EZINE December issue

CHECK-IN
AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

DOMESTIC 2019THE BEST OF
BLISS
CELEBRATING GREAT
FAMILY FUN RIGHT MOMENTS FROM THE
AROUND OUR AIRPORTS
YEAR THAT WAS

DTOOUWCNH! SAFETY

THE RUGBY WORLD CUP TROPHY FIRST
TOUR LANDS AT OUR AIRPORTS
Tips on how to keep safe and
secure during the festive
season rush

MESSAGE
FROM
REFENTSE
SHINNERS:

Group Executive:
Corporate Affairs

Dear colleagues, adoring fans. Catch our Touch Down pictorial on pages
We made it to the end of the year – and what a year it 32 and 33.
has been! As it is the festive season and the traffic at our airports
Thank you to each one of you for your commitment, will be hectic with frenzied holidaymakers, we have put
hard work, dedication and always putting shoulder to together some important security awareness tips that
the wheel to ensure we are – and continue to be – one of we need to keep top of mind – not only on the ground
the best organisations to work for in South Africa! but also online because cybercrime is just as dangerous
Thisyear, change has been a constant inourorganisation. as real-life crime. Please read this special content from
We have bid farewell to longstanding colleagues who page 15 and help keep Airports Company South Africa,
have taken a well-deserved rest from the hustle and its employees and customers safe.
bustle of this dynamic organisation; we have seen We also showcase the beauty and diversity of South
leadership changes that can only enhance our business Africa on our travel feature from page 18, using provinces
and environment; we have witnessed innovations that and towns where six of our smaller airports are located.
continue to propel us towards the Fourth Industrial This feature debunks the myth that there is little to see
Revolution; and we have maintained and grown our in certain parts of the country. Even those of you based
worldwide footprint to become a force to be reckoned in the mentioned provinces or towns might be surprised
with on the global aviation stage. to learn a thing or two!
Through you, Airports Company South Africa has not Last but not least, we give you a comprehensive spread
rested on its laurels. Look at some of our great triumphs on some of the great South African and international
and winning moments from page 10. Give yourselves a books that can be easily bought from our site bookstores
pat on the back and be proud of being part of an amazing for those quiet moments when you want to enjoy some
team that has made these “yes!” moments a reality. downtime.
Without you, we wouldn’t have these wins. You make Indulge in this festive feast of an issue, and don’t forget
this organisation great! to let us know your thoughts, and share stories and
In this issue, we also celebrate playing an important pictures via [email protected].
role in this country of ours. Our airports are where the Have a safe and festive season! See you in 2020!
Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks touched down ‘Til next time,
during the country-wide tour of the Webb Ellis Cup,
where they showcased the beautiful trophy to admiring Ref
fellow South Africans and posed for pictures with

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

STAFF ZONE: 03

LETTERS

Staff excells at IRMSA Awards Airports Company South Africa is on a
I believe it is good to share our triumphs with colleagues as a way of whole new level!
appreciating opportunities created for us through Airports Company When I first set foot at Airports Company
South Africa. In November, myself and fellow colleague, Mpho South Africa, I wanted to make a U-turn
Modisane, had the pleasure of being recognised by the Institute of Risk right there and then. I thought to myself,
Management South Africa (IRMSA). “These people will gossip about you in your
IRMSA President, Berenice Francis, and the CEO, Gillian le Cordeur, presence, and you wouldn’t even know”.
congratulated both me and Mpho for winning awards at the IRMSA I knew we are a generation and government
Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which was held on the 1st of of abbreviations but, hey! Airports Company
November 2019 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. South Africa takes it to the next level. As in
The awards are held annually by IRMSA to acknowledge, encourage and a whole new level. Look at it this way: ASQ,
celebrate excellence within the risk management sector. The Awards AM, BCM, ARFF, M&E, and APM – the list
and Gala Dinner recognise and reward Africa’s top risk management continues.
professionals who have made a significant contribution in the risk For me, BCM means Buffalo City Municipality,
management fraternity for the year under review. but no silly, it’s Business Continuity
I was awarded top performing student for the 2019 Certified Risk Management. An apron, what I use in the
Management Practitioner Board Exam as well as Runner-Up in the kitchen when I’m cooking or baking, is where
Category Up-and-Coming Risk Manager ofThe Year. Mpho was awarded the aeroplanes park. And a runway is not only
Winner in the Risk Specialist of the Year category. for fashion models!
These awards are an affirmation that the company’s risk management I joined the Company on 1 May 2017 until
is comparable with the best-in-class in the industry. Kudos to us for 31 May 2017 as a temporary Administrator:
being part of the best achieving aviation company on the continent! Airport Operations. Within those three
Mighty Mhlanga months, I was captivated by the industry
Risk Management Officer itself. Then on 1 November 2017, I became
Corporate Office a permanent Passenger Information Agent.
Currently, I am working as a permanent
Administrator and being a temp back
then and a Passenger Information Agent
has groomed and shaped me to be more
knowledgeable about the Company. I have
formed good relationships with people I have
never met, and I’m excited about the future.
Zimkhitha Mkona
Administrator: Airport Operations
East London Airport

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

04 DECEMBER 2019

CEO

CORNER

with Fundi
Sithebe

Dear Colleagues,

I’m flattered to find myself in this space where
I will be able to communicate directly with you.
Being afforded such a platform is no small feat,
and I will do my best to utilise it the best way I
can.
We are ending off the year the way we started
it – on a busy but exciting note. There’s no
doubt that at some stage, Airports Company
South Africa felt like a giant chess set with
lots of moving pieces. Rest assured, nothing
has been done blindly, and it is all for the
continued improvement of the organisation, its
stakeholders and you, the employee.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

