Phola – The Phola Environmental Justice Alliance (PEJA) hosted a community workshop on 27 October 2025 at the Alliance Church to equip community members with tools to monitor and advocate against harmful air pollution levels.
The workshop aimed to help the community collect data on pollution levels and promote accountability from mining companies and power stations operating near Phola. These industries are behind the poor air quality in the High Priority Area, the Nkangala region, which is considered to be one of the most polluted areas in the world.
Environmental facilitator Thomas Mguni from Ground Work Environmental Justice said air pollution in the area continues to threaten public health. “Air pollution consists of several chemicals or different pollutants like sulphur and nitrogen oxide,” he said.
“These are very dangerous for human consumption through inhalation. If people are constantly exposed to high levels of pollution, it impacts their health severely. Research has shown high rates of asthma, high blood pressure and bronchitis in our area. In Phola, the most affected people are children and the elderly,” he added.
Participants were trained to use digital tools such as the AirCasting app, AirBeam sensors, and the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) to measure air pollution. The data collected can be used as evidence to push for cleaner air and improved environmental regulation.
PEJA emphasised that both industrial activities and everyday household practices contribute to pollution. Many residents still use coal stoves for heating, and burning rubbish remains common. The session emphasised shared responsibility among the community, government and industries.
Mguni also noted that some mines were not complying with environmental standards, adding that dust and emissions from blasting operations damaged property and harm residents’ health.
In a 2024 #CancelCoal case, brought by the African Climate Alliance, Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action and groundWork, the trio argued that the decision by the government to build new coal-fired power plants violates the rights of present and future generations to an environment not harmful to health and well-being, but also the rights to life, dignity and equality.
Justice Cornelius van der Westhuizen of the North Gauteng High Court vindicated them in a judgement delivered on 04 December 2024 and effectively stopped the South African government’s plans to build new coal-fired power plants on the basis that it had failed to consult widely enough and to take into consideration children’s right to a healthy environment.
Mguni urged residents to take proactive steps by using platforms such as the SAAQIS website or portable devices like the PM 2,5 AirBeam monitor to track local air quality.
Participants later divided into groups to measure air quality in different parts of Phola. The results were categorised according to a SAAQIS colour-code, ranging from green to purple: green (1–3) indicated good air, yellow (4–5) moderate, orange (6–7) unhealthy, red (8–9) very unhealthy and purple (10) hazardous.
One group led by Lerato Rakwena, chairperson of the SAPS District Youth Desk, found increased pollution levels near a local tavern due to odours and vehicle emissions. Another team, represented by Mandisa Kubheka from PEJA, discovered illegal dumping of animal skins and bones near one of the vandalised community halls produced a strong stench and increased pollution readings.
Kubheka’s group noted that such practices worsened air quality and urged residents to take responsibility for waste disposal, while calling on the municipality to provide more bins and enforce by-laws against illegal dumping. A third group, led by Thapelo Skhosana from the Phola, Ogies and Welge Crime Prevention Team, found elevated pollution levels near a petrol station caused by fuel fumes and vehicle congestion.
“People working at the garage are exposed daily to toxic gases without protective masks,” said Skhosana. “These fumes can cause respiratory problems and long-term lung damage. It’s clear that we need more public education about the dangers of air pollution and proper monitoring to ensure that businesses comply with safety standards.”
The workshop ended with discussions on practical solutions, including proper waste disposal, recycling, and community education to reduce pollution. PEJA said it would continue working with residents and local stakeholders to improve Phola’s air quality and promote environmental justice.
