By Levy Masiteng
The City of Johannesburg says young people are confidently stepping into the policy arena after being equipped to help shape the city’s response to air pollution at the Air Aware Pre-Conference Workshop on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation.
The workshop, held on Monday at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) headquarters in Braamfontein, precedes the Air Aware: Youth-Led Conference on Air Pollution Policy and Implementation scheduled for 26 February at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg.
Participants took part in group engagements and submitted written inputs toward a Youth Statement on air pollution and its health impacts in Johannesburg. The statement will be presented directly to policymakers.
Musa Mahlatji, Deputy Director for Air Quality Management in the City, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to inclusive environmental governance.
“By creating space for youth voices in air quality management and policy dialogue, we are building a generation that understands the impacts of pollution and is ready to champion cleaner, safer air for everyone,” he said.
The City’s Environment and Infrastructure Services Department, in partnership with Breathe Cities and the SAIIA Youth Programme, facilitated discussions on air quality and public health, clean mobility solutions, waste-to-value and no-burn alternatives, youth accountability and governance, 2030 clean air futures, and school-level air quality action platforms.
The workshop aimed to equip young people with the knowledge, practical tools and confidence to participate meaningfully in air quality policy processes.
“It also enabled them to gather credible air quality evidence and learn how to communicate it effectively in advocacy and policy spaces,” the City said.
Participant Paseka Molejane described the engagement as both educational and necessary.
“These conversations are vital. We have learned more about air pollution and the solutions the City is implementing. Improving air quality requires educating communities and sharing this information widely,” he said.
The Air Aware Youth-Led Air Pollution Awareness initiative is a pilot programme funded by Breathe Cities and implemented through Youth@SAIIA. It seeks to educate and empower young people on air quality and its health impacts, positioning them as key stakeholders in driving improved air quality management in Johannesburg.
The City noted that air pollution remains one of Johannesburg’s most serious environmental and public health challenges, disproportionately affecting children and young people in marginalised communities.
Youth@SAIIA Project Coordinator and Youth Air Champion Lehlohonolo Jack stressed the importance of youth inclusion in environmental governance.
“Young people bring lived experiences and future-focused solutions that strengthen policy platforms. Their inclusion ensures that decisions taken today reflect the realities and aspirations of the next generation,” Jack said.
The City said it will continue working with strategic partners to place young people at the forefront of sustainable development, environmental resilience and improved public health as momentum builds toward the youth-led conference later this month.
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