I cannot thank you enough for your hard work, dedication to the organisation, and passion for making our
brand a recognised and respected one across the globe. Our collective foot is firmly on the pedal as we strive
to achieve all our strategic objectives and goals, which were outlined clearly and concisely earlier this year
when the company’s collective leadership met for the annual Leadership Imbizo. The purpose of the workshop
was to share our achievements and strategic outlook of the company with our employees. It further sought to
inform the strategic direction of the company, leadership streamline activities, minimise duplications and bring
cohesiveness to the function.
This was a fruitful session in that we identified what we needed to do as a leadership so that we can Think, Act
and Be Different. What does “Think. Act. Be Different” mean to you? What should we be doing to ensure that
we do things differently? Let us know via [email protected].
After the Leadership Imbizo, the executive team embarked on the country-wide CEO Roadshow. Your
participation was extremely valuable, and your suggestions on various issues were taken into consideration. The
wheels are turning, and you will be kept up to date on all the points we touched on as and when implementation
takes place.
Airports Company South Africa has been named as a company that creates the best employment conditions for
its staff by the Top Employers Institute. The global awards seek to honour companies that have demonstrated
high standards in human resources practices. Being a consistent Top Employer places us in a very strong position
to achieve our vision of being the most sought-after partner in the world for the provision of sustainable airport
management solutions by 2025.
Being chosen to lead an organisation that has repeatedly been recognised as a Top Employer in the country is
incredibly humbling, and I hope to be the kind of leader you need and deserve. With your help, I know this can
be achieved because not even the sky is the limit in aviation!
As challenging as this year has been, let us take this moment to recognise how far we have come as an
organisation - especially considering these trying economic times for our country. We have pushed ourselves to
be even better than we thought we could. We have made strides in the business here at home, on the African
continent and across the globe. We have done all of this with a smile on our faces, PRIDE in our hearts whilst
ensuring that our stakeholders and customers always get the best of Airports Company South Africa.
Be proud of yourselves because I know I am!
As we close the door on 2019 and prepare to raise the curtain to 2020, let me take this opportunity to once again
give gratitude to those who will be working during this festive season, ensuring that our customers receive the
best service when they touch down at our airports on the way to their festive breaks and family bonding. You
are appreciated.
May you all have a wonderful and safe festive season, and a prosperous 2020 as individuals and as an organisation!
See you next year!
All the best,
Fundi

F.S.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

DEVELOPING
YOUNG MINDS

Airports Company South Africa continues to positively impact the nation’s
education sector through various Socio-Economic Development (SED)
initiatives. These initiatives have made a significant difference in the
performance and infrastructure of underperforming schools in the Eastern Cape,
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and more recently, Metsing in the Free State.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

07

The forlorn community of Metsing has seen significant “When we went there, the structure was dilapidated,
there was no running water, and they were using buckets
transformation courtesy of Airports Company South as toilets. From then on we realised that there was
Africa and the Department of Social Development. a need and that’s when we got involved. As we speak,
The SED Department has adopted the Metsing Early the refurbished structure is a 100% complete. There are
Childhood Development, a centre located in Phase 10, three classrooms, a kitchen with a pantry, and adult and
an informal settlement in Bloemfontein. The centre has children’s restrooms.”
received a donation of a mobile structure consisting of Early child development plays an important role in
three classrooms, a kitchen, ablution facilities, a sickbay, instilling skills and abilities that children need for their
an office and a security fence. Once completed, the centre future learning. South Africa still has a long way to go in
will accommodate approximately 60 children. improving the accessibility of education to young children.
“The application came through the Bram Fischer “We feel passionate about education, and for most people
International Airport, and upon visiting the area, we in our communities, there’s a gap by the time they are of
quickly realised that this community and school were in school-going age,” says Zandile.
dire need of assistance,” says Zandile Deliwe from the “Children are often hungry and have to learn in terrible
Company’s SED Department. situations, so their mental development is compromised.
Among other challenges that plagued the children’s So, this project was very important to us in terms
centre was the lack of basic services like water, suitable of affording children the opportunity to develop as
ablution facilities, and secure structures that were not progressively as possible,” Zandile concluded.
conducive to teaching and learning.
“The community is in a township in an area where people
are mostly unemployed, and there is a lack of basic
services,” Zandile continued.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

08

The statue of O.R. Tambo at O.R. Tambo International Airport was
adorned with a red ribbon to mark World Aids Day on 1 December 2019

AIRPORTS
COMPANY
SOUTH AFRICA:
THE BEST OF 2019!

This has undoubtedly been an eventful year for Airports Company South Africa.
From gaining a new political head to losing some of our long-standing colleagues;

introducing innovations and opening new routes; and best of all getting to
know each other and strengthening our bond as a firm aviation family. We
don’t have enough space to list every achievement, but as we bid farewell to a
busy 2019, let’s look back at some of the highlights that defined our year.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

CELEBRATING THE identified spot where the nine-metre tall statue
LEGENDARY STALWART, of O.R. Tambo will be erected. Guests arrived in
OLIVER REGINALD TAMBO style on Harambee buses to be part of this special
occasion aptly named ‘Remembering O.R. Tambo’.
It was festivities galore as we celebrated 13 years Ekurhuleni rolled out a new fleet of 22 Harambee
since the renaming of Johannesburg International buses servicing Tembisa. This is part of the city’s
Airport to O.R. Tambo International Airport. Thank Integrated Rapid Transport Network (IRPTN) that
you to our staff, passengers, stakeholders and aims to connect nine towns and 17 townships with
the airport community at large that joined in the an accessible and reliable public transport system.
celebrations! Phambili!
The Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng
Premier, David Makhura and the Executive Mayor
of the City of Ekurhuleni, Mzwandile Masina
also commemorated O.R. Tambo by unveiling a
visual board and performing a sod-turning at the

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

CEO ROADSHOW

The return of the CEO Roadshow was a huge success,
thanks to all of you! This was a collaborative effort
that saw former ACEO, Bongiwe Mbomvu, and the
entire executive leadership traversing the country
for meaningful engagement with the staff at all our
sites. Airport leadership teams also did a stellar job of
hosting the visiting leadership. Thank you!
The theme for the Roadshow was ‘Think. Act. Be
Different’, and it was heartening to see how everyone
took it to heart. There was a lot of outside-the-box
thinking; suggestions were made, questions asked,
issues raised and clarified, and Airports Company
South Africa employees just showed a lot of PRIDE
and passion. Communication remains a high priority
and feedback on many issues is continuous.

