Aerospace Defence (AAD) Exhibition in Cape Town
21 September 2006
"It would seem the North West Province stands a good opportunity to secure
the Aviation Academy which may have its base in Mafikeng," said South African
National Defence Force (SANDF) General Ngema.
General Ngema was visiting the North West Provincial Government exhibition
at the Africa Aerospace Defence at the Ysterplaat Airbase.
He said the North West Provincial Government is making commendable strides
in its aviation awareness to the people in this time and age.
"You must continue with all your engagements and motivate your case until
such time as when a decision is taken about where the Aviation Academy would be
placed. Continued airshow activities place the province at a better position
than others," he advised the province.
North West Province has erected a magnificent exhibition stand featuring,
among others, images that reflect the groundbreaking Mafikeng Airshow held last
year. It also features the beautiful partnership the airport enjoys with
renowned members of the Sasol Tigers Jet Display team. The team has now adopted
Mafikeng as their home base and Premier Edna Molewa as their patron.
The North West Provincial Government is exhibiting at the Africa Aerospace
Defence as part of its initiative to promote aviation among the people in
campaign titled, "Bringing Aviation to the People".
"The initiative has a lot of benefits for our people as they will be exposed
to all the opportunities that are associated with aviation," said Premier
Molewa during the media launch of the forthcoming Mafikeng Airshow in
October.
"It is clear that aviation is no longer a career associated with few
minority groups but the previously disadvantaged people are beginning to take
part and pursue aviation as a career of choice," she said.
"This year the exhibitors from industrialised countries as well as the
emerging markets will ensure unparalleled diversity of product systems and a
vast array of newly developed technologies. South Africaâs high-tech capacity
will be showcased by many local exhibitors," said Kanthan Pillay, media
relations officer for the AAD 2006.
She says many suppliers of the civil and military aerospace, defence and
security equipment to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South
African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the provincial and local government
emergency and disaster management services are represented. Companies including
Denel, NAC, Execujet, ATE, Airbus, Boeing, Saab, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems,
BAE Systems, Eads and many others are participating in the show.
Ms Pillay says the AAD 2006 features three trade and two public days.
The last show, AAD 2004 in Pretoria, drew more than 22 000 professional
trade visitors from Africa and beyond. The public days with the air show
featuring some of the world's most advanced aircraft drew 120 000 people in
2004.
Contact: Russel Mamabolo
Media Relations Officer
Cell: 082 900 6610
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
21 September 2006
