health-centered air quality management, reliable waste collection to end illegal burning, clean mobility infrastructure, and the formal inclusion of youth in environmental governance to achieve a 'Vision 2030' of cleaner skies and green jobs.

• Young people in Johannesburg experience significant health issues due to air pollution, including asthma, respiratory illnesses, persistent sinus problems, eye irritation, headaches, and lung infections, with cardiovascular strain affecting the elderly.
• Air pollution is identified as an environmental justice issue because it disproportionately affects marginalized and low-income communities, such as those in informal settlements near pollution hotspots, despite these groups contributing the least to the pollution.
• The primary sources of air pollution in the region are waste burning—often caused by inconsistent waste collection—household fuel use (coal, wood, and paraffin), transport emissions, and industrial pollution.
• Despite the protections of Section 24 of South Africa’s Constitution, there are significant implementation gaps in air quality laws, characterized by poor service delivery, weak enforcement of by-laws, lack of transparency, and limited monitoring data.
• The youth demand a comprehensive set of interventions by 2030, including the establishment of low-emission zones near schools, the creation of green jobs, the implementation of clean air zones in Johannesburg, and the creation of formal youth advisory bodies in environmental governance.

APA

Fullard, D., Connock, K., Jack, L., Marubelela, L. K., Tshishonga, N., Tshitangano, R., Thwala, R., Nxumalo, T., Ngcukana, L., Ndubazane, N., Zwane, Z., Smith, A., Mahlati, A., Njikelana, B., Kekana, B., Lepheana, D., Lushaba, D., Malatji, E., Mbedzi, E., ... Shince, O. (n.d.). Air Aware: Youth Statement on Air Pollution in Johannesburg. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Final-CAF-Youth-Statement_24Feb.pdf

Chicago

Fullard, Donavan, Kendra Connock, Lehlohonolo Jack, Lesekgo Khanyisile Marubelela, Ngelekanyo Tshishonga, Rendani Tshitangano, Richard Thwala, et al. Air Aware: Youth Statement on Air Pollution in Johannesburg. South African Institute of International Affairs, n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Final-CAF-Youth-Statement_24Feb.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Fullard |first1=Donavan |last2=Connock |first2=Kendra |last3=Jack |first3=Lehlohonolo |last4=Marubelela |first4=Lesekgo Khanyisile |last5=Tshishonga |first5=Ngelekanyo |last6=Tshitangano |first6=Rendani |last7=Thwala |first7=Richard |last8=Nxumalo |first8=Tyla |last9=Ngcukana |first9=Lunga |display-authors=etal |title=Air Aware: Youth Statement on Air Pollution in Johannesburg |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Final-CAF-Youth-Statement_24Feb.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{fullardndair, author = {Fullard, Donavan and Connock, Kendra and Jack, Lehlohonolo and Marubelela, Lesekgo Khanyisile and Tshishonga, Ngelekanyo and Tshitangano, Rendani and Thwala, Richard and Nxumalo, Tyla and Ngcukana, Lunga and Ndubazane, Nokuthula and Zwane, Zethu and Smith, Alejandro and Mahlati, Angel and Njikelana, Babalwa and Kekana, Bennedict and Lepheana, Dimpho and Lushaba, Dudu and Malatji, Emma and Mbedzi, Emma and Manzini, Fumani and Maise, Lufuno and Siphuma, Lydia and Paseka, Molejane and Mdluli, Momo and Mothapo, Motlapeng and Malkoko, Noncedo and Lerebelo, Victor and Mantlaka, Zandile and Ndlovu, Khanya and Fulufhelo, Makgoka and Magudulela, Siphosethu and Hleza, Thuto and Olwethu, Hlatswayo and Mokwatlo, Mapaseka and Nonkululeko, Mthabela and Princess, Shava and Mnisi, Boitshepho and Ngozi, Ntsiki and Jozela, Phendulo and Mathe, Sibongile and Hahlani, Tinitenda and Mkhulise, Akhona and Kalula, Junior and Steven, Langa and Masingo, Mpho and Ximba, Msawakhe and Nethononda, Khangwelo and Lekakalala, Klaas and Nkooe, Kopano and Masingo, Nercia and Mkhloe, Thandolwethu and Thembisile, Banda and Bahle, Kabini and Sebothoma, Kagiso and Nkuriso, Mabaso and Sinenhlanhla, Mahlangu and Onkabetse, Mavundza and Van Der Bergh, Kaylee and Santos, Kgomotso and Alcock, Luke and Zwivhuya, Mulaudzi and Paledi, Suzan and Mogale, Tumelo and Mdluli, Thembelihle and Hlatswayo, Ntokozo and Shince, Olulelwe}, title = {{Air Aware: Youth Statement on Air Pollution in Johannesburg}}, publisher = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Final-CAF-Youth-Statement_24Feb.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }