New Wits-built app to warn South Africans of pollution spikes

Scientists at the University of Witwatersrand have developed SACAQM, South Africa's first app to alert residents about air pollution spikes. Launching later this year, the app aggregates data from hundreds of air-monitoring systems and sends notifications with protective advice during pollution surges. The development comes amid rising coal emissions near Johannesburg, with hydrogen sulphide from mining and industrial operations causing health issues. South Africa's major polluters Sasol and Eskom were granted emissions exemptions extensions in 2025, while activists argue the economic cost of pollution-related disease is being underestimated.