NACA Annual Awards 2026

The NACA Awards recognise and reward outstanding contributions to the cause of clean air in South Africa. Nominations are considered annually and adjudicated by the NACA Awards Committee. Awards are presented at the NACA Annual Conference.

Submission Details

Deadline: Friday, 7 August 2026

Submission: Link to submit nominations

Please submit your full nomination package, including:

• The completed nomination form

• An ~800-word summary motivation

• A detailed narrative motivation

• Supporting documentation (e.g. publications, photos, awards, media coverage, etc.)

We encourage early submissions to allow sufficient time for assessment.

Award Categories

• Industrial/Mining/Commercial Award – for significant contributions to clean air in the industrial, mining , consulting or service sectors.

• Leadership in Air Quality Award – for individuals or teams showing exceptional leadership in air quality science, policy, or management. These could be in either corporate, consulting or academic roles.

• Golden Award – for lifetime achievement in the cause of clean air. This award is made to an individual who has contributed to the cause of clean air through consistent and outstanding contributions over multiple decades. 

Any NACA member, branch, or council member may submit a nomination.

Nominees do not need to be NACA members.

Nomination Process

1. Use the prescribed nomination form, which includes an ~800-word summary.

2. Attach a detailed narrative outlining the nominee’s actions, achievements, and impact.

3. Include relevant supporting documentation.

4. Submit electronically via the provided Google Form by the closing date.

Unsuccessful nominations from previous years may be resubmitted with a new form.

Award recipients are not eligible for the same award again within ten years.

Evaluation Process

• The NACA Council will appoint an Awards Committee of at least three members, ideally including a former NACA president as chair.

• Committee members may promote nominations but may not serve if they have nominated a candidate that year.

• The committee may conduct interviews or site visits if necessary.

• Joint awards may be made, but only in exceptional cases.

• Final recommendations are submitted to the NACA Executive Committee for endorsement.

• No award will be made in a category if nominations are not deemed meritorious.

Awards Process

• Winners and nominators will be notified at least three weeks before the conference.

• A representative of each winning individual or organisation will be invited to attend the awards ceremony (in person or virtually).

• A short laudation will be read by the NACA President at the ceremony.

• Awards will be in the form of a certificate signed by the NACA President and the Chair of the Awards Committee.

• No cash prizes or runner-up commendations will be awarded.

Confidentiality

• Deliberations and minutes of the Awards Committee are confidential.

• Names of unsuccessful nominees will not be disclosed publicly.

Award Criteria

Industrial/Mining Award/Commercial Consulting/Equipment Suppliers or Agents

Awarded to a private sector company or corporation.

Criteria may include:

• Documented emissions reductions over the past 5–10 years.

• Use of world-class pollution control technology.

• R&D programmes improving control systems.

• Effective air quality management systems.

• Transparent communication with employees and stakeholders.

Leadership in Air Quality Award

Awarded to individuals or teams demonstrating leadership in:

• Research (chemistry, atmospheric sciences, policy).

• Air pollution measurement or mitigation.

• Education and training.

• Policy development or management in air quality.

Golden Award

Recognises lifetime achievement in advancing clean air.

Criteria may include:

• Significant work in atmospheric sciences or pollution prevention.

• Public engagement and leadership at various levels.

• A strong research record or mentorship of students.

• Contributions to international science, measurement, or policy.

Contact

NACA Awards Committee 

Chairperson: Prof Roelof Botha

📧 roelof.burger@nwu.ac.za

Details of previous award winners will be loaded shortly.