Mpumalanga is choking. Mortality rates linked to pollution have nearly doubled since 2019. We are fighting for the constitutional right to clean air.
Up from 26k in 2019 due to PM2.5 exposure
Major industrial hotspots in Mpumalanga
Living within critical pollution zones
Latest updates on the legal battles, community stories, and air quality alerts.
A comprehensive study by Greenpeace Africa and CREA reveals that PM2.5 exposure contributed to 42,000 deaths in South Africa in 2023, with health-related costs totaling R960 billion — 14% of GDP.
Read ReportIn a landmark ruling, the Pretoria High Court has ordered the Department of Environment to take immediate action against industrial polluters violating emission limits in the Highveld Priority Area.
Read ReportThe power utility has been granted a 5-year extension to exceed legal pollution limits at 10 coal plants, sparking outrage from health advocates and affected communities.
Read ReportNew data shows childhood asthma cases in Mpumalanga have increased by 340% over the past decade, with doctors linking the surge directly to coal-fired power station emissions.
Read ReportAfter a 3-year legal battle, residents of eMalahleni have successfully blocked construction of a new 1,200MW coal power plant, citing constitutional rights to a healthy environment.
Read ReportThe World Health Organization's updated air quality guidelines reveal South Africa's Highveld region exceeds safe PM2.5 levels by up to 8 times, ranking among the worst globally.
Read ReportEconomists calculate that meeting WHO air quality standards would save South Africa R700 billion annually in healthcare costs, lost productivity, and premature deaths.
Read ReportAn in-depth look at how Sasol's Secunda plant produces more CO2 than entire countries while local communities suffer devastating health consequences from daily pollution exposure.
Read ReportOur new nationwide initiative calls on 100,000 South Africans to demand a National Clean Air Act by 2026, with community air monitoring stations in every province.
Read ReportA former Eskom employee has provided documents showing systematic manipulation of pollution monitoring data at Kendal, one of the world's largest coal plants.
Read ReportUniversity of Witwatersrand study finds residents in high-pollution areas face significantly elevated cardiovascular risks, with PM2.5 identified as the primary factor.
Read ReportOver 5,000 residents from Kriel and surrounding areas have joined a historic class action lawsuit seeking R2 billion in damages for pollution-related health impacts.
Read ReportHundreds of young activists staged a peaceful occupation demanding Minister Creecy resign over continued approval of pollution exemptions for coal power plants.
Read ReportDisturbing new research reveals expectant mothers in the Highveld Priority Area face dramatically elevated risks of premature delivery and low birth weight babies.
Read ReportAs South Africa plans its shift away from coal, we examine the programs needed to ensure workers and communities aren't left behind in the transition to clean energy.
Read ReportHigh Court confirms that the right to clean air is non-negotiable, setting a precedent for environmental justice in South Africa and across the African continent.
Read ReportBattle2Breathe partners with local schools to install 50 low-cost air quality sensors, giving residents access to real-time pollution data for the first time.
Read ReportEquipment failure at Duvha caused uncontrolled emissions for 72 hours, with nearby residents reporting breathing difficulties, burning eyes, and school closures.
Read ReportBeyond power plants, abandoned mine dumps across Gauteng release tons of toxic dust daily, exposing millions to heavy metals and fine particulates.
Read ReportGlobal leaders called out South Africa's air pollution record at the G20 summit, with several nations threatening trade implications over environmental standards.
Read ReportBattle2Breathe releases comprehensive guide on protecting your family from PM2.5, including mask recommendations, indoor air purification, and when to stay inside.
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