Date: 30/10/2009
Source: The Department of Transport
Title: SA: Ndebele: Address by the Minister of Transport, at the Wonderboom Airport, Pretoria

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 emphasized 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 emphasize that civil aviation will play a pivotal
role during the World Cup. We have seen and realized, 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 32million 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 refueling 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 R440m 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!