Gauteng Smallholder July 2017 | Page 7

NEWS Gauteng’s dirtiest air is ... where? G iven all the industries and machines around us that belch smoke into our air, we Gautengers live in a remark- ably dirty environment. And here's just HOW dirty. Take a guess ... (and we!ll bet you get it wrong) The most recent World Health Organization update to the Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database came the world, measuring fine particle matter (both PM2 , 5 and PM10 microns) in per cubic metre up with a surprise in terms of micrograms 3 (mg/m ). the area in South Africa with And in the latest figures, the dirtiest air. The database covers over 3 000 cities across Hartbeespoort has the unenviable honour of having the dirtiest air. The region's air quality is adversely affected by its proximity to Tshwane and blend in so well with the Johannesburg, as well as to leaves on the trees. Has mining operations in the Brits anyone else seen them in the area. Tshwane is second in area? South Africa and Johannes- Rosemary D Continued on page 6 Bredell MAILBAG ID these ‘LGBs’ (little green birds) S ir ~ Are any of your readers able to identify the small flock of green birds that has been seen in the Bredell area recently? When I first saw them I thought they might be Rosyfaced Lovebirds, but when they flew into our garden again I noticed that they have long tails like a parakeet. According to the Invasive Species South Africa website (www.invasives.org.za/news- previews/item/898-rose- ringed-parakeet-psittacula- krameri), the Rose-ringed Parakeet is the most invasive parrot species. I couldn't get a photo as they The Editor welcomes your letters, comments and opinions, but reserves the right to edit and shorten as necessary. Senders’ names and addresses must be included. Afrikaans letters will be translated. Post mail to: Letters, PO Box 14648, Bredell 1623 or fax 086 602-3882 or e-mail [email protected] 5 www.sasmallholder.co.za