08/06/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To All Media
AIR QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN EMPOWERS STANDERTON COMMUNITY TO PROTECT VITAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION
Standerton, Mpumalanga - 3 June 2026.
The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), in partnership with Lekwa Local Municipality, the South African Weather Service, the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, the South African Police Service, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Lekwa Fire Services, successfully hosted an Air Quality Awareness Campaign to a packed Stanwest Community Hall in Standerton on 03 June.
The campaign was prompted by the need to raise awareness about the critical role of ambient air quality monitoring stations in protecting public health and the environment. GSDM, which forms part of the declared Highveld Priority Area due to elevated pollution levels, relies on these stations to monitor air quality and support informed environmental decision-making. However, the Standerton air quality monitoring station has faced challenges, including vandalism in previous years.
Presentations covered ambient and indoor air pollution, environmental health risks, the function of ambient air quality monitoring stations and the importance of safeguarding public infrastructure. Many residents acknowledged they had limited knowledge of the purpose and significance of the monitoring station located within their community, prompting meaningful discussions led by the MMC for Community and Social Services at GSDM, Cllr N.N. Zulu, on the need for increased public awareness and community ownership of environmental resources.
Community workers were encouraged to become ambassadors of environmental awareness and to help educate residents on the importance of protecting the monitoring station from vandalism. Damage to such infrastructure disrupts the collection of critical air quality data used to monitor pollution levels, inform decision-making and protect communities from environmental health risks. The campaign concluded with a symbolic handover of indigenous trees to schools, reinforcing the message that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring the participation of government, stakeholders and communities alike.
The platform was also used to spread awareness about fire safety, urging residents to exercise extra caution during the winter season. Community members were cautioned against unsafe heating and cooking practices, including unattended candles, open-air fires, overnight fires etc, which continue to pose serious risks to lives and property. They were encouraged to report fire incidences immediately to the local fire department.
GSDM remains committed to promoting environmental awareness and working with communities to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for all. ~ENDS ~
ISSUED BY GSDM COMMUNICATIONS, 04 June 2026 Media Enquiries: Bongi Ka Dube, Tel: 017 801 7000 I Email: [email protected]
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