The Acting Chairperson of the Committee, Hon Mr Solomon Mabilo invited the Chief Director for Air Quality Management, Dr Thuli Mdluli to open the meeting with the civil society organisations and companies whose activities have very important implications for the South African air quality, particularly in air pollution hotspots. Dr Mdluli welcomed the members of the Committee as well as representatives of civil society organisations and companies to the green departmental offices. She indicated upfront that the industries were at different levels of compliance and were by and large compliant to the minimum emission standards, although there were specific cases where they needed a bit more time to reach compliance.The Acting Chairperson made opening remarks after introductions, highlighting South Africa's significant role in global environmental governance, citing the hosting of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 and COP17/CMP7 in 2011, and drew the attention of the stakeholders to the fast- approaching COP20/CMP10 in Lima, Peru, where there is an expectation on South Africa to play a meaningful role. Thereafter, Hon Mr Mabilo invited the representative of the Highveld Environmental Justice Alliance, Mr Thomas Mnguni to make his input.