12 March 2007
The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) together with the //Khara Hais
Local Municipality convened a workshop with all the stakeholders to discuss the
development of the Upington Airport as the Cargo Hub.
The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the findings of the feasibility
study, clarify the roles to be played by all the stakeholders and to determine
how the Cargo Hub is going to link up not only with the Upington International
Airport but with other airports. The feasibility study was undertaken to
identify what contribution the airport could make to economic growth in the
Siyanda region.
Addressing the workshop delegates, Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Roads
and Public Works, Mr Kagisho Molusi commended ACSA and //Khara Hais
Municipality for the sterling work they have done with regard to the
development of the Cargo Hub.
"What we are witnessing here today is an effort by government, business and
labour to create work opportunities and reduce the level of unemployment. This
is in line with the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa
which deals with the acceleration of economic growth by employing different
strategies," said Molusi.
Molusi pledged his support to this project and pointed out that his
Department will provide technical support where it is needed. "A team from the
Department has been participating in the series of meetings to ensure that this
project is aligned to the national government's broader vision of the Air
Freight Transport in South Africa," he said.
"Let me hasten to remind you that as government and business we have a
responsibility to reduce the levels of unemployment and develop skills. With
the Expanded Public Works Programme we need to train people on the job and
ensure that they are absorbed in the labour market once they exit the
programme" Molusi said.
Currently the Upington Airport is operated by ACSA and is under-utilised. It
already serves as a diversion airport for Cape Town, and Namibia's Windhoek and
Walvis Bay.
The facility is a fully-fledged international gateway with full security
(24/7) around the clock. Its two runways can receive aircraft of all sizes and
its navigational support is Air Traffic and Navigational Services.
The development of the Cargo Hub is envisaged to enable the movement of
cargo into and out of most of South Africa's key trade areas faster than is
presently possible using Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Enquiries:
Lerato Jabane
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 833 5025
Issued by: Department of Transport, Roads and Public Works, Northern Cape
Provincial Government
12 March 2007