AWARDS

The Company may face many challenges as a result of the country’s economic state,
but that doesn’t mean we are slacking or dropping the ball. The accolades we keep
receiving are proof that we are on the right path. Some of the awards we’ve received
include:
• East London Airport - First place winner in the Safety Award 2019: Best Airport

in Africa Category Between 10 000-20 000 Air Traffic Movements at the Airports
Council International (ACI) Africa Awards
• Port Elizabeth International Airport - Third place winner in the Safety Award
2019: Best Airport in Africa Category Over 20 000 Air Traffic Movements at the
ACI Africa Awards
• King Shaka International Airport for Safety Award 2019: Best Airport in Africa
Category Over 20 000 Air Traffic Movements at the ACI Africa Awards
• Cape Town International Airport was named Africa’s Leading Airport for the
third consecutive year at the 26th World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean
Gala Ceremony 2019
• Cape Town International Airport scooped the Best Airport in Africa accolade
at the Skytrax World Airport Awards, presented at the World Travel Awards in
London
• King Shaka International Airport took home the Best Airport Staff in Africa and
Best Regional Airport in Africa serving 5-10 million passengers at the Skytrax
World Airport Awards
• O.R. Tambo International Airport was named African Airport of the Year at the
Air Cargo Africa conference and exhibition, making it the fourth time the airport
has won the award
• Airports Company South Africa excelled at this year’s National Key Point security
competition. At a provincial level, our team had a magnificent showing. We
brought home silver medals for pistol, shotgun and grand aggregate. Three
Airports Company South Africa members went on to become part of the KwaZulu-
Natal team at a national level, led by our very own Anthony Varatan as the team
leader and took gold in the shotgun category. We are in good hands, people!

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

EMPOWERMENT 11

Airports Company South Africa continues to practice
what we preach when it comes to transformation and
empowerment. During Women’s Month, former ACEO,
Bongiwe Mbomvu, gave an address at the South African
Civil Aviation Authority’s National Gender Summit where
she highlighted that 40% of Airports Company South
Africa’s board are women; 36% of our senior management
comprises of women, 44% of our executive committee
members are female, and 46% of all Airports Company
South Africa employees are women.

On the ground, Upington International Airport held a
graduation ceremony to celebrate 15 female candidates
who graduated from the Company’s Firefighters Skills
Development Programme, which was launched in
November 2018 to train women in the critical skill of
firefighting. Let’s continue being the change we want to
see!

Level 1: Level 2: Level 3: Level 4:
Mapping Reduction Optimisation Neutrality

Carbon footprint Carbon management Stakeholder Carbon neutrality for
measurement towards a reduced engagement in carbon direct emissions by
carbon footprint footprint reduction offsetting

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Airports Company South Africa marked World Environment
Day by announcing that its drive to reduce its carbon
footprint has advanced further with updates by the ACI
to the Airport Carbon Accreditation status of five airports.

O. R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town
International Airport were upgraded to Level 2 (Reduction)
status. King Shaka International Airport and Port Elizabeth
International Airport were renewed at Level 1 (Mapping).
George Airport entered the Carbon Accreditation
Programme with a grading of Level 1 (Mapping).

All nine of the Company’s airports are already certified
as compliant with the most-recognised international
standard for environmental management systems, the
International Standards Organisation’s ISO14001: 2015
standard. In addition, George, Kimberley and Upington
airports have been converted to solar power over the last
few years.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

12

OPERATIONS

King Shaka International Airport and the South
African Police Services Border Policing launched a K9
Unit comprising of seven K9 handlers and dogs. The
two German Shepherds, three Labradors and two
Belgian Shepherds – along with their handlers - come
in to strengthen border policing operations with specific
training to detect narcotics (four dogs), explosives (two
dogs) and protected species in the detection of rhino
horn, crayfish, ivory, and wet and dry abalone.
At O.R.Tambo InternationalAirport, new rules regarding
the check-in of irregular shaped and sized bags were
implemented. The new rules aim to prevent blockages
and breakdowns in the baggage handling system caused
by bags that do not have any flat surfaces or that have
long straps or grips as per the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) guidelines.
The first of Singapore Airlines’ three evening flights
betweenSouthAfrica andSingapore took to the skiesfrom
O. R. Tambo International Airport on 31 March 2019.
With demand growing for connectivity to Singapore’s
Changi Airport as a gateway to Asia, Singapore Airlines
now provides 10 flights a week from Singapore to
Johannesburg and Cape Town. The flights form part of
Airports Company South Africa’s foray into establishing
a south-to-south corridor, as currently there is no hub
that caters for traffic that moves directly in the southern
hemisphere. While talks are on-going regarding the
establishment of this hub which will connect Southeast
Asia with Europe, the launch of these nocturnal flights
will go a long way in realising this dream.

