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Date: 13 May 2025
Report Launch: Coal’s Health Impacts in Phola – A Community Health Screening Programme on Air Pollution in Mpumalanga’s Highveld
Phola, Mpumalanga. On Monday, 13 May 2025. The Life After Coal Campaign will launch a critical new report titled Coal’s Health Impacts in Phola: A Community Health Screening Programme Related to Air Pollution from Coal Mining Activities in the Mpumalanga Highveld. The event will take place at the Alliance Church in Phola, Mpumalanga.
The Mpumalanga Highveld is one of South Africa’s most polluted regions. Air in this area regularly exceeds legal and World Health Organization (WHO) limits for harmful pollutants. These emissions largely originate from coal-fired power stations and coal mining operations, which release vast quantities of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particulate matter (PM10) into the atmosphere. These pollutants are known to cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular health issues, particularly for communities living near the pollution sources.
Phola, a community situated near Eskom’s Kendal power station, has long been exposed to the health risks associated with coal pollution. This report stems from a health screening programme conducted in 2024 to assess the health status of Phola residents, highlight pollution-linked health concerns, and recommend mitigation strategies.
The findings are alarming. Over half of the respondents (51%), reported experiencing shortness of breath in the past 12 months. Eye irritation affected 53% of participants, while throat and nasal irritation were reported by 52 and 58 % respectively. These symptoms suggest widespread respiratory distress that is consistent with long-term exposure to polluted air.
The report argues for the establishment of community-led air quality monitoring initiatives. By equipping residents with low-cost air quality sensors, communities like Phola can generate real-time data, document pollution events, and play a more active role in environmental advocacy. This form of citizen science not only empowers affected residents but also provides evidence to support policy change and health interventions.
Following the report launch, participants will engage in a dialogue on practical responses to the crisis. Discussions will focus on municipal and government strategies as well as healthcare interventions that can be implemented to mitigate the health impacts of coal mining. The session will also explore potential areas for collaboration with public officials, civil society, and health stakeholders.
Quotations
“The health research was a critical intervention for the community of Phola shedding light on the urgent health needs and challenges residents face due to air and water pollution from coal mining. The research covered 400 households using the community based participatory Research approach.” Mafoko Phomane groundwork Senior Environmental Health Campaigner.
“The findings reflect a community under strain of illnesses where shortness of breath, eye irritation and other respiratory symptoms are common. It is a wakeup call for all role players including government and companies to take immediate action on the coal pollution,” Ntombi Ndaba, Phola Environment Justice Alliance.
Media Access:
Journalists and media outlets are invited to attend and cover this important event, which highlights the ongoing health crisis in South Africa’s coal regions and the urgent need for action.
Details:
Date: 13 May 2025
Venue: The Alliance Church in South Africa, Orgies Branch
687 Dlomo Street, Phola, Mpumalanga
Time: 09h00 am
For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Tsepang Molefe – groundWork Media Campaigner
