- Title: KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LAUNCH – DURBAN, 08 MAY 2010 TAPE 02
- Date: 8th May 2010
- Summary: KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LAUNCH – DURBAN, 08 MAY 2010 TAPE 02
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- City: Durban
- Country: South Africa
- Reuters ID: 10MAY08R02
- Story Text:KING SHAKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LAUNCH – DURBAN, 08 MAY 2010
TAPE 02
00:40:46: KING GOODWILL ZWELITHINI CONTINUES WITH ADDRESSING THE GATHERING
00:42:57: VARIOUS GUESTS APPLAUD AT THE END OF THE SPEECH
00:43:37: SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA ADDRESSING THE GATHERING
“His Majesty the King, Isilo Samabandla, Minister Transport S`bu Ndebele, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe. The launch of this airport could not have occurred at a better time. In less than 35 days, South Africa will experience its largest waves of aviation traffic in its history, when the 2010 FIFA World Cup begins. This airport is being launched right on time to receive this international traffic. We welcome the fact that the airport is also going to be a critical diversion facility for OR Tambo International should this be necessary. We are also thrilled by the fact that we are able to present the World Cup in a South Africa that is going through a huge building and reconstruction phase. Our infrastructure investment programme is doing wonders for the country economically and socially.
00:45:22: SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA ADDRESSING THE GATHERING
“And as we mark the first anniversary of the fourth democratic administration, we can proudly say that the economic kingdom is firmly within our grasp. You will recall that at the height of the recession last year, the new Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, announced to our people and to the world that we would not cut back on our infrastructure programme. The response of the markets was clear. Money poured into South Africa - into our stocks and bonds, and, whether we liked it or not, our currency strengthened. South Africa has become a place to invest in, in times of stress. This is a real turn-around from the gloomy 1990s! Fifteen years ago, every time there was a crisis in Mexico, Indonesia, Russia or Brazil, money would pour out of South Africa. Now, investors turn towards South Africa in times of uncertainty. We must come to terms with this positive reality. We are rebuilding South Africa. Our quality of life and our competitiveness are improving. This is not only through our infrastructure, but also through investments in our health and education systems and others. We have every reason to be optimistic about the future of our country.
00:47:54: SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA ADDRESSING THE GATHERING
“You’re Majesty, Distinguished guests, in capturing the international tourism and air cargo markets. Government’s strategic national economic objectives seek to establish over time, the country’s first sea and air multi-modal platform that serves not only South Africa but the Southern African Development Community. The port of Durban is already the country’s biggest container port, serving more than 50 international destinations. The port of Richards Bay serves as the largest bulk port in the country.
Both these seaports are linked to the Dube Trade Port and King Shaka International by road and in the future by rail. This transportation platform will be well placed going forward, to serve our country, as we increase our trade and exports globally and with Southern Africa’s regional markets. In this regard, government at national, provincial and local levels, are working together in a process that will put forward the best strategic investment option for the country. In addition, our trade strategy seeks greater integration with countries of the south. These new markets such as India and south East Asia offer new opportunities for growth in trade, business and tourism.
The new Airport and the Dube Trade Port will be well positioned to capture these new air services going forward. At a provincial and local government level now is the time to encourage new investments in tourism products that are competitively priced and attractive for foreign visitors. The World Cup offers us the best opportunity to welcome foreign visitors and ensure that they come back to enjoy what our country has to offer. It is the best time ever to launch such a project, and market it to the world at large.
00:50:11: SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT, JACOB ZUMA ADDRESSING THE GATHERING
“Aviation infrastructure presents key challenges around carbon footprints particularly with respect to global climate change. South Africa, as you know, will be hosting the World Climate Change Summit next year. The Dube Trade Port and King Shaka International Airport have the opportunity to develop the first green Trade port in the world. We have the opportunity to develop the world’s first green Aerotropolis, a purpose built airport city, with unparalleled opportunities for decent jobs, investment and trade…
You’re Majesty,
Distinguished guests,
The sculpture of King Shaka that dominates the public park deserves a special mention. This is not only because of its majestic presence, but also because of the interpretation of the essence of the founder of the Zulu nation. For too long, we have allowed the historical image of King Shaka to be viewed within the colonial mindset.
King Shaka was a strategic thinker, able to position the African philosophy around the idea of nationhood. From this position he entered into a set of dynamic relationships with the British colonial settler community. The airport is therefore very appropriately named after this master strategist and pioneer. I also want to point out that this site, and the wider region, is a place where great South African men and women walked and lived over the centuries. Not far from here in the Inanda Magisterial District, is the home of John Langalibalele Dube, the founding…”
00:55:10: VARIOUS GUESTS SEATED AND LISTENING
00:57:50: VARIOUS GUESTS APPLAUD AT THE END OF THE SPEECH
01:02:47: VARIOUS SHOTS INSIDE KING SHAKA AIRPORT
01:11:06: WIDE OF KING SHAKA AIRPORT
01:12:50: SCULPTURE OF KING SHAKA
01:13:43: FLIGHT CONTROLLERS WORKING IN AIRPORT CONTROL TOWER
01:14:25: OVERHEAD VIEW OF CARGO HOLD AND PARKED AEROPLANES
01:16:08: PLANE TAKING OFF - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