INNOVATION

We have always been eager to embrace opportunities
which will place us at the forefront of technology and
innovation. That is why we are excited to be piloting
a drone operation trial at George Airport. This new
innovative technology, called Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Systems (RPAS), will assist our airports in improving
efficiency and timeliness of our operations. The RPAS
trials will run for six months at George Airport, giving us
time to determine the viability and effectiveness of its
use. This trial will not affect operations in any way.
Airports Company South Africa’s commitment to
airports of the future continues full steam ahead with the
introduction of dedicated charging stations for Electric
Vehicles (EV) at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Now,
our EV-driving customers can safely leave their cars
charging while they hop on a quick flight to conduct their
business.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Airports Company South Africa continues in its
commitment to empower the communities in which
we operate because we firmly believe that a thriving
community leads to a thriving business. This is why our
Socio-Economic Development (SED) department has
been kept especially busy this year.
We are especially proud of the generous donation we
made that helped the dedicated surgeons at public
hospitals in Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, Bloemfontein and
George to perform much needed facial reconstructive
surgeries for more than one hundred needy children
during this year’s Smile Week activities.
Among other projects, we undertook infrastructure
development to some of the following rural and peri-
urban schools:

Walmer Primary School,
Port Elizabeth
The Company has donated three fully equipped mobile classrooms. The donation
includes furniture (desks, chairs and cabinets), as well as concrete walkways and
disability ramps. Each mobile structure also features a rainwater harvesting system
to help alleviate the water shortage challenge in the province and to help educate
learners about the importance of water conservation.

Tsakane Secondary School Science Centre,
Ekurhuleni
Airports Company South Africa has donated a Resource Centre which comprises of a
science laboratory, library and study area. The construction of the mobile Resource
Centre and science laboratory apparatus, furniture and books have been completed.

Uminathi Junior College,
Umbumbulu in KwaZulu-Natal
The Company donated an Educational Resource Centre equipped with a library, study
area and IT section. Additionally, we partnered with the Mangosuthu University of
Technology, the Department of Basic Education and the Ethekwini Municipal Libraries
to provide software and training to help equip learners and teachers with IT skills and
improve the quality of education at the school.

INkosimbovu Secondary School,
KwaZulu-Natal
Airports Company South Africa has donated a Science Laboratory. The school is open
after-hours for learners that are unable to study at home. Learners now have first-
hand exposure to experiments and research, thus promoting science and technology
in the schools.

Tsholomnqa Senior Secondary School,
East London
The construction at the school includes the renovations of the administration block,
construction of the ICT lab, a five-classroom block, science centre, computer laboratory
and library. The project will be officially handed over to the Department of Basic
Education as part of a Back-to-School campaign in January 2020.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

airports.co.za

GIFTS AND
ENTERTAINMENT

• All gifts, regardless of the amount, must be • The value of gifts may not exceed the
declared on Oracle or manually through the maximum acceptable value (R2500) set out in
Ethics office within 7 days of receipt the Gift policy

• Employees must never solicit gifts or any other • Where approval to accept a gift is denied, it
item of monetary value should be explained to the person/company
offering the gift why it is being refused
• Under no circumstances may an employee
accept cash, gift vouchers and leisure gifts
(such as flight tickets and accommodation paid
for by a supplier or stakeholder)

15

STAY ALERT! STAY
SECURITY-WISE!

It’s that time of the year where we must be
hyper-vigilant as millions of customers pass
through our airports on their way to enjoy the
holidays. Security at our airports is incomplete
without everybody getting involved and
staying vigilant during the busy holiday season.

As part of the on-going service level improvement, the Security Services

Department considers it vital to keep the airport community up-to-date
on new developments and risks relating to security. Our security culture
ensures our airport community is equipped with the tools to identify
suspicious behaviour. Often, there is a fine line between customer service
and accidentally creating a security risk.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

16

ALWAYS LOOK OUT FOR
PEOPLE WHO:

• Make enquiries about procedures
• Measure distances
• Repeatedly visit particular locations
• Take excessive photographs (especially of items

of little artistic value) or make sketches
• Make notes about operations and timing of shift changes
• Closely watch staff and their reactions
• Display a reluctance to show travel documents

or present suspect documents when asked
• Display anxious behaviour such as fidgeting,

clock-watching and scanning of the area
• Give responses that appear rehearsed or do

not make sense when questioned
• Have excessive luggage, especially if the

amount is inappropriate for the trip
• Have hold baggage but no hand baggage

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

However, security does not end with the physical sites. Cybersecurity is another aspect we
must be on high alert about, especially those who need to access the work server outside of
the office during the holidays. Below are tips on how to be cyber safe while enjoying your
festivities.

1. If you need to use a public or open Wi-Fi for urgent 4. Do not use your Gmail account for work-related
work, be aware of the sensitivity of the work documents or print them at an internet café.
documents you are working on from a coffee shop
connection, for example. This includes checking 5. The same goes for hotels. Avoid using the hotel’s
your work e-mails because when you log in, reception desk or business centre to print work-
you use your work credentials and that can put related documents. Many devices have back-up
you in a compromising position. Use the Virtual systems, so even if you delete the document, it
Private Network (VPN) facility to protect your might still be backed up and might land in the
information on public Wi-Fi. wrong hands. Make use of the VPN when you log
into the hotel Wi-Fi as well.
2. Be careful on social media. Make sure your work
security badge does not show in any selfies or 6. Examine e-mails closely for phishing. Hackers can
photos. What you post even has an impact on your fake an e-mail address that appears official. Do
profile when you apply for jobs. The information not click on a link or download an attachment
we post reflects on the organisation, so refrain from an unknown source. Check the address for
from commenting on issues which might show odd spellings like ‘a!rports’.
the company in a bad light.
7. Log off and sign out! When you walk away from
3. Should there be an urgent request from the office your laptop or device, secure it by logging out
while you are enjoying your holiday, never use before you leave.
someone else’s device to do a work-related task.
Even if it’s to check an e-mail quickly. No matter 8. Always protect company information by creating
how urgent it is, only use your protected Airports strong passwords.
Company South Africa device.

