In a compelling speech delivered at the Clean Air Community Dialogue on August 3, 2026, in Secunda, Deputy Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Bernice Swart, addressed the pressing issue of air quality and pollution in Secunda, where residents have expressed discontent with both Sasol and the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) over their contributions to environmental degradation.

Swart opened her remarks by emphasising the multifaceted importance of clean air, highlighting its essential role in human health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. “The quality of the air we breathe affects every aspect of our lives,” she stated, acknowledging the direct impact of pollution on communities, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that while Secunda is a vital economic centre, contributing significantly to the national economy through industrial activities, this comes at a cost. “Economic activity cannot be separated from its impact on people and the environment,” she said, underlining that areas near industrial operations should not bear a disproportionate burden of health and environmental costs.

During the dialogue, community members voiced their frustrations over the solid pollution attributed to GMM and air pollution linked to Sasol, a major player in the area’s industrial landscape. Residents called for accountability and action from both entities, demanding full transparency regarding emissions and pollution incidents.

Acknowledging the challenges, Swart reiterated the government’s commitment to enforce the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, which aims to hold polluters accountable and improve air quality. She urged industries to take on a vital leadership role in this dialogue, advocating for compliance with emission standards, investment in cleaner technologies, and transparent reporting.

“Sasol and other industries must demonstrate stronger environmental leadership,” Swart asserted, listing specific measures such as developing emission-reduction plans and supporting community-level air quality monitoring. She underscored that investments in cleaner technologies not only curb pollution but can also lead to innovation and new economic opportunities.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of collaboration between government, communities, and businesses to craft actionable solutions to the pollution crisis. “Community members possess valuable lived experience,” she explained, highlighting the necessity of integrating their insights into air-quality planning and decision-making.

Swart’s speech closed with a call to action, urging stakeholders to engage in identifying urgent air-quality concerns and potential interventions, and advocating for the establishment of mechanisms for continuous community engagement. She emphasised that the future of Secunda should not present a choice between economic growth and environmental health, stating, “Through responsible leadership, technological innovation, effective regulation, and genuine partnership, we can achieve both environmental improvement and inclusive economic growth.”

As the dialogue continues, residents await tangible commitments from both Sasol and the Govan Mbeki Municipality, hoping that this renewed focus on clean air will lead to significant improvements in air quality and overall public health in Secunda.