Latest news with #MpumiMpofu
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- The Citizen
OR Tambo Airport undergoes major upgrades to improve safety and cleanliness
OR Tambo Airport undergoes major upgrades to improve safety and cleanliness Passengers, employees and visitors at OR Tambo International Airport can expect a cleaner, safer, and more modern environment as Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) rolls out a large-scale hygiene and infrastructure upgrade. While the experience for travellers may become slightly more uncomfortable in the short term, ACSA says the disruption is a necessary part of restoring dignity, safety and confidence at South Africa's busiest airport. Speaking during a maintenance briefing on June 19, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu said the initiative is about more than fixing toilets or pipes, it's about changing the overall perception of OR Tambo. ALSO READ: OR Tambo erupts in celebration as athletes return with medals from China 'We're sharing these maintenance plans because we want to reverse the narrative that OR Tambo is in a state of crisis,' Mpofu explained. 'We are working hard to restore confidence. While the maintenance work may cause disruptions, this is about giving passengers the best experience possible. It's about dignity, confidence, and doing things properly.' Top priorities in the project include addressing long-standing issues such as unpleasant odours caused by sewerage problems in the terminal basements, broken fire escape doors that have allowed vagrants and vandals to gain access, and unhygienic toilets in urgent need of refurbishment. In response, ACSA has already ramped up cleaning schedules, installed odour-control systems, repaired key infrastructure, and deployed more security personnel in affected areas. And that's just the beginning. ALSO READ: Cyclists get huge welcome at OR Tambo for Cape Town feat Restroom facilities at OR Tambo are undergoing a full upgrade, with new baby-changing rooms, disability access features, and modern fittings being installed. Passengers will also be able to scan QR codes in the restrooms to report problems immediately. Behind the scenes, airport staff are receiving ongoing professional training to ensure hygiene and safety standards align with international best practices. Mpofu cautioned travellers to expect construction sites, barriers and closed escalators throughout the airport in the coming years. 'We know passengers won't always be happy about the inconvenience, but these changes are necessary if we want to deliver the kind of airport experience that South Africans deserve,' she said. With ACSA reporting over R1 billion in profit by the second quarter of 2025, the company is confident it can fund the improvements and transform OR Tambo into a world-class gateway and symbol of national pride. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Acsa ramps up national airport infrastructure upgrades and capacity projects
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has launched a comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and capital investment programme across its entire airport network, aimed at enhancing operational reliability, improving the passenger experience, and future-proofing South Africa's aviation hubs. The company is rolling out maintenance and refurbishment projects at all nine of its airports, including upgrades to critical services such as ablution facilities, sewerage systems, fire escapes, and safety protocols in high-traffic areas. OR Tambo leads with passenger facility upgrades At OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), one of the flagship initiatives underway is the phased refurbishment of ablution facilities. The work, covering male, female, baby-change, and accessible amenities, began in December 2024 and is scheduled for completion by December 2025. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting with airline representatives on Thursday, 19 June, chief executive officer, Mpumi Mpofu, says many of the current projects are scheduled for completion between late 2025 and 2027, forming part of a sustained commitment to the industry's long-term operational capacity. "This programme is a strong signal of Acsa's recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic," says Mpofu. "It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure that will serve the aviation industry and the broader economy for years to come." Major refurbishment and expansion priorities Alongside maintenance work, ACSA is advancing several major capacity and infrastructure enhancement projects across key operational systems. These include: • Jet fuel infrastructure at ORTIA: The installation of a new 20-inch jet fuel feeder line and implementation of Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 to improve reliability and fuel supply security. Backup power generators at the airport are also being replaced. • Passenger loading bridges (PLBs): Structural repairs, system upgrades and canopy refurbishments on loading bridges, with project milestones expected between November 2025 and 2026. • Uninterrupted power supply (UPS): A phased replacement of UPS units at critical operational points, scheduled for completion in 2026. • People movers: Replacement and refurbishment of escalators and lifts to address operational inefficiencies. Several escalator upgrades are already complete, with the programme running through 2027. • Instrument landing and weather systems: Replacement of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS) to enhance aviation safety and operational compliance, with completion targeted for the end of 2026. • Terminal and roofing works: HVAC system upgrades, roof waterproofing, sprinkler replacements and airside infrastructure improvements to enhance safety and passenger comfort. • Fuel systems and fire infrastructure: Extensive refurbishment of fuel meters, hydrants, and booster pumps to strengthen fire safety and fuel distribution reliability. Coordinating with industry stakeholders Acsa is engaging closely with government, airlines, and commercial partners to ensure efficient delivery of these infrastructure projects while minimising operational disruptions for travellers. The programme marks a notable investment phase for Acsa as it focuses on enhancing operational resilience and preparing its airports for increased demand and future growth. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The South African
20-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Major revamp coming to YOUR nearest airport
