According to a statement released by Water and Environmental Affairs spokesperson Roopah Singh, the review of the 2007 National Framework took the form of an inclusive consultation process involving various consultations with air quality specialists, air quality officials, stakeholders and the general public.

Minister of WEA, Edna Molewa recently published for public comment the proposed amendments to the 2007 National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa, in Gazette No. 36161 of 15 February 2013.

This first National Framework for Air Quality Management was published and implemented in 2007 with the view that after a period of five years, it will be revised and an amended or new National Framework will be published. As such, the process of reviewing and revising the 2007 National Framework was initiated in January 2012.
“Based on relevance and legal considerations, the recommendations received from all consultations were reviewed and incorporated into the draft National Framework published for public comment. The draft 2012 National Framework therefore includes all beneficial aspects and lessons learned during the implementation of the 2007 National Framework, all recommendations generated over the previous five years through the annual National Air Quality Officer’s reports and all inputs and recommendations from stakeholder consultations.”

The Department has indicated the process of implementing the National Framework requires a set of tools, which include the Air Quality Information System, Problem Identification and Prioritisation, Strategy Development, Impact Management, Authorisations, Compliance, Monitoring, Enforcement and various Cross-cutting principles.

“The National Framework is regarded as a milestone in government’s attempts to introduce a new efficient and effective air quality management regime in South Africa. During the five year period of the implementation of the 2007 National Framework, there have been major achievements in air quality management. To mention a few, air quality that is not harmful to health and well-being has been defined through the establishment of ambient air quality standards, three national priority areas have been declared (Vaal Triangle Airshed, Highveld and Waterberg-Bojanala) with plans to improve and maintain good air quality in these areas underway, and the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS) continues to provide access to national air quality information.

“The National Framework therefore provides a medium to long-term plan for the practical implementation of the AQA. It provides mechanisms, systems and procedures to promote holistic and integrated air quality management through pollution prevention and minimisation at source,” concluded the statement.

Interested and affected parties are invited to submit written comments to the Minister within 60 days of publication of the notice in the Gazette – therefore 60 days from 15 February 2013.