SACAQM is featured by French National Radio, RFI
- Apr 28
- 1 min read
SACAQM is featured by French National Radio, RFI, in a recent French-language report highlighting South Africa’s growing air pollution crisis and the urgent need for real-time public awareness tools.
The article, titled “South Africa: an application to measure air quality and protect against fine particles,” emphasizes that exposure to fine particulate matter caused approximately 42,000 deaths in 2023, according to Greenpeace. In response to this worsening situation, researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand, including Dr. Edward Nkadimeng and the South African Consortium for Air Quality Monitoring (SACAQM), have developed an innovative air quality monitoring application.
The application is designed to provide real-time air quality measurements across Johannesburg and send instant notifications to residents when pollution levels rise. Users will be alerted if they are in highly polluted areas and advised to take protective measures, such as wearing masks or reducing outdoor exposure.
Developed over the past three years, the system integrates locally manufactured sensors, data monitoring, and environmental intelligence to help communities better understand and respond to pollution risks caused by road traffic, waste burning, and mining activities.
Expected to be officially launched in June 2026, this initiative represents an important step toward improving public health protection and environmental awareness across South Africa.
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