Air pollution has become a persistent issue in Johannesburg, particularly during winter, affecting visibility in the mornings and evenings. Residents frequently complain about a strong sulphur-like odour that permeates the air, the exact source of which is yet to be confirmed.
Johannesburg’s proximity to the Vaal Triangle, an area with high-polluting industries such as petrochemical, chemical, brick, tile, and steel manufacturing, contributes significantly to its air quality issues. The primary source of air pollution in the city is industrial activity, domestic waste burning, mine tailings dumps and power plants, which account for over one-third of the total PM2.5 concentration (37%).
The city’s Directorate for Air Quality and Climate Change collaborates with local and international partners, including Breathe Cities, Clean Air Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and C40 Cities, to reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. Regular workshops, meetings, and events with residents, businesses, civil society organisations, and transport associations aim to increase community involvement in pollution reduction efforts.
The directorate conducts real-time air quality monitoring and data collection to track pollution levels and identify areas needing urgent intervention. This is complemented by ongoing regulatory and policy reviews and the implementation of stricter by-laws targeting industrial zones, vehicle emissions, and open burning.
During Eskom’s load shedding episodes, the air quality in suburban areas worsened as businesses and residents increasingly relied on fume-producing generators.
Recent air pollution statistics for Johannesburg show that the air quality data in the city indicates elevated levels of particulates PM2.5 and PM10 especially during winter months and elevated Ozone levels which are constantly above the South African Ambient air quality standards. Although Nitrogen dioxide and Sulphur dioxide are mostly within the set compliance limits, these parameters are still a concern in the city.
PM2.5 Levels: Concentration at around 14.5 µg/m³, which is 2.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air quality guideline.
PM10 Levels: Approximately 61.8 µg/m³.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): Around 30.9 µg/m³.
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): About 10.4 µg/m³.
Transport emissions contribute 7% to overall air pollution.
Transport emissions contribute approximately 30% to the overall air pollution load in the city. On 7 November 2023, Johannesburg’s Transport Department hosted an online session on Travel Demand Management (TDM), aimed at changing travel behaviour to improve the efficiency of the transport system. TDM strategies seek to reduce traffic congestion and car dependency during peak hours, particularly single-occupant vehicle use.
Following the online session, the department has since launched six pilot campaigns, including:
Vaya Smart to Work: Encouraging the use of public transport, working from home, and carpooling in partnership with large employers.
Schools Vaya Smart Campaign: Aiming to reduce traffic congestion around schools by promoting walking, cycling, and carpooling.
Additional initiatives, such as the Johannesburg Development Agency’s expansion of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system and Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s restoration of the metro-rail linking the city centre to densely populated townships and informal settlements, are collaborative efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Written by Virgil James
05/09/2024
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