Four More Airports to Operate Under