Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts: Government-NGO dialogue on air quality in the Highveld Priority Area
Programme Director
Municipal Leadership
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations
Community Leaders and Residents
Representatives of Industry Academia and Research Institutions
Government Officials from National, Provincial and Local Government
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning.
It is both an honour and a privilege to join you today for this important Government–NGO Dialogue on Air Quality in the Highveld Priority Area.
Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to all organisations, community representatives, activists, researchers and government officials who have made the time to participate in this engagement. Your presence demonstrates a shared commitment to finding practical and sustainable solutions to one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges facing our communities.
Today’s dialogue takes place during Environment Month, a period in which we reflect on our collective responsibility to protect the environment and improve the quality of life of all South Africans. It also takes place during Youth Month, reminding us that the decisions we make today will shape the health, wellbeing and opportunities of future generations.
The theme of this engagement could not be more relevant. Air quality is not merely an environmental issue. It is a health issue. It is a social justice issue. It is a developmental issue. Ultimately, it is a human rights issue.
Section 24 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing. This constitutional right places a responsibility on all of us—government, industry, civil society and citizens—to work together to reduce pollution and improve environmental outcomes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Highveld Priority Area remains one of South Africa’s most significant air pollution hotspots. Despite progress made over the years through monitoring, planning, compliance interventions and stakeholder engagement, many communities continue to experience the effects of poor air quality.
We recognise the concerns raised by residents regarding emissions from industrial activities, domestic fuel burning, waste burning, transportation and other pollution sources. We also recognise the concerns raised by civil society organisations regarding the pace of implementation and the need for greater accountability and transparency.
As government, we acknowledge that while progress has been made, much more remains to be done.
This dialogue provides an opportunity to move beyond positions and towards solutions.
We have not gathered here merely to exchange viewpoints. We have gathered to strengthen collaboration, build trust and identify practical actions that can improve air quality outcomes for communities living in the Highveld Priority Area.
The G20 Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality provides a powerful global policy framework that reinforces South Africa’s efforts to improve air quality through collaboration, transparency, and inclusive governance. As the first standalone G20 declaration dedicated to air quality, it elevates clean air as a critical public health, environmental, and socio-economic priority while recognising the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable communities.
The declaration promotes strengthened air quality monitoring, open and reliable data, citizen participation, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and cooperation across sectors and spheres of government. These principles align strongly with the objectives of this Dialogue, which seeks to build trust, foster meaningful engagement between government and civil society, and identify practical solutions to air quality challenges in the Highveld Priority Area.
The declaration provides international legitimacy and momentum for accelerating implementation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, strengthening compliance and enforcement, expanding community-based monitoring initiatives such as citizen science and low-cost sensors, and mobilising partnerships and resources to support cleaner air and healthier communities. It further positions South Africa as a continental leader in advancing clean air action and environmental justice, while creating opportunities to leverage global cooperation and best practices to achieve sustainable air quality improvements. Top of Form
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment remains committed to strengthening air quality governance and implementation across the country.
Our approach is guided by several key principles:
Firstly, collaboration.
Government alone cannot solve air pollution challenges. Civil society organisations play a critical role in raising awareness, generating evidence, advocating for communities and supporting accountability. Communities themselves are often the first to experience the impacts of pollution and therefore must be active participants in decision-making processes.
We value the contribution of NGOs and community-based organisations and recognise them as important partners in advancing clean air objectives.
Secondly, transparency and access to information. Communities have a right to know what they are breathing.
The Department continues to strengthen air quality monitoring systems and public access to information through the South African Air Quality Information System, or SAAQIS. We encourage citizens to utilise available air quality information and participate actively in environmental governance processes.
Thirdly, environmental justice.
The impacts of air pollution are often felt most severely by vulnerable communities, including children, the elderly and those living with existing health conditions.
Addressing air pollution is therefore also about addressing inequality and ensuring that all South Africans enjoy the constitutional right to a healthy environment.
Fourthly, meaningful public participation.
Government is committed to strengthening engagement platforms that allow communities and civil society organisations to contribute constructively to environmental decision-making.
Today’s dialogue is an example of our commitment to creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and respected.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We also recognise the growing importance of citizen science and community-based environmental monitoring.
Across the world, communities are increasingly participating in environmental observation and data collection, contributing valuable insights that complement traditional monitoring systems.
South Africa has an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between government, researchers, civil society organisations and communities to expand environmental awareness and promote evidence-based action.
Through collaboration and innovation, we can empower communities to become active participants in protecting their environment and improving local air quality.
Colleagues,
The outcomes of today’s engagement should not end when we leave this venue.
The true measure of success will be the actions that follow.
I therefore encourage participants to focus on practical recommendations that can strengthen implementation, improve communication, enhance accountability and support measurable improvements in air quality.
The Department looks forward to receiving constructive proposals and recommendations arising from this dialogue.
Importantly, this engagement also forms part of the build-up to the 2026 Air Quality Governance Lekgotla, which will be hosted in Mpumalanga under the theme of accelerating policy implementation for reduced emissions.
The voices and perspectives shared today will contribute meaningfully to broader national discussions on air quality governance and implementation.
As we move forward, let us be guided by a common understanding:
- Clean air is not a privilege.
- Clean air is a constitutional right.
- Clean air is essential for healthy communities, sustainable development and a prosperous future.
Let us therefore work together; government, civil society, industry, academia and communities; to ensure that future generations inherit an environment that supports life, health and dignity.
I thank you and wish you productive deliberations.
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