The City of Johannesburg's Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), in partnership with Breathe Cities and Youth@SAIIA at the South African Institute of International Affairs, hosted the Air Aware: Youth-Led Conference on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation at The Wanderers Club on 26 February 2026.
The conference brought together more than 200 delegates, including 130 young people, alongside government officials, researchers, civil society leaders and environmental advocates to tackle Johannesburg's worsening air pollution crisis.
The event marked the culmination of a year-long Air Aware campaign led by Youth@SAIIA and supported by Breathe Cities. The campaign focused on raising awareness about air pollution levels and their serious health impacts. A pre-conference workshop held on 10 February 2025 equipped young participants with the knowledge and tools to engage in policy discussions. Youth delegates analysed air quality data and co-produced a Youth Statement on air pollution and health, which was formally presented to City policymakers.
Delivering the keynote address, EISD Executive Director Dr Tebogo Modiba highlighted the urgency of action. A recent community survey found that 92% of residents are concerned about air pollution and 78% associate it with negative health effects, yet only 5% are aware of the City's air quality policies.
“These findings point to the need for stronger public engagement and shared ownership of solutions," Dr Modiba said, adding that young people are emerging as key partners in accountability and innovation.
The campaign has engaged hundreds of young people through virtual learning sessions, workshops and community advocacy. Eight Youth Air Champions have led initiatives in schools, universities and local communities, documenting lived experiences and identifying pollution hotspots.
Lebo Molefe, Director: Climate Change and Air Quality, noted that Johannesburg recorded only 207 days of good air quality in 2025. Winter pollution levels reached a National Air Quality Index of 10, classified as “very unhealthy". Major contributors include particulate matter, vehicle emissions and seasonal smog.
The City has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding youth-led monitoring initiatives, supporting school awareness programmes and involving young people directly in air quality policy design and implementation.
One Youth Champion, Queen Ngcobo from Leap Science and Maths School, said young people have taken proactive steps to understand and address air pollution in their communities.
The Air Aware conference underscored the importance of intergenerational dialogue, ensuring that youth perspectives meaningfully shape Johannesburg's clean air strategy.
Air Aware: Youth-Led Air Pollution Awareness is a pilot programme implemented through Youth@SAIIA and funded by Breathe Cities, a global initiative delivered by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clean Air Fund and C40 Cities, giving 14 cities globally the tools to take ambitious clean air action by expanding access to data and raising public awareness. The initiative educates and empowers young people on air quality and its health impacts, positioning them as key stakeholders in driving improved air quality management in the city.
Written by Dudu Lushaba
27/02/2026
Recommended for you:
Joburg pioneers clean air move with launch of Breathe cities initiative
To stay informed about the latest developments in the City, connect with us on:
X: @CityofJoburgZA
Facebook: City of Joburg
Instagram: @CityofJoburg
TikTok: @CityofJoburg
Threads: @cityofjoburg
LinkedIn: City of Johannesburg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfJoburgZA/videos
