Latest news with #ORTambo
Zawya
2 days ago
- 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 Herald
14-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Death toll in Eastern Cape floods rises to 86
The death toll in the Eastern Cape floods has risen to 86 with more than 1,000 people displaced. Police minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the number after he and national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola met police officials from the Mthatha area on Saturday. Mchunu commended police for their ongoing efforts as search and rescue efforts and mop-up operations continue in the flood-ravaged province which suffered billions of rand damage to infrastructure. 'Please continue to assist where you are called on as this makes it appear to people that government is lending a hand in their hour of need. Let's ignore the comments that the district municipality opened the sluice gates leading to the disaster.' OR Tambo district municipal officials denied allegations the municipality recklessly opened the sluice gates of the Mthatha Dam, causing flooding and deaths along the Mthatha River. The claims, circulating on social media, suggested the municipality's actions worsened the damage caused by heavy rainfall. However, the municipality has dismissed these claims as mischievous and dangerous misinformation. OR Tambo mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana said: 'In times such as these, misinformation fuels panic, confuses communities and undermines the real work being done to protect and support our people.' Ngqondwana described the allegations as an improbable theory, highlighting the widespread devastation in the district. 'The municipality is working to reinforce water delivery trucks to support affected communities, with a need for more trucks to meet the demand.' This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa, national ministers and provincial government officials led by Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane visited affected areas, including the worst-hit village in Mthatha, Dicolyn, on Friday. H e addressed about 100 displaced residents at the Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School. 'We are not used to losing so many people at one time, that is why I came to see for myself what happened,' Ramaphosa said. He said he had received an extensive briefing from Mabuyane, and praised the response from the three spheres of government in helping the victims and searching for those who were still missing. 'That to me demonstrates the capability of our government in responding to disasters like this. 'As the premier says, it could have been much worse than this. 'Obviously, we are disturbed that so many people passed away but it could have been much worse. He said a day of mourning is being considered to remember those who lost their lives in the catastrophic event It's unclear how many people are still missing. TimesLIVE
The South African
14-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Name change on the cards for major South African airport?
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has revealed that Lanseria International Airport may soon undergo a name change – part of a broader effort to align the airport more closely with the identity and growth of South Africa's commercial capital. Speaking during his 2025 State of the City Address this month, Morero informed the Johannesburg City Council that the airport's management is 'contemplating renaming the facility to more closely reflect and celebrate its connection to our city.' 'The city will support this initiative, which will strengthen the airport brand and foster a stronger sense of belonging,' Morero said. The potential name change comes as Lanseria continues its transformation into a major regional transport hub, supported by significant private and public investment. While no official new name has been announced yet, speculation is already mounting about potential names that could reflect Lanseria's importance to Johannesburg and the region. City officials say that renaming the airport will help it better compete on the global stage and enhance its identity as a key gateway to Gauteng and Southern Africa. 'We are growing, and our airport must grow with us – in infrastructure, in capacity, and in identity,' Mayor Morero said. Lanseria's latest phase of development was announced in July 2024, with investors pledging to expand capacity and improve infrastructure in order to attract more regional flights and reduce pressure on OR Tambo. The planned upgrades include: A new fuel depot, to safeguard operations from fuel shortages Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities Fixed-base operator (FBO) services Taxiway and infrastructure enhancements The fuel depot is particularly significant following recent disruptions at other major airports, including a damaged fuel line at Cape Town International and a jet-fuel shortage at OR Tambo due to a refinery fire. Lanseria CEO Rampa Rammopo said these developments are essential to 'address current limitations' and ensure the airport remains attractive to international carriers. Lanseria's transformation signals a new chapter not just for the airport, but for Johannesburg's position as a thriving aviation and business hub. With a name change and new facilities on the horizon, the future of South Africa's only private international airport is poised for takeoff. 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.
