MINISTER NDEBELE ON FOOTBALL FANS TURNED BACK FROM KING SHAKA AIRPORT
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has expressed regret at the inconvenience caused to football fans who missed the 2010 FIFA World Cup semifinal between Spain and Germany in Durban last night (Wednesday, 7 July 2010) due to their planes being delayed.
The problem was caused by certain private aircraft operators, who disobeyed a directive to offload passengers at King Shaka International Airport and thereafter relocate the aircraft to the old Durban International Airport for parking purposes. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) worked hard to manage the situation, but unfortunately not all aircraft were able to land on time.
*As government, we regret the inconvenience caused to all those fans who missed the semifinal between Spain and Germany due to delays at King Shaka International Airport in Durban yesterday (7 July 2010). ACSA, ATNS and the rest of the aviation section will continue to work together and strengthen their private aircraft operator facilitation plans for the remainder of the World Cup,* said Minister Ndebele.
*Transport has generally been moving smoothly since the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It*s now all systems go for the closing ceremony and the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at Soccer City in Johannesburg this Sunday (11 July). We have been working all out to ensure that we provide an efficient transportation system for the final.
We urge all those attending the match on Sunday to use public transport. The Rea Vaya and Metrorail will begin operating to the stadium from 2pm.
*Traffic flow problems in Johannesburg were caused largely by locals using private vehicles to the stadiums instead of public transport. We have looked at this matter of traffic flow with FIFA and the Organising Committee and agreed on appropriate steps to improve the situation. We have implemented stricter traffic management measures during match days.
These measures include closing certain roads near match venues at least four hours before kickoff and prohibiting private vehicles except those transporting FIFA officials and dignitaries from driving near the match venue. *We have noted great improvement since we implemented these measures. Many people are now using public transport in the form of trains, buses and mini buses and they arrive on time and safely to and from the match venues,* said Minister Ndebele.
Statement issued by Logan Maistry, Ministry of Transport, July 8 2010
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