Johannesburg: Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts has reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling air pollution, emphasizing that clean air is a fundamental human right. She called for stronger collaboration to improve conditions in South Africa's most polluted regions.
According to South African Government News Agency, Swarts addressed a Government-NGO dialogue on air quality in the Highveld Priority Area, highlighting that air pollution extends beyond environmental concerns. She emphasized that clean air is a social justice, developmental, and human rights issue, protected under Section 24 of the Constitution, which guarantees an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being.
The Deputy Minister stressed the shared responsibility of government, industry, civil society, and citizens in reducing pollution. Despite years of interventions, communities in the Highveld Priority Area continue to face poor air quality due to industrial activities, domestic fuel burning, waste burning, and transport emissions.
Swarts acknowledged concerns from communities and civil society about pollution impacts and the pace of governmental response. She recognized calls for greater accountability and transparency in improving air quality. The dialogue aimed to move discussions towards practical solutions that deliver measurable improvements for communities.
Swarts highlighted the G20 Cape Town Ministerial Declaration on Air Quality as a global framework supporting efforts to tackle pollution. The declaration prioritizes clean air as a public health, environmental, and socio-economic issue, promoting stronger air quality monitoring and cooperation across sectors.
The Deputy Minister called on civil society and communities to remain active partners in finding solutions, stressing the importance of addressing air pollution and inequality to ensure all South Africans enjoy their constitutional right to a healthy environment. Swarts committed to strengthening engagement platforms for constructive contributions to environmental decision-making.