Author: Lehlohonolo Jack, Programme Associate, Youth@SAIIA
Young people are at the heart of building healthier, more liveable cities. In Johannesburg, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Youth Air Champions have been leading the way, turning concern about air pollution into action through workshops, debates, field visits and social media campaigns that put young voices at the centre of the city’s response to toxic air.
The Challenge of Toxic Air in Joburg
For young people in Johannesburg, every breath they take comes at a cost. The city consistently records some of the highest pollution levels in South Africa, with air pollution identified as one of the most significant health risks. Industrial emissions, domestic fuel and waste burning, mining activities, vehicle emissions and sand and dust contribute to a complex air quality landscape that disproportionately affects women, children and low-income communities.
A recent survey found that 47% of Johannesburg residents are concerned about how air pollution will affect future generations. Children and youth are especially vulnerable, as their lungs are still developing and they are more exposed to pollutants. Air pollution impacts not only their health but also their hopes for the future.
In the face of pressing challenges like air pollution, the crucial role of youth education and awareness cannot be overstated. Empowering young people with knowledge, fostering environmental consciousness and encouraging activism are essential steps towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future. Young people can act as catalysts for change, inspiring their families, friends and communities to adopt sustainable practices and share the message. Furthermore, environmental education programmes equip young people with the knowledge and motivation needed to make a positive impact.
The Solution: Youth Leading Change
To address the urgent challenge of air pollution, Breathe Joburg partnered with the Youth@SAIIA programme to launch a youth-led air pollution awareness campaign. The primary goal was to engage and empower young people by enhancing their understanding of air quality issues and the broader implications for public health and the environment. The initiative aimed to foster a sense of agency and leadership in tackling environmental problems, provide practical learning experiences through hands-on activities and simulations and raise awareness and advocate for air quality issues within local communities.
As part of this effort, 50 young people aged 13–25, including myself, received training on air quality. We were prepared to lead sessions and share our knowledge within our own communities. The training workshop introduced us to key climate resilience policies and legal frameworks that influence air quality governance both in South Africa and globally. The workshop concluded with a model parliament simulation, giving us the opportunity to apply our understanding of current affairs and showcase our newfound knowledge about air quality.
The programme also included experiential learning through a site visit to Mpumalanga, South Africa’s energy hub, which is significantly impacted by air quality issues. This visit allowed us to witness first-hand the effects of breathing polluted air.
After completing the comprehensive training, eight individuals from key air quality priority areas in South Africa were selected to be Youth Air Champions. We were supported in delivering campaigns focused on air quality in our communities and schools, using social media for digital outreach and conducting on-the-ground workshops.
Throughout the successful implementation of their awareness-raising campaigns, the Youth Air Champions took the lead from conceptualisation to execution. This experience enabled us to step into leadership roles and learn to navigate the real-world challenges associated with project implementation and advocacy campaigns. The Air Aware campaign was truly youth-led, with young people shaping it from the beginning.
The Impact
What began as a learning experience quickly evolved into a movement. The Breathe Joburg Air Aware campaign demonstrated what is possible when young people are trusted to lead. For many of the Youth Air Champions, it was not just about understanding air quality; it was about finding their voices and using them to create real change in their communities. We learned to think critically, speak confidently and manage projects that brought conversations about air pollution into classrooms, homes and community halls.
I have transitioned from being a participant to becoming a mentor. I joined SAIIA as an intern and have now risen to the position of Programme Associate. Today, I am helping to guide other young leaders across South Africa in designing and leading their own air quality advocacy campaigns. My journey embodies the heart of what this project has aimed to achieve: building a generation of informed, motivated changemakers who view environmental action as part of their daily lives.
For SAIIA, the campaign has created a legacy. Air quality has become a growing focus within the Youth@SAIIA programme, shaping future youth-led initiatives on environmental governance and sustainability. For the City of Johannesburg, the project has opened new channels for dialogue between officials and youth, proving that when young people are invited to the table, they can actively contribute to shaping the city’s response to air pollution. The city’s ongoing engagement, including support in delivering campaigns in schools, indicates that this collaboration is just the beginning.
The ripple effects of this youth-led air pollution awareness campaign continue to spread — through every workshop, conversation, and post shared online — inspiring more young people to take action for the air they breathe.
