Pretoria - Winter is the season where the country sees an increase in air pollution as more people light fires to keep themselves warm, leading to an increased amount of smoke, which poses a threat to the environment.
In a bid to address the country's high levels of air pollution, Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, will on Thursday launch the Winter Clean Fires Campaign in Etwatwa, in Ekurhuleni.
The campaign, using the method Basa Njengo Magogo [make fire like the granny], is aimed at reducing outdoor pollution, which results from burning coal, especially at low-income households or settlements.
"Air pollution in South Africa is a major concern, especially in dense and low income communities, where people living in the areas depend on coal for space heating and cooking as it is the most affordable means of energy.
"The research conducted recently has pointed out that household fuel burning also contributed significantly to poor air quality and exacerbates the impact of climate change," the department said.
Basa Njengo Gogo is a 'Top-Down' model of making coal fire discovered by Granny Maria Nobelungu Mashinini of eMbalenhle in Secunda.
It is done by putting coal first, then paper, followed by wood and then lighting the fire. When the wood catches fire, one puts a handful of coal on top to ignite the coal at the bottom.
The method was found to emit less smoke, burns longer, saves coal and money, and is much safer for human health than the traditional method.
During the launch, Mabudafhasi will be joined by Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza and councillors from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
