New data from Breathe Cities reveals that 92% of surveyed Johannesburg residents expressed concern about air pollution. Seventy-eight percent of surveyed residents who experience one or more health symptoms believe they suffer from these symptoms as a result of air pollution.

However, despite these concerns, only 5% of the 3 000 respondents are aware of the existing local air quality initiatives, shows the data. 

To increase levels of awareness around air quality solutions, the City of Johannesburg is calling on all residents, wherever they are, to pause and breathe in a powerful city-led moment of unity on Saturday, 28 June, at 12:00, to show support for action on air pollution. 

As part of Youth Month, residents will also be able to #PauseAndBreathe together in person during the Hike for the Environment event at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. The hike is organised by the City of Johannesburg and it will feature a guided nature walk, youth exhibits and interactive activities for the attendees to show their support for a cleaner, healthier Johannesburg, say the city and Breathe Cities.

Residents are encouraged by the City of Johannesburg and Breathe Cities to take part in #PauseAndBreathe by:

  • taking a personal moment of reflection at 12:00 on Saturday, 28 June
  • joining the in-person event against pollution at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort 
  • posting your message of support and advocacy on social media using the hashtags #CleanAirJozi, #PauseAndBreathe and #Jozicares, and
  • head to the city's social channels to learn more about the action being taken in Joburg and how you can get involved. 

Whether people join in on Saturday, 28 June at the nature reserve or simply pause wherever they are, at 12:00, the City of Johannesburg is taking a moment to pause and reflect on the air quality of the beloved city, says the duo.

Lunga Ngcukana, Breathe Cities City Advisor for Johannesburg, says, "Youth month honours the power of unity among Johannesburg's youth — a force that continues to inspire real change. The challenge of air pollution demands innovative action, that's why I'm excited to present this new call to action for a healthier and more equitable Joburg. I urge everyone to join this collective #PauseAndBreathe moment as we each reflect on how we can make a meaningful difference together in our communities."

Catherine Constantinides, Environmental Activist and Human Rights Defender, concludes, "Nelson Mandela focused on human rights, but he pushed for environmental justice and sustainable action. He understood that the environment has a direct impact on people. The right to good air quality is included in our constitution. We have the right to an environment that is not harmful to our health and well-being. Our air quality is currently 3.8 times more [harmful] than the standard stipulated by WHO. As active citizens, we must stand together and campaign for cleaner air."

Individuals are encouraged to register for the event here. 

For more information, visit www.breathecities.org. You can also follow Breathe Cities on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor