Air pollution control in South Africa has undergone a shift from the best practical means to an Air Quality Management approach. The Portfolio Committee received a number of briefings and held public hearings on progress by the Department on air quality management. These ranged from the National Environment Management: Air Quality Act (AQA) and its subsequent amendments, the National Framework for Air Quality, publication of national ambient air quality standards, and listed activities and emission standards, development of an Air Quality Management Planning manual, and processes to issue atmospheric emission licenses.