Proposed Expansion of Waterberg Bojanala Priority Area Boundaries

SHE Alert 27, 29 August 2025

Publication of the proposed expansion of the boundaries of the declared Waterberg Bojanala Priority Area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (“NEMAQA”).

On 29 August 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published a Notice of intention to amend and expand the boundaries of the declared Waterberg Bojanala Priority Area to include Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality, Moretele Local Municipality and the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, in terms of section 18(1) read with sections 56 and 57 of the NEMAQA.

The Waterberg Bojanala Priority Area was initially declared by notice in theGovernment Gazette of 15 June 2012. The areas identified for expansion are categorised in the National Framework for Air Quality Management in theRepublic of South Africa (Government Notice No, 1144 Government Gazette No. 41996 of 26 October 2018) as areas of concern due to poor air quality, especially elevated levels of particulate matter. A description of the existing and proposed extended boundaries of the Waterberg Bojanala Priority Area is set out in the Schedule to the Government Notice.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments within 45 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Government Gazette (i.e. on or before 13 October 2025).