Rustenburg: Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts has called on the private sector to work with government to strengthen efforts to improve air quality. 'Government cannot solve air pollution challenges alone. Industry, civil society, academia and communities all have important roles to play,' the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Swarts highlighted that while notable progress has been achieved through enhanced monitoring networks, improved planning, and stakeholder engagements, many communities continue to experience unacceptable levels of air pollution. She acknowledged that while progress has been made, much more remains to be done, especially concerning emissions from industrial activities, domestic fuel burning, transportation, waste burning, and other pollution sources.
Swarts addressed the importance of addressing concerns raised by civil society organizations regarding the pace of implementation, transparency, compliance, and accountability. She emphasized that the government takes these concerns seriously, speaking to representatives from various sectors at the National Priority Area Air Quality Summit in Rustenburg, North West.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the support government is receiving through its partnership with the Clean Air Fund to tackle air pollution. The Clean Air Fund has rolled out 200 low-cost sensors across Gauteng, North West, and the Free State during 2025 and is working with the department to commission more sensors across the country.
Swarts also mentioned that the Clean Air Fund is supporting several municipalities and the department in outreach and community awareness programs, as well as strengthening air quality management plan development. The funder has supported research institutes, including the South African Medical Research Council, with studies that are helping the government better understand the impact of air pollution on communities' health.
The partnerships with Clean Air Fund are unlocking many opportunities and allowing the government to fast-track programs in priority areas that were previously hampered by constrained resources. Swarts challenged more stakeholders to identify similar socio programs and partner with the government through private-public partnerships to improve the quality of air.