On 28 June, the City of Johannesburg and Breathe Cities hosted the Pause and Breathe campaign, featuring the flagship ‘Hike for the Environment’ event at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of clean air solutions across the city.
Even as a cold front gripped Johannesburg on the day, the sun broke through to warm residents who gathered to pause, breathe, and take a collective stand for cleaner air. Hike for the Environment was part of Youth Month celebrations and included a guided nature walk, youth-led environmental exhibits, and interactive learning experiences.
Among the 200 attendees were Pikitup representatives, University of Johannesburg student volunteers, air quality youth ambassadors from the South African Institute of International Affairs, the Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment, ward councillors, members of the Johannesburg Junior Council, and the Junior MMC for Environment.
There was a strong community interest in air quality issues. Online, the conversation gained momentum as people shared images and messages using #PauseAndBreathe, #CleanAirJozi, and #JoburgCares to amplify the call for action.
At noon, participants at Kloofendal paused mindfully to show support for clean air in Johannesburg. All music and activity stopped briefly for a guided breathing session, while others joined in from home, at work, and outdoors, sharing reflections and photos online.
Ahead of the event, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, said:
“Air pollution is not just a global environmental issue. It’s a public health emergency. In Johannesburg, we witness its effects most sharply during the winter months, especially in our most vulnerable communities. As Executive Mayor, I’m committed to mobilising the full resources of the city to take bold, decisive action that will clean our air, protect our health and secure a better quality of life for every resident.”
Johannesburg MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Jack Sekwaila, who took part in the Kloofendal event, said: “This day is about accountability, facing the environmental challenges head-on and standing together to come up with solutions that are not only sustainable, but are just, inclusive, and empowering. We must work together as residents to phase out harmful practices and adopt cleaner technologies, and put people’s health first.”
Members of civil society also shared their support online, including Dr Caradee Wright, chief specialist scientist at the South African Medical Research Council, and climate activist Ayakha Melithafa.
“Clean air is a basic human right, essential for everyone’s health, and especially vital for those most at risk. I support bold city action on air pollution in Johannesburg because every breath we take should build life, not break it,” said Wright.
Melithafa added, “Clean air is not a luxury. As we pause to breathe together, may we remember that the fight for climate justice begins with the air in our lungs – and that every breath should be safe, no matter where you live.”
Air pollution is not just a global environmental issue. It’s a public health emergency.
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morero
Everest mountaineer and expedition leader, Sibusiso Vilane, also supported the campaign and shared on X, “I fully support the #PauseAndBreathe campaign for #CleanAirJozi. Clean air is essential for all life, everywhere. It is the breath of our existence, foundational to our health, ecological balance, and well-being.”
The Kloofendal event also marked the official release of a new polling report by the City of Johannesburg and Breathe Cities: Defining a Clean Air Zone for Johannesburg. The report found that 92% of residents were concerned about air pollution, and 78% of those living with health conditions believed their conditions were linked to the air they breathed.
Johannesburg is one of 14 cities supported by Breathe Cities, a programme delivered by the Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The initiative helps cities reduce air pollution through data-driven strategies and community collaboration. As part of Breathe Cities, the city has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing air quality solutions and strengthening public engagement.
The Pause and Breathe campaign is more than a one-day activation. It marks the beginning of an ongoing programme of activities and awareness campaigns by the City of Johannesburg to improve air quality and involve residents in long-term change.
Three key initiatives are already underway:
- A new study will identify the main sources of air pollution in Johannesburg and highlight which areas are most affected. This will help the city design smarter solutions.
- South Africa’s first real-world vehicle emissions testing campaign begins in July. It will assess Johannesburg’s vehicle fleet and identify which vehicles and areas contribute the most to air pollution. The findings will shape future policy to reduce transport-related pollution.
- A health risk assessment will measure how air pollution is affecting residents. It will strengthen links between air quality and public health, supporting stronger protections for communities.
Residents can learn more about clean air efforts and how to get involved by visiting the city’s social media pages and official website.