Should you encounter any such behaviour, report to the Airports Company South Africa CCTV
room on 032 436 6920 or 032 436 7190. If you are in immediate danger, report to SAPS on
032 436 6868 or 032 436 6525.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

OFF THE It’s no secret that when the holiday
BEATEN season hits, South Africans have
TRACK very specific tendencies to pack their
swimwear and beach towels and head for
the coast, go on safari for a walk on the
wild side, or make a cross-border trip to
stamp those passports

But what about going off the
beaten track by visiting quaint,
historic or just plain fascinating
towns? Airports Company South
Africa has sites in some of the
most interesting towns in South
Africa, and we’ve mentioned just
a few of them below.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

19

GEORGE AIRPORT,
WESTERN CAPE

Established in 1977 and an exact replica of the
Keetmanshoop Airport in Namibia, this building has
expanded vastly. Terminal facilities include a tourist and
information help desk, ATMs, a conference room and
boardroom, retail shops, changing rooms, prayer facilities,
public telephones and is fully disabled-friendly.

Tourist Attractions

George was established in the 1800s along the famous
Garden Route and has become a popular, affluent holiday
resort town. You can visit the Montagu Pass, Tsitsikamma
National Park, Preserved Railways of Outeniqualand and
the Garden Route Botanical Gardens.
The museums offer an insight into the history of the Cape
dating back centuriesto itsfirst inhabitancy.TheOuteniqua
Transport Museum has steam trains and vintage cars that
will delight the kids and train-enthusiasts. The Garden
Route Botanical Gardens features trails to explore with
local fynbos plants. And you simply can’t miss the Seven
Passes road to Knysna that winds through the Outeniqua
Mountains.

EAST LONDON AIRPORT,
EASTERN CAPE

The airport was originally established in 1927. It has been
moved from its original location several times until it took
up a permanent residence in its current location in 1965.
It was voted the fastest growing airport in South Africa in
2016 after seeing a significant increase in passenger and
cargo traffic.

Tourist Attractions

East London is located on the coast along the Indian
Ocean and is a major industrial city, predominantly in
motor vehicle manufacturing and assembling.
Popular local beaches include Nahoon Beach, Gonubie
Beach and Orient Beach. Tourists can enjoy a variety of
museums, private game reserves, the zoo and aquarium,
nature trails and art galleries.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

20

KIMBERLY AIRPORT,
NORTHERN CAPE

Kimberley is the largest city in the Northern Cape
with a rich mining heritage dating back to the 1800s.
Similarly, the aviation industry in Kimberley also has a
long-standing history that goes back to the early 1900s.
Kimberley Airport was even rated as having the best
night-time landing facilities in Africa in 1930.

Tourist Attractions

The Northern Cape was created in 1994 when the Cape
Province was split up. It is home to the Kalahari Gemsbok
National Park, which forms part of the Kgalagadi
Transfrontier Park, an international park shared with
Botswana.
There are many landmarks for sightseers, most notably
the Big Hole, which was formerly mined for diamonds
and has since become a popular tourist attraction and
unique landmark. Culture vultures and nature lovers can
also enjoy the Open Mine Museum, Mokala National Park,
Kamfers Dam, the Oppenheimer Gardens, Wildebeest
Kuil Rock Art Centre, William Humphreys Art Gallery and
the Railway Museum.

BRAM FISCHER
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,
FREE STATE

Formerly known as Bloemfontein Airport, it was later
renamed after the renowned lawyer in 2012. The airport
is 20 kilometres from the Bloemfontein city centre where
a wide choice of accommodation is available.

Tourist Attractions

Bloemfontein means ‘Fountain of Flowers’ in English,
and the city is the judicial capital of the country with a
political heritage.
Bloemfontein has many lush and green parks which are
available for communal use as hangout spots. The local
Botanical Gardens provides visitors with an abundance
of flowers and several hundred different species of
plants. There are two zoos which are home to various
species of birds, primates and other exotic animals. Other
notable sights include the Naval Hill Planetarium and
Boyden Observatory which are used for international
astronomical research and studies by Harvard University.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

PORT ELIZABETH
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,
EASTERN CAPE

UPINGTON AIRPORT, In 1917, the first plane flew from Cape Town to Port
NORTHERN CAPE Elizabeth, and the site has seen many take-offs and
landings since then. It is called the Ten-Minute Airport as
Upington Airport was established in 1968 and is host to it is less than a ten-minute drive from most of the major
three asphalt runways which can accommodate aircrafts areas within the city.
as large as a Boing 747, the main runway is just short of
5KMs in length and is the longest civilian runway in the Tourist Attractions
Southern Hemisphere and one of the longest in the world.
It even has the ability to land a NASA Space Shuttle in the Port Elizabeth is South Africa’s third-largest port and has
event of an emergency. Apart from offering commercial some of the country’s cleanest beaches. With more than
flights to the public, Upington Airport is a cargo hub for 40 kilometres of coastline lapped by the clear waters
items such as grape exports and motor vehicle imports by of beautiful Algoa Bay, water sports run the gamut
car manufacturers. here - from surfing, sailing, swimming, and fishing to
windsurfing, kiteboarding, and scuba diving.
Tourist Attractions
Travellers can hop aboard a harbour cruise for a chance
Upington can be found along the Orange River and was to spot whale species such as humpbacks, Southern right
named after the former prime minister of the Cape, Sir whales, and Bryde’s whales, depending on the time of
Thomas Upington just before 1900. year. In the city’s historical hub, the art and heritage
It is mostly known for its grape harvests which are of high trail Route 67, celebrates the fascinating and sometimes
international quality and are predominantly exported to turbulent history of this friendly colonial city. And in the
Europe and produced into wine. Upington is also famous surrounding area, private game reserves and the popular
for its six Orange River Wines; Kanoneiland, Grootdrink, Addo Elephant National Park lure wildlife lovers with
Kakamas, Keimoes and Groblershoop. The city and the affordable DIY and guided safaris.
surrounding areas also host a variety of tourist attractions
and landmarks such as Augrabies Falls, the Flowers of
Namaqualand, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Richtersveld,
Green Kalahari, Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate, and
Kalahari-Oranje Museum.
So, this December, take your friends and family on the
road less travelled by using the best airports on the African
continent.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

22 OUR PICK OF Who says you have to be lying
on the beach or reclining on a
THE BEST READS hammock to enjoy a good book?
FOR 2019 Not us! We picked some of the
best South African books that
can be bought from Exclusive
Books and other bookstores at
our airports to help pass the
time at a terminal – day or night.
Enjoy!

