Western Cape Branch

NACA Western Cape Branch meeting, 23 July 2025

On 23 July 2025, the Western Cape Branch of the National Association for Clean Air (NACA) hosted a successful in-person event at the University of Cape Town. The evening brought together government officials, researchers and industry partners for a focused discussion on advancing air quality monitoring in the province.

Programme Highlights

The programme featured two substantive presentations (shared below) that explored different aspects of air quality management and innovation:

1. One Health in Action: Reviewing the Western Cape’s 3rd Generation Air Quality Management Plan

Presented by Dr Joy Leaner and the DEA&DP Air Quality Management Directorate

The Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) outlined the progress made in implementing the province’s 3rd Generation Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) and introduced the upcoming review process that will inform the development of the 4th Generation AQMP (2026).

Key themes included:

·         The alignment of municipal AQMPs with the provincial framework

·         Progress in licensing, compliance, and municipal oversight

·         The planned public participation process beginning in August 2025

·         A growing focus on the One Health approach, linking air quality data with public health outcomes

The team also presented a new initiative that will correlate air pollution exposure data with anonymised health records across the province - a collaboration with the Department of Health and academic partners.

2. Deploying a LoRaWAN-Based Air Quality Sensor Network: Design, Functionality, and Applications

Presented by Zutari, Argos Scientific, and UCT partners

The second presentation focused on a new low-cost sensor network being developed in the Western Cape using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) technology. The presentation highlighted:

·         The limitations of current air quality monitoring networks in coverage and accessibility

·         The potential of LoRaWAN-based networks to extend real-time, cost-effective air quality sensing to under-monitored areas

·         The integration of a WhatsApp-based community reporting tool, which enables residents to report dust events and symptoms, enhancing the value of sensor data with lived experience

Importantly, the project’s long-term vision is not limited to air quality. The presenters outlined a broader ambition: to build a modular environmental monitoring infrastructure that can support water, infrastructure, and climate-related applications, providing municipalities with a scalable tool for smarter, more responsive governance.

 A Reconnected Community

The event provided a much-needed opportunity for members of the air quality community to reconnect in person and engage in meaningful discussion. Following the presentations, an open forum focused on the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding low-cost sensor networks across the province. Participants contributed ideas on how such networks could complement existing monitoring infrastructure, enhance municipal capacity, and support community-level environmental governance.

During the evening, branch elections were also held. We are pleased to welcome Sally Benson as the new Chairperson and Colleen McCreadie as Secretary of the NACA Western Cape Branch. We thank them both for their willingness to lead. Nicolette von Reiche has also taken on the role of Chairperson of the Modelling Chapter (nationally), and we extend our appreciation for her continued commitment to NACA.

We would like to thank all presenters, partners, and attendees for their valuable contributions to the event. A special thanks goes to those who supported the evening through exhibition participation and catering sponsorship - your support helped make this gathering a success. (Left over food was donated to a shelter in Claremont as arranged by Nicolette).