Minister announces SA's first national standards for air quality

South Africa’s Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced in the National Assembly today that he is establishing South Africa's first ever national standards for air quality. The air standards will define specific levels of air pollution such as benzene, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. NewsFlash’s political correspondent reports that the standards will be published in Friday's Government Gazette and 90 days will be allowed for public comment. Van Schalkwyk is also creating a two-million rands tourism equity fund, which will provide access to much needed support for small and medium sized tour operators.