SOUTH AFRICAN AUTHORS

Black Tax
Niq Mhlongo
A secret anguish for some, a proud responsibility for others, so-called black tax draws heated and
wide-ranging reactions. While the debate rages, these payments and other forms of support to
family members remain a daily reality for many black South Africans. Consequently, thousands of
black South Africans still live in poverty today. Some believe black tax is an undeniable part of black
culture and part of the philosophy of ubuntu. The book delves into the everyday life of black South
Africans and the essence of black family life and the family members who often battle to cope.

Vagabond: Wandering Through Africa on Faith
Lerato Mogoatlhe

When Lerato Mogoathle left South Africa for a planned three-month break to West Africa, little did
she know it would turn into five years. Vagabond is her hilarious and honest account of her years of
living as a drifter in Africa. In between the borders, foreign architecture and interesting new ways of
life, she found passion, love, laughter and heartbreak. You will be regaled by the tales of how she tries
to worm herself into hotels when she had no money. This is a travel memoir driven by the belief that

whatever else Africa is, it is first and foremost a home.

The Longest March
Fred Khumalo
It’s 1899, and 7 000 Zulu mineworkers walk from the gold mines in Johannesburg to Natal, covering
500 kilometres over 10 days. This journey is their longest march. Nduku has just broken off an
engagement to his white fiancé, Phillipa. Tensions are mounting between the Zuid-Afrikaanse
Republiek and the gold-hungry British Empire. When war is declared, the mines are shut down, and
migrant workers are ordered to leave town. But how do you get home and out of harm’s way when
there are no running trains, and home is hundreds of kilometres away? You walk. Over perilous
terrains - sleeping in the open, being attacked by wild animals and harassed by armed white farmers
- Nduku and Philippa and 7 000 others walked.

The Last Hunt
Deon Meyer

Captain Benny Griessel and Vaughn Cupido of the Hawks Elite Police Unit have a cold case, and it’s
not what they were looking for. And it’s a difficult case, too. The body of Johnson Johnson, an ex-
cop, has been found beside a railway line. He appears to have jumped from South Africa’s - perhaps
the world’s - most luxurious train, and the two suspicious characters who were seen with him have
disappeared into thin air. The regular police have already failed to make progress and others are
intent on muddying the waters. Meanwhile, in Bordeaux, Daniel Darret is settled in a new life on a
different continent. A quiet life. But his skills as an international hitman are required one more time,
and Daniel is given no choice in the matter. He must hunt again, and his prey is the corrupt president
of his homeland. Three strands of the same story become entwined in a ferocious race against time.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

Intruders
Mohale Mashigo
Orphan sisters chase monsters of urban legend in Bloemfontein. At a busy taxi rank, a woman kills
a man with her shoe. A genomicist is accused of playing God when she creates a fatherless child.
Intruders is a collection that explores how it feels not to belong. These are stories of unremarkable
people thrust into extraordinary situations by events beyond their control. With a unique and
memorable touch, Mohale Mashigo explores the everyday ills we live with and constantly wrestle,
all the while allowing hidden energies to emerge and play out their unforeseen consequences.
Intruders is speculative fiction at its best.

Illumination
Nthikeng Mohlele
Bantubonke is an accomplished and revered jazz trumpeter, composer and bandleader in decline,
an absent parent and an inadequate spouse. He lives for art at the expense of everything else; an
imbalance that derails his life and propels him to the brink of madness and despair. A story of direct
and implied betrayals, Illumination is an unrelenting study of possession and loss, the beauty and
uncertainty of love, the dangers and intrusions of fame.

This Mournable Body
Tsitsi Dangaremba
Dangarembe returns to the protagonist of her acclaimed first novel, Nervous Conditions, to
examine how the hope and potential of a young girl and a fledgeling nation can sour over time and
become a bitter and floundering struggle for survival.

The Broken River Tent
Mphuthumi Ntabeni

The story is told through the eyes of a young Xhosa man, Phila, who, after being under immense
mental and emotional pressure in the pursuit of his history and the history of his people, enters a
sacred space of intense spiritual recognition between the living and the dead. He is visited by the
spirit of ancestor Maqoma, who, while he lived, was the Xhosa chief at the forefront of fighting British
colonialism in the Eastern Cape. Phila and Maqoma engage in spiritual conversations about culture,

history, literature, religion, the past and contemporary South African life.

Bassie: My Journey of Hope
Basetsana Kumalo
Basetsana Kumalo (nee Makgalemele) shot to fame as a fresh-faced Miss South Africa in 1994. As
the first black presenter of the glamorous lifestyle TV show, Top Billing, she travelled the world
and interviewed superstars like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson and Jon Bon Jovi. Bassie’s drive
and ambition took her into the world of business, where she built a media empire. When she
married the handsome businessman, Romeo Kumalo, in a fairy-tale wedding, they became South
Africa’s sweethearts and it-couple. Bassie - My Journey of Hope recounts the stories of Bassie’s life
as a celebrity, including her relationships with mentors like Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-
Mandela and Graça Machel. She also shares the secrets of her success and all the lessons she’s learnt
along the way and opens up about the pressures of her high-profile marriage to Romeo, their heart-
breaking struggle to have a family, and how they made sure that their loving and respectful union
has lasted two decades.

