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The renovated terminal building at OR Tambo International Airport has been officially opened and is ready to welcome World Cup visitors.
THE smart new Central Terminal Building at OR Tambo International Airport was opened amid pomp and fanfare.
South Africa is ready to host the 2010 World Cup, says President Jacob Zuma
On Tuesday, 20 April, President Jacob Zuma and Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele officially opened the renovated terminal building as the University of the Witwatersrand choir sang the national anthem in the background. Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane was also at the ceremony.
The revamp of Africa's biggest and busiest gateway cost R2,2-billion. "The completion is a practical example of our readiness to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, while also providing proof of the benefits of this tournament to ordinary South Africans," said Zuma.
In 2005, the government and other stakeholders drew up the 2010 Transport Action Plan to improve the country's transport infrastructure in preparation for the football tournament. Some R20-billion was poured into expanding airport infrastructure countrywide and now the results of that investment are showing.
Zuma said the economic spin-offs of the tournament and its effect on the creation of jobs and work opportunities had been remarkable. "The construction of stadiums created a total of 130 200 jobs, 66 813 of them direct. The direct, indirect and induced economic impact is valued at R15-billion."
The infrastructure that had been installed would be a lasting legacy for the country. At the airport, the domestic and international terminals have been linked, so improving passenger experience and orientation.
Also completed is the R530-million international pier, which has increased the number of holding lounges, airside commercial areas and boarding gates in the double-level structure. Recent developments include a multi-story parkade, which has added almost 1 700 parking bays, a new atrium at international arrivals, an enlarged and remodelled food court and retail facilities.
Gautrain
The government has also emphasized integrated transport services with the completion of the Gautrain rapid mass transit route between the airport and Sandton, in northern Johannesburg. In addition, 570 buses have been procured.
The Gautrain station at OR Tambo International Airport
"We are confident that we will move all our visitors in safety and comfort once they land," said Zuma.
In preparation for the World Cup, 1 079 drivers were being recruited. Of these, 508 drivers had been contracted, 326 drivers were in the final stages of the recruitment process and 245 drivers began training in November 2009.
Ndebele added: "Over and above normal transport services, we as the Transport Department have dedicated transport services for the World Cup, which include 418 train sets, 429 buses allocated to Match [the FIFA agency that manages accommodation and other hospitality services for 2010], 200 buses for the FIFA family and 350 buses for general spectators. This is all addition to the 1 100 buses in operation, as well as 800 midi-buses to be managed by the Operating Managing Entity."
OR Tambo International Airport has taken a 15-year transformation journey. It was officially renamed in October 2006, its new name a tribute to one of the most important founding fathers of the new, democratic South Africa.
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