Joburg residents are worried about air pollution
New data from Breathe Cities reveals that 92% of surveyed Johannesburg residents expressed concern about air pollution. 78% 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.
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.
In response, the City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with Breathe Cities, an initiative that supports 14 cities to reduce air pollution, is launching #PauseAndBreathe, an activation that aims to inspire public support and bridge the gap between concern and awareness. 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 2025, at 12 midday, to show support for action on air pollution.
Residents are encouraged to take part in #PauseAndBreathe by:
Taking a personal moment of reflection at 12 pm on 28 June. Residents can post their picture
wherever they are, whether it's with family or friends at home or enjoying Joburg's open spaces and great outdoors.
Joining the in-person event against pollution at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort on 28 June where many joburgers will be gathering for #PauseAndBreathe. This gathering will serve as a visually striking centrepiece for the day, bringing together people committed to clean air in a natural setting. RSVP link .
Posting your message of support and advocacy on social media using the hashtags #CleanAirJozi #PauseAndBreathe #Jozicares
Head to the city's social channels to learn more about the action being taken in Joburg and how you can get involved.
Whether you join in on June 28 at the nature reserve or simply pause wherever you are, at 12 midday on the 28th of June, Joburg is taking a moment to pause and reflect on the air quality of our beloved city.
'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,' the campaign statement read.
'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,' said Catherine Constantinides, Environmental Activist & Human Rights Defender.
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