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has unveiled a major infrastructure maintenance and expansion programme aimed at modernising and future-proofing the country's busiest airports. The ambitious upgrades are already underway across ACSA's nine airports, including OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka International. The wide-ranging initiative includes critical maintenance, safety enhancements, and major capital projects, with completion dates ranging from late 2025 to 2027. ACSA has prioritised essential infrastructure in its maintenance plan, including: Sewerage systems Ablution facilities (including accessible and baby-changing amenities) (including accessible and baby-changing amenities) Fire escapes Enhanced safety and hygiene protocols in high-traffic zones By way of example, at OR Tambo International Airport, one of the largest projects is the refurbishment of ablution facilities, which began in December 2024 and is set for completion by December 2025. 'This programme is a strong signal of ACSA's recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,' said ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu. 'It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure.' A new 20-inch feeder line and Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 to enhance supply reliability and Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 to enhance supply reliability Backup power generators are being replaced to ensure uninterrupted fuel operations Ongoing structural refurbishments , control system upgrades, and canopy cover replacements , control system upgrades, and canopy cover replacements Completion targeted between November 2025 and 2026 Phased replacement of UPS units to bolster energy resilience of UPS units to bolster energy resilience Full rollout expected by 2026 Replacement and refurbishment of escalators and lifts to resolve operational inefficiencies to resolve operational inefficiencies Several installations are already completed, with the programme concluding in 2027 Replacement of ILS and AWOS systems to ensure flight safety and weather accuracy and systems to ensure flight safety and weather accuracy Milestones targeted for end-2026 Includes HVAC upgrades, roof waterproofing, sprinkler system replacement, and airside improvements Overhaul of fuel receipt meters, hydrants, and booster pumps for safety and efficiency ACSA confirmed it is working closely with government, airlines, and commercial partners to ensure the smooth rollout of these infrastructure projects, with minimal disruption to travellers. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
04-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Leadership crisis rocks Airports Company South Africa: No action despite scandal
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is grappling with a full-blown leadership crisis as serious allegations of qualifications fraud, nepotism, financial mismanagement, and governance failures continue to mount under the watch of CEO Mpumi Mpofu and head of security Mzwandile Petros. Despite growing public outrage and documented irregularities, no suspensions or disciplinary actions have been taken, raising urgent questions about political interference and institutional accountability. At the centre of the storm is CEO Mpumi Mpofu, who allegedly misrepresented her academic qualifications. While ACSA and her public profiles stated she held a postgraduate degree from Coventry University, the institution confirmed she only obtained an undergraduate degree. Shockingly, her contract was recently renewed by ACSA's board, even as questions about the integrity of the recruitment and vetting process persist. The board has defended Mpofu, citing her security clearance and polygraph results. However, experts note that clearances are not automatically transferable between departments and should be revalidated. The decision to extend her contract in the face of a brewing scandal suggests either negligence or deliberate disregard for governance protocols. Petros, a former SAPS general, was appointed head of ACSA security despite having no background in aviation security. To bring him in, the board bent retirement rules and has since tolerated a wave of controversial appointments under his leadership. These include retired and unqualified former police officials placed in senior aviation roles, many of whom lack basic aviation credentials. A glaring example is the appointment of 68-year-old retired Major General Gela to oversee security at OR Tambo International Airport. Insiders report that Gela has no relevant experience and is considered ineffective by staff. Similarly, several qualified aviation professionals have been removed and replaced by Petros's former police colleagues, raising concerns about nepotism and a collapse of merit-based appointments. Under Mpofu and Petros's leadership, ACSA has faced a series of financial controversies. Emergency tenders worth millions have been interdicted after irregularities emerged. One example includes a security technology tender awarded to a company in liquidation. Another involves the purchase of equipment for more than double its market price under questionable 'emergency' circumstances. The decision to insource over 3 500 security guards — estimated to cost R2 billion over five years— has become a financial liability. Airports such as Cape Town International are reportedly operating significantly over budget compared to when private contractors were used. Critics allege this was a calculated move to justify internal control and benefits for loyalists, while starving private contractors through delayed payments. Despite declaring a R472 million profit in the last fiscal year, ACSA allegedly owes more than R500 million to service providers. Several companies have initiated legal action due to non-payment, even as executives continue to collect performance bonuses. Insiders claim Mpofu is shielded by political allies within the ruling ANC, including figures from the Women's League and former colleagues from her time in the Presidency. Reports suggest that attempts by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to initiate investigations or suspend executives have been blocked by powerful political actors behind the scenes. This political interference has undermined attempts to restore accountability and left ACSA paralysed under ineffective leadership. The board's failure to act has allowed a culture of impunity to take root, where falsified qualifications, procurement scandals, and operational failures go unpunished. The return of Jabulani Khambule, a former executive dismissed for misconduct, underscores the deeper governance rot. Now serving as the Regional General Manager of OR Tambo International Airport, Khambule holds a critical security role without public evidence of exoneration or updated vetting. His qualifications are also reportedly overstated, raising questions about his eligibility for the position. As ACSA continues to manage critical national infrastructure, the public and aviation industry stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention. Experts warn that without a full forensic investigation and accountability at the highest levels, the integrity of the country's airports and national security remains at risk. The Star tried to get a comment from ACSA, Mpofu and Petros, but our attempts could not succeed by the time of publishing.
