Speech by the Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Sylvia Lucas on the occasion of the launch of the Northern Cape Intra-Provincial Flight Service, on 23 January 2014 in Kimberley

Programme Director
MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Mr Mac Jack
CEO and The Management of Phakalane Airways
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to be here today to mark this prestigious launch of the Phakalane air transport service route which will link some of the major towns of the Northern Cape Province. May I also extend our gratitude to Phakalane Airways for partnering with us and agreeing to make flying in our province a much enjoyable travel experience.

The timing of the launch of the new flight service could not have come at a better time as we start the new year which was heralded in with much promise. With road traffic congestion challenges, the poor condition of many roads, especially in rural areas the economic growth and the importance of mobility and accessibility in our Province, current developments have highlighted the need for an efficient and reliable air service.

This milestone initiative Ladies and Gentlemen, stems from the need to provide the Northern Cape communities with a reliable, affordable and efficient transport air service after feasibility studies were commissioned thereby identifying a critical gap in the market.

This partnership is an example of the Provincial Government’s continuous commitment to the success and advancement of the Northern Cape and the wider Commercial Aviation Industry in the country.

These new flights will provide our people in the Northern Cape with a fast, reliable and safe air service and give travellers more options of travelling between the towns. Air Transport is a critically important industry with a significant impact on our economy and the economic well-being of our people.

Like many economic activities that are infrastructure intensive, the transport sector is an important component of the economy impacting on development and the welfare of the population. When transport systems are efficient, they provide economic and social opportunities and benefits that result in positive multiplier effects such as better accessibility to markets, employment and additional investments.

Programme Director, this new initiative will undoubtedly help to strengthen the many cultural, sporting and trade links throughout the province. There is an obvious demand for fast, efficient access between the different towns in the province and I am confident that this new service will be loyally supported by the business and tourism sectors so that it grows in leaps and bounds throughout the province.

The new air service is not only good for economic development of the province, but it is also important for the future growth of the Aviation sector itself. One pertinent example is that it will inspire and motivate young people to become pilots.

Programme Director, the Government views the aviation service as fulfilling an important role in the overall national transport network in facilitating rapid access to and from the towns in the province. The success of any business in producing services and goods, and moving people from one town to another, deepens people-to-people exchanges and is the cornerstone of any successful vision that seeks to build friendships and expand cross-country understanding.

With new flights and improved transport infrastructure, our province can become an even more effective gateway to the neighbouring countries and preferred destination for tourists.

I welcome this groundbreaking initiative shown by the Phakalane Aviation Company in introducing this new service.

I would also urge local business interests and the travelling public to support routes to various destinations thereby ensuring that the service is retained for the benefit of the province and its entire population.

I would like to conclude by wishing the CEO of the Airways and his team, every success with the New Aviation service and I am certain that it will soon be a permanent feature in the Northern Cape’s transport landscape.

I thank you.