ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & REPORTERS
Media Advisory
For immediate release
Thursday, 17 July 2025
On Monday, 21 July 2025, the University of Johannesburg’s Process, Energy & Environment Technology Station (UJ-PEETS) in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) will host the launch of the Comprehensive Real-World Vehicle Emissions Testing and Analysis Project.
The project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving air quality and promoting sustainable transport solutions.
The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative project aims to generate data on the real-world emissions from vehicles in Johannesburg and the Greater Gauteng Region with an innovative remote sensing technology. The goal of this project is to inform the development of policies aimed at reducing the health impacts of vehicle pollution and advancing environmental justice. The project further aims to increase access to high-quality vehicle fleet and emission data and support future monitoring activities by developing local expertise in vehicle emissions measurement techniques. The data will be readily available in a format that can be utilised by policymakers, citizens, and other stakeholders
Says UJ PEETS Project Leader, Ms Boitemogelo Kwakwa: “Partnering with ICCT, COJ, and Breathe Cities on the TRUE Initiative marks a major step for air quality innovation and local capacity building in Johannesburg. UJ PEETS is actively involved in deploying advanced remote sensing tech, gaining direct experience in emissions monitoring and analysis. We’re also driving uptake by sharing insights with local stakeholders and policymakers to ensure data leads to real, actionable change.”
“This campaign is the first time roadside remote sensing technology will be deployed in South Africa and it offers us an important opportunity to measure and analyse the real-world impacts of vehicles on the roads today. This holistic emissions picture will be critical for Greater Johannesburg, and even the national government, as they develop future policies aimed at curbing emissions and improving air quality.” – Kaylin Lee, Researcher, International Council on Clean Transportation
This Johannesburg project is part of Breathe Cities, a global initiative that works to deliver clean air in fourteen cities supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Clean Air Fund, and C40 Cities. The initiative aims to reduce air pollution and planet-warming emissions by 30% on average across participating cities by 2030 compared to 2019 levels by bringing together air quality data, communities and city leaders.
“Johannesburg has been making significant strides under the Breathe Cities initiative by generating data on air pollution to support the city drive data-informed clean air policies. This partnership with ICCT, FIA Foundation, UJ PEETS and the City of Johannesburg has been one crucial step in this direction. We are very proud to launch this project with our partners as it will promote sustainable transport solutions in the city and further improve air quality.” Nokuthula Dubazane, Breathe Cities Portfolio Manager
The project is managed by the TRUE Initiative, a partnership between the ICCT and FIA Foundation. UJ PEETS and the City of Johannesburg will contribute to the project by leveraging local knowledge and expertise on vehicle fleets and related policies, liaising with relevant local stakeholders, and developing local capacity for future vehicle emissions testing and monitoring activities.
City of Johannesburg Head Air Quality Management: Mr Musa Mahlatji.
The launch of the TRUE Initiative in Johannesburg marks a major milestone in our commitment to clean air and environmental justice. Through initiatives like Breathe Johannesburg and our forthcoming Clean Air Zone, we are taking bold, evidence-based action to reduce vehicle emissions and protect the health of our communities. TRUE will give us the real-world data we need to shape effective policy and deliver cleaner, healthier streets for every resident of our city
Details of the event:
DATE: Monday, 21 July 2025
TIME: 09H00 – 13H00
VENUE: JBS PARK, 69 Kingsway Avenue, Auckland Park
RSVP: In person or Online
A live Remote Sensing Test Demonstration will take place between 11am-1pm.
Media is invited to attend.
The following representatives will be available for interviews post event:
- Boitemogelo Kwaka – Project Leader, UJ PEETS
- Nokuthula Dubazane – Breathe Cities Portfolio Manager
- Musa Mahlatji – Head Air Quality Management, City of Johannesburg
- Kaylin Lee – Researcher, International Council on Clean Transportation [ICCT]
Issued By:
Mpiletso Motumi
011 559 6463
082 052 7800