IOL News
04-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Leadership crisis rocks Airports Company South Africa: No action despite scandal
At the centre of the storm is CEO Mpumi Mpofu, who allegedly misrepresented her academic qualifications. While ACSA and her public profiles stated she held a postgraduate degree from Coventry University, the institution confirmed she only obtained an undergraduate degree. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is grappling with a full-blown leadership crisis as serious allegations of qualifications fraud, nepotism, financial mismanagement, and governance failures continue to mount under the watch of CEO Mpumi Mpofu and head of security Mzwandile Petros. Despite growing public outrage and documented irregularities, no suspensions or disciplinary actions have been taken, raising urgent questions about political interference and institutional accountability. At the centre of the storm is CEO Mpumi Mpofu, who allegedly misrepresented her academic qualifications. While ACSA and her public profiles stated she held a postgraduate degree from Coventry University, the institution confirmed she only obtained an undergraduate degree. Shockingly, her contract was recently renewed by ACSA's board, even as questions about the integrity of the recruitment and vetting process persist. The board has defended Mpofu, citing her security clearance and polygraph results. However, experts note that clearances are not automatically transferable between departments and should be revalidated. The decision to extend her contract in the face of a brewing scandal suggests either negligence or deliberate disregard for governance protocols. Petros, a former SAPS general, was appointed head of ACSA security despite having no background in aviation security. To bring him in, the board bent retirement rules and has since tolerated a wave of controversial appointments under his leadership. These include retired and unqualified former police officials placed in senior aviation roles, many of whom lack basic aviation credentials. A glaring example is the appointment of 68-year-old retired Major General Gela to oversee security at OR Tambo International Airport. Insiders report that Gela has no relevant experience and is considered ineffective by staff. Similarly, several qualified aviation professionals have been removed and replaced by Petros's former police colleagues, raising concerns about nepotism and a collapse of merit-based appointments. Under Mpofu and Petros's leadership, ACSA has faced a series of financial controversies. Emergency tenders worth millions have been interdicted after irregularities emerged. One example includes a security technology tender awarded to a company in liquidation. Another involves the purchase of equipment for more than double its market price under questionable 'emergency' circumstances. The decision to insource over 3 500 security guards — estimated to cost R2 billion over five years— has become a financial liability. Airports such as Cape Town International are reportedly operating significantly over budget compared to when private contractors were used. Critics allege this was a calculated move to justify internal control and benefits for loyalists, while starving private contractors through delayed payments. Despite declaring a R472 million profit in the last fiscal year, ACSA allegedly owes more than R500 million to service providers. Several companies have initiated legal action due to non-payment, even as executives continue to collect performance bonuses. Insiders claim Mpofu is shielded by political allies within the ruling ANC, including figures from the Women's League and former colleagues from her time in the Presidency. Reports suggest that attempts by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to initiate investigations or suspend executives have been blocked by powerful political actors behind the scenes. This political interference has undermined attempts to restore accountability and left ACSA paralysed under ineffective leadership. The board's failure to act has allowed a culture of impunity to take root, where falsified qualifications, procurement scandals, and operational failures go unpunished. The return of Jabulani Khambule, a former executive dismissed for misconduct, underscores the deeper governance rot. Now serving as the Regional General Manager of OR Tambo International Airport, Khambule holds a critical security role without public evidence of exoneration or updated vetting. His qualifications are also reportedly overstated, raising questions about his eligibility for the position. As ACSA continues to manage critical national infrastructure, the public and aviation industry stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention. Experts warn that without a full forensic investigation and accountability at the highest levels, the integrity of the country's airports and national security remains at risk. The Star tried to get a comment from ACSA, Mpofu and Petros, but our attempts could not succeed by the time of publishing.