Coconut Kelz’s Guide to Surviving This Shithole
Lesego Tlhabi

When she was last spotted on the crossroads of Swart and Gevaar Roads, Coconut Kelz was drinking
Woolies water and spreading her truth bombs about the state of the nation, why corruption is okay
when white people do it and why black people don’t win in life. Coconut Kelz (Kelello but call me
Kelz!) is a young Caucasian woman trapped in a black woman’s body. Kelz lives in and tries never to
leave Sandton and is a staunch member of the DA. She often takes issue with her reverse racist dad,
while her mother has to remind her that Braai Day is actually called Heritage Day. With handy tips
on how to achieve the white right standard of beauty, how to catch yourself a white guy (elongate
your vowels, get yourself into white spaces), the best suburbs to live in and how to host the perfect

Caucasian shindig, Kelz offers a complete guide for a full Caucasian conversion.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

THANKS FOR
YOUR SERVICE,

ANDRE!

As we prepare to close off the year,
we also bid farewell to one of our
long-time colleagues and Group
Executive: Airport Management,
Andre Vermeulen, who resigns
from Airports Company South

Africa after more than two decades
in the organisation.

In his 24 years at Airports Company South Africa, Andre
has played a pivotal role in the organisation through his
contribution, which includes extended hours of dedication
that are greatly appreciated today. It goes without saying that
we will miss him greatly.
Andre qualified as a mechanical engineer in 1994 before
joining Airports Company South Africa as an engineer-in-
training in 1995. His professionalism and work ethic saw him
appointed as the Head of Mechanical Maintenance at O.R.
Tambo International Airport within two years.
Today, Andre boasts years of aviation industry experience
in all disciplines of engineering, more recently focused on
developing integrated IT platforms for operations. He has also
played a role in developing business management programmes
and possesses in-depth expertise in airport management.
We at Airports Company South Africa are extremely grateful
to have worked with a man with such an impressive profile
cultivated by a culture of encouragement and career growth
within the organisation.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

25

Some of the roles Andre has performed during his 24- Although Andre’s presence will be missed, Deon Cloete,
year tenure at Airports Company South Africa include: the current General Manager at Cape Town International
• Manager: Maintenance and Engineering at O.R. Airport is ready to step in as the Acting Group Executive:
Airport Management from 17 December 2019. The
Tambo International Airport from May 2001 to recruitment process for a permanent replacement is
September 2005 where he was responsible for currently underway.
engineering systems in major projects such as the We at Airports Company South Africa are immensely
new domestic terminal building at the airport; grateful to Andre for his many years of service and
• Group Manager: Airport Operations from October dedication to the growth and advancement of our
2005 to September 2011 where he was responsible organisation. As the traditional Celtic saying goes: “May
for the systems within operations countrywide and there always be work for your hands to do”. Even if it’s
delivered the new Airport Management Centre for in your garden at home as you catch your breath after a
O.R. Tambo International Airport; and long and fruitful working career. Au revoir!
• He was appointed as Group Executive: Airport
Management from July 2014 until the present.

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

26

RUNNING WILD
AND FREE

Airports Company South Africa
is not short of adventure-seekers
and endurance sports lovers. Many

of our colleagues are dedicated
employees who work hard and do a

diligent job with the PRIDE values
firmly intact. This commitment also

extends to their extracurricular
activities, where they continue to

embrace and embody the same
values.

One of those activities is long-distance running. So why run marathons when you can just go to the
gym? Levels, colleagues!
At Airports Company South Africa, we are so “It is an amazing feeling that cannot be described,”
passionate about the road that we even have our says Phumeza, who is a five-time Comrades
own official running club. Phumeza Bobotyana is Marathon runner. “You feel like you can conquer
one such passionate member. The Flight Data anything in the world. There are enormous life
Controller based at Cape Town International Airport lessons learnt in this race which are phenomenally
has completed both the Comrades and Two Oceans incomparable. The joy it gives is inexplicable.”
marathons – and she’s not done yet. From George to Johannesburg, our organisation
While daily exercise and gym memberships are is awash with runners and adventure-seekers.
often considered from a cosmetic and aesthetic “Pushing boundaries and seeing how far you can go
perspective, i.e. losing weight or attaining that is akin to a spiritual experience for many runners,”
summer body – for others, it is deeper than that. Phumeza added.
Especially for marathon runners. They know they “My highlight is always being in awe of what the
don’t have to, but the rush of it all is immense. body is able to do, how strong the mind can be,”
The loneliness of the road and its demand to be she says.
alone with yourself is too appealing; the thud of “In the race, there is a part where your body shuts
your feet on the earth too rewarding; and the relief
and self-satisfaction from completing the race too DECEMBER 2019
overwhelming to turn away from.

