Tackling air pollution, mine dumps high on new Gauteng Environment MEC Botha's agenda

JOHANNESBURG - Air pollution and mine dumps rank high on the agenda of newly appointed Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha.

The 32-year-old Patriotic Alliance (PA) member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) was officially sworn in on Wednesday.

He replaced Shyla Peters, who has been redeployed by the PA elsewhere.

The PA is part of the African National Congress (ANC)-led multiparty coalition government in Gauteng and has one MEC seat in the 10-member provincial cabinet.

Speaking after his swearing-in, Botha said it’s the honour of his life to serve the residents of Gauteng.

"There are a number of things that I’ve had a bit of a think about. I don’t want to be too direct about it now because I’m yet to be briefed by the premier, as well as my administration. 

"I think there are a number of areas with dumps that need to be taken care of. I’ve received some calls already about mine dumps and that sort of things. Obviously, the air pollution has been one of the major concerns."