The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management recently demonstrated why it is the leading national institution in the field of air quality. They did this during the annual National Association for Clean Air (NACA) conference that took place in Vanderbijlpark from 30 October to 2 November 2018.

Of the 103 conference participants, five academics and 13 students represented the NWU. The NWU delivered 33 presentations, and walked away with all the poster and presentation awards.The award for best poster went to Brigitte Language, and the best conference presentation award to Prof Paul Beukes. Carina Verster and Thapelo Letsholo walked away with first and second place for best student presentation respectively.

Prof Kobus Pienaar received the top NACA Golden Award for his lifelong contribution and Prof Stuart Piketh took over the reins as president of NACA from Benton Pillay.

NACA is a non-profit organisation that was established on 21 April 1969 to promote the cause of clean air in South Africa.

It is the prime technical and scientific non-governmental body in the area of air quality management in South Africa and brings together various role players, including academics, industry, government, and non-governmental organisations.

Prof Kobus Pienaar receives the NACA Golden Award from Benton Pillay, director at uMoya-NILU Consulting and former NACA president.