Programme director, MMC Subesh Pillay
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Mr Bheki Nkosi
City of Tshwane Executive Mayor, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa
Ward Councillor, Mr Benjamin Wanneburg
Acting DG of Transport, Mr George Mahlalela
Members of the media
Distinguished guests
End of October Transport Month
At the launch of October Transport Month on 30 September, we gathered at Park Station in Johannesburg and told the world we were ready for the 2010 FIFA World Cup next year. We said it was clear that, given the sheer numbers of fans coming to the world cup, we would require a safe and efficient transportation system to transport all of us from point A to B.
We also emphasised the importance of rail as well as an integrated transport system, which includes buses and taxis, for the World Cup in 2010. I must equally emphasise that civil aviation will play a pivotal role during the World Cup. We have seen and realised, during October Transport Month, the vast amount of work going into the development of better airport and air navigation services infrastructure across the country.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has embarked on a R20 billion infrastructure development programme, in anticipation of the increase in the number of passengers travelling to South Africa by 2010. At present, ACSA handles more than 32 million passengers annually. The number will be 43million in 2010 and will continue to grow. At the end of 2011/12, the ten airports under ACSA's network should facilitate 44,4 million passengers and handle 611 631 aircraft landings. Major airport developments are taking place at OR Tambo, La Mercy, Cape Town, Polokwane and Bloemfontein.
The civil aviation fraternity has certainly placed a huge emphasis on its preparations towards 2010. The South African Civil Aviation Authority is well placed in ensuring the provision of oversight of civil aviation safety.
We stand here today at the end of a long journey, as October Transport Month draws to a close. We kept our eyes firmly on the ball, declaring that the theme for this year's October Transport Month is safety in all modes of transport – air, rail, sea and road. During October Transport Month, we highlighted safety on our roads, on rail, in maritime and civil aviation. However, our work does not stop here, and there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure safety in all transport modes.
Preparing for the World Cup
In just over six months' time, we estimate that a cumulative 2,7 million fans will descend on our shores. Billions will watch the thrilling football spectacular as it unfolds in South Africa from around the world. In order for us to be ready for the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the biggest sporting spectacle in the world, all modes of transport and its infrastructure and service facilities must be ready.
From across the globe, many fans will enter South Africa by air. It is therefore fitting that, as we come to the end of October Transport Month, we witness today yet another major development in the transport industry - the revamped Wonderboom Airport.
2010 Transport Plan
If there are areas in which we are allowed to be below our best - transport is not one of those areas. Transport is not an area in which we could afford to fail. As government, on behalf of all the people of this country, we have signed guarantees to provide sufficient and safe transport operations to enable the movement of spectators during the World Cup in 2010. We believe the transport sector is one of the most important sectors for this event, both from a legacy and event delivery perspective.
Without transport, there can be no world cup. It is also important to ensure a strong legacy of an improved national road network, improved public transport, a passenger rail system used by more people and world class airport infrastructure.
To this end, at national level the highest government structure that coordinates preparations for 2010 is the Inter-Ministerial Committee. We have now set up a centrally coordinated structure which is ensuring tight coordination. Operational planning is now being conducted in a uniform and consistent manner in all Host Cities.
Information is key to hosting a successful event of this magnitude. We are happy to say that we now share critical information and update progress regularly. We identify and resolve critical concerns. It is our responsibility to guide on elements such as communications, signage, licensing and inter-city services. We must work off a common implementation programme and the buck stops with the Department of Transport.
Host cities, own airports
Today's event is part of our efforts in making available to the World Cup and country every facility necessary for this event to be a success. We are delighted to note that all our host cities have an airport. From the host city of Tshwane, we are sure that Wonderboom Airport will make its mark in its efforts to contribute towards the success of the World Cup.
For a Host City to have an airport closest to the venue means that travelling fans can easily be integrated into other modes such as rail, buses and taxis. We have designed our 2010 Transport Plan in such a way that it must increase access and convenience for the fan and officials.
We must remember that this airport will continue to serve the public after the world cup. Wonderboom Airport will therefore become an important part of the lasting legacies of this tournament.
Operations during 2010 World Cup
Wonderboom Airport is expected to:
* operate scheduled flights from Host City to Host City to cater for travelling fans
* charter flights between Host Cities and places of accommodation
* Accommodate media flights and facilitate FIFA movements from Tshwane and Rustenburg and
* serve as a refuelling centre for aircraft.
We anticipate that this airport will help the country deal with expected increases in General Aviation and charter movements.
Socio-economic impact
Government has invested over R440 million in this project through the City of Tshwane. In the construction process, 1 629 jobs were created. Wonderboom Airport expects to handle 6 800 general aviation and helicopter passengers per annum. Such targets can only contribute to a successful economy and ensure the creation of more jobs and a better life for all.
Ladies and gentlemen, transport is the heartbeat of the South African economy. We must therefore continue to intensify our work towards improving the social and economic development of our people. We must also do everything possible to ensure that South Africa hosts a successful FIFA World Cup in 2010.
Congratulations to all of you who were involved in bringing this project to life.
Thank you!
Issued by: Department of Transport
30 October 2009