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

down, and only the mind works. I cannot leave training in whenever I can. But I always strive to
out support. Support is always the highlight of my make sure that there is a balance and that I do
races. Although I do it alone, I always feel like I could everything that I want to do. For the last Comrades,
not do this without the support of friends, family, I got sick two weeks before the big event. This gave
colleagues and the running community at large. In me little time to train and recover, but I lined up
this sense, it becomes a collective effort.” anyway because I wouldn’t have it any other way,”
Indeed, the preparation for marathons is an arduous Phumeza concluded.
one and requires sacrifices and understanding from Running, more than any other sport always leaves
those who are close to you. Discipline and lifestyle its contenders in awe about their belief systems
balance are the necessary requirements that ensure and abilities. As most runners worth their salt will
Phumeza the freedom to get on the road whenever tell you, running is nothing more than a series of
her heart desires. arguments between the part of your brain that
“It’s dedication, consistency and commitment to wants to stop and the part that wants to keep
do training no matter the weather,” Phumeza says going. Cheers to that and keep running wild and free
about her preparatory regiment. adventure-seekers!
“I do training five times a week, but now due to
hectic work schedules and my studies, I fit my DECEMBER 2019

CHECK-IN

28

LEGALLY SPEAKING:
WHY A SERVICE LEVEL
AGREEMENT IS IMPORTANT

There is an adage that says, “A contract is made for
divorce, not for marriage”. This can mean that until there
is a disagreement between the couple, no one looks at the
contract to see what their rights and obligations are. This
conduct negates the very existence of contracts in the first
place as people act without being fully aware of their rights
and obligations as contained in the contract. Given the above
context, all parties to a contract must always be aware of

what any contract spells out.

It is as important for an enabling business unit like the Legal Services Department (LSD) to

have a contract with other respective business units which it supports. It is for this reason that
the LSD entered into a contract with various business units for the provision of legal services.
This contract is typically called a Service Level Agreement (SLA).
An SLA defines the level of service expected by a customer from a supplier, laying out the
metrics by which that service is measured, and the remedies or penalties, if any, should the
agreed-on service levels not be achieved. Additionally, it defines the working relationship, sets
out a process by which services are to be requested and/or rendered and states timeframes
related to the performance of these services.
Of the utmost importance is that once this SLA has been signed, it must form a cornerstone of
the relationship between LSD and the respective business units, and a deliberate effort must
always be made to ensure that the contract is adhered to.
LSD has signed SLAs with various Airports Company South Africa business units and is advocating
for the SLA to be socialised among employees across the Organisation to improve the quality
of services provided. Managers are implored to ensure that instructions are sent to LSD in line
with the procedure set out in the SLA and timeframes set out for the provision of legal services
are observed.
This document is important in that it helps the parties to manage expectations while ensuring
that the highest level of service delivery is maintained.
An SLA can provide peace of mind to the business unit as it allows it to hold LSD accountable
and details exactly the type of service that can be expected from LSD.
Built into an SLA are targets which are precise and assessable. This makes it easy to monitor the
levels of satisfaction and improve them. If this document is not socialised among all employees
across the Organisation, it will be like a contract that is made for divorce and not for marriage
as it will only be referred to once there is a disagreement between the business unit and LSD.
For more information or clarity regarding SLAs, managers are urged to contact Lebogang Matlou
at the Legal Services Department on [email protected].

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

AIRPORTS
COMPANY

SOUTH
AFRICA’S
NEW CAPITAL
EXPENDITURE
PROGRAMME

According to Badisa
Matshego, Group Executive

for Infrastructure Asset
Management (IAM), it is
international best practice to
review Airport Master Plans

every five to 10 years.

A irports Company South Africa has embarked on a with an emphasis and focus on a balanced and integrated
development approach that serves multiple stakeholders
massive capital expenditure (Capex) programme that will with multiple - and often divergent - objectives. This
see the organisation invest over R10 billion in the next five may include environmental requirements; changes in
years around its network of airports. the landscape such as technology, aircraft performance,
According to Badisa Matshego, Group Executive for aircraft sizes, airline strategies, aerotropolis developments,
Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM), it is international alignment with external developments and initiatives to
best practice to review Airport Master Plans every five to name but a few factors.”
10 years. In terms of process, Capital Expansion programmes follow
“This is to ensure that the long-term development the Master Plan concept.This is then translated into project
framework remains relevant by incorporating the latest development after factoring in various considerations
strategic, economic, commercial and technical thrusts such as need, priority and budgets to intervene on issues
while responding to changing global trends and industry of capacity, efficiency, compliance, commercial needs and
shifts,” he said. others.
“A Master Planning process is complex. A multitude of Recently appointed Acting Chief Operating Officer
criteria are considered in deriving the preferred layout (ACOO), Girish Gopal – who previously ran the Technical
with no single consideration taking preference, but rather

AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

31

Services and Solutions (TSS) division – explained that the O.R. Tambo International Airport
TSS division undertakes the project development after all • Remote apron stands
considerations have been investigated. • Western Precinct Phase 1
“The TSS team ensures that the identified Capex projects • Midfield Cargo Phase 1
are delivered on time and within budget across the Group. King Shaka International Airport
The division, therefore, works in the full spectrum of the • Bravo taxiway extension
construction value chain from consulting engineers to • Delta remote stands
construction companies,” he explained. The six regional airports will also be included in the Capex
Major projects to be undertaken by 2022 programme with developments that include terminal expansion,
Cape Town International Airport lounge improvements, adding capacity at check-in counters and
• New realigned runway security checkpoints.
• Terminal 2 development
• New domestic arrivals

CHECK-IN DECEMBER 2019

32 TOUCH
DOWN!

South Africans heeded the clarion call of
pride and patriotism when the Rugby World
Cup-winning Springboks team returned home

for a week-long, country-wide triumphant
tour of the Webb Ellis Cup. Our airports were

the touch down sites as thousands of proud
“Saffers” came to greet and take pictures with

the sporting heroes. See for yourself



34



-2019FEATHER AWARDS

The annual Feather Awards took place between November and December
2019 at all our airports. As usual, the ceremonies were a rip-roaring
affair with lots of fun, entertainment and acknowledgements. Check out
these image highlights from some of the events. Thank you to our valued
stakeholders and congratulations to all the winners!







airports.co.za

Airports Company South Africa
wishes all our staff a happy and
safe holiday season.
Thank you for a productive 2019.

WISHING YOU A

OF PLENTY!