Centre for Environment Rights released a Media Advisory today 26 August
IN SUMMARY:
What: On 28 August, a key hearing for clean air in South Africa will take place in the Supreme Court of Appeal. It involves social and environmental justice groups groundWork and VEM.
Background: The case, started in 2019, challenges the South African government’s failure to enforce air quality regulations in the Highveld Priority Area (HPA), declared a priority in 2007 due to high pollution levels.
Previous Ruling: In March 2022, the High Court ruled that the government’s failure to regulate air quality violated section 24 of the South African Constitution, which ensures the right to a healthy environment.
Appeal: The Environment Minister is appealing a technical point about whether the Air Quality Act should require mandatory regulations. This will be debated in court.
Why It Matters: This case is crucial as exemptions given to major polluters (Eskom, Sasol, ArcelorMittal) allow them to bypass emission standards. Pollution has been linked to serious health issues like cancer, heart disease, and asthma.
Where: Supreme Court of Appeal, Bloemfontein.
When: 28 August 2024, 09h00 to 12h00.
Media Access: Journalists are invited to cover the hearing. For more information, contact groundWork or VEM.
About groundWork and VEM: These groups focus on promoting environmental justice in South Africa.
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Read more about the background and chronology of the #DeadlyAir case, the landmark 18 March High Court judgement, an analysis on why this judgment matters, expert analysis finding Eskom to be the world’s worst polluting power company, the health impacts of air pollution on the Mpumalanga Highveld HPA and the history of the area as a High Priority Area.
