21 Years of Projects –Week 7: The Launch of South Africa’s Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS)

Introduction

Monitoring pollutant concentrations is an essential step in managing air quality. But monitoring alone isn’t enough—unless data is transformed into useful information, it cannot inform decision-making or drive meaningful change.

That’s why South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs (DEAT, now DFFE) implemented the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) in 2008.

Project 7 of 21: SAAQIS Phase I – 2008

In 2008, Gondwana was appointed to deliver Phase I of the SAAQIS project. This pioneering initiative aimed to:

• Collect data from ambient air quality monitoring stations nationwide,
• Make the information available for analysis and policy-making, and
• Build a foundation for a modern, accessible national information system.

The project also included an international benchmarking trip to Australia, where Gondwana team members and government officials learned from global best practices.

Impact and Legacy

SAAQIS continues to play a central role in South Africa’s air quality management system, allowing policymakers, regulators, researchers, and the public to track pollution trends and assess interventions.

For Gondwana, the project was a defining moment—it marked our role not only in monitoring air quality, but also in turning complex datasets into actionable insights.

Making Data Work for You

At Gondwana, we excel in transforming monitoring data into decision-ready information. Whether you need data analysis, system integration, or strategic reporting, we can help.

To discuss your requirements, contact us at info@gondwanagroup.co.za or visit our website.

Stay tuned next week for Project 8 of 21 as we continue celebrating 21 years of positive environmental impact.