Clean Air is a Right

Take Action Today

Clean air is everyone’s right, and everyone can play a part in protecting it.

Whether you are a resident, a young person, an educator, a community organisation, or a local business, your actions matter. Join Johannesburg’s growing clean-air movement by getting involved in any of the opportunities below:

Join a Local Clean Air Campaign

Get involved in community-led initiatives run by the 35 CBOs participating in the Breathe Joburg network. You can:

  • Attend awareness events and workshops
  • Volunteer in neighbourhood clean-air activities
  • Support initiatives that discourage waste burning
  • Help spread messages within your community

Monitor Air Quality in Your Area

Use the Breathe Joburg air-quality dashboard to:

  • Check real-time air quality where you live, work, or study
  • Learn what the AQI levels mean for your health
  • Share alerts and guidance with your family or community

Communities can also participate in citizen-science activities as they become available. Toolkits from SAAQIS and measurement tools.

Take Everyday Actions for Cleaner Air

Small changes matter when many people do them. You can help by:

  • Avoiding burning waste
  • Reducing car idling and unnecessary trips
  • Car-pooling, using public transport, or walking where possible
  • Maintaining household stoves and heating appliances
  • Reporting illegal burning or pollution sources when safe to do so

Provide a downloadable or visual “Clean Air Checklist” if you want.

Become a Clean Air Champion

Residents, youth, teachers, and local leaders can sign up to become Clean Air Champions.
Champions help:

  • Spread awareness
  • Organise info sessions
  • Share clean-air content
  • Act as ambassadors in their communities

This builds a broader citywide movement.

Schools & Youth – Get Involved

Schools can take part in:

  • Classroom presentations
  • Air-quality awareness campaigns
  • Youth climate and clean-air clubs
  • Competitions, art projects, or science activities

This helps young people understand air quality and lead positive change.

Community-Based Organisations (CBOs)

If your organisation works on environment, health, youth, education, or community development, you can:

  • Partner with the Breathe Better Together programme
  • Access training and support
  • Lead your own local clean-air project
  • Join the growing network of CBOs across Johannesburg

This strengthens collective advocacy and impact.

Report Air Pollution Issues

Residents can report:

  • Illegal waste burning
  • Industrial emissions concerns
  • Vehicle smoke violations
  • Other pollution hazards

Provide a simple form or link to the City’s reporting channels.

Share Your Story

Air quality affects us all differently. You can:

  • Share your experience of pollution
  • Submit voices, photos, or short stories
  • Help highlight the lived reality of residents

These stories build empathy and inform policy.

Partner With Us

Businesses, universities, clinics, faith organisations, and NGOs can partner by:

  • Hosting events
  • Sharing data or expertise
  • Supporting community campaigns
  • Sponsoring clean-air initiatives