On September 4, 2023, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, presented her keynote address at the 17th Air Quality Governance Lekgotla in Polokwane, Limpopo. The conference, which lasted for several days, centered on the theme of “Scalable Emission Reduction by 2030” and aimed to shape the future of air quality management and regulation in South Africa.
Establishing a Platform for Emission Reduction Implementation
The primary objective of the 17th Air Quality Governance Lekgotla was to establish a platform for implementing emission reduction. Over 350 air quality officials from all three spheres of government came together to discuss tools and interventions to support this goal. Discussions centered around focused compliance efforts, a functional atmospheric emission licensing regime, and a functional ambient air quality monitoring network. The event aimed to strengthen regulatory tools for improved air quality management.
Collaborating to Regulate Air Quality
The conference served as a collaborative space for officials to exchange ideas, identify best practices, and chart a path forward for regulating air quality. During the three-day event, several topics of discussion emerged.
Air Quality Management Planning Tools
One of the topics was the need for comprehensive strategies to reduce pollution and improve air quality. Attendees discussed various methods and tools available to achieve these goals, ultimately aiming to create a blueprint for effective air quality management.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
The importance of accurate and timely data collection was also addressed. Attendees explored ways to strengthen the existing air quality monitoring infrastructure and enhance the ability to predict and address air quality issues. This session emphasized the need for improved monitoring systems to ensure that critical information is available to decision-makers.
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
The challenge of ensuring that industries and individuals adhere to air quality regulations was another topic of discussion. Participants shared their experiences and strategies for enforcing compliance, which ranged from targeted inspections to innovative technologies that facilitate more effective monitoring efforts.
Emphasizing the Importance of Public Access
The media was also invited to attend the 17th National Air Quality Governance Lekgotla, emphasizing the importance of making these discussions and developments accessible to the public. The event took place at the Protea Hotel: The Ranch in Polokwane, Limpopo.
A Landmark Event for Environmental Regulation in South Africa
The 17th Air Quality Governance Lekgotla was not only a landmark event in South Africa’s environmental regulatory landscape but also a testament to the country’s commitment to tackling air pollution and climate change. By focusing on scalable emission reduction strategies, South Africa aims to improve its air quality and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
The Future of Air Quality Management in South Africa
Although the conference concluded on September 6, 2023, the discussions and collaborative efforts initiated there will continue to shape South Africa’s air quality management in the years to come. As the world moves closer to the crucial 2030 deadline, the groundwork laid at the 17th Air Quality Governance Lekgotla will undoubtedly steer the country in the right direction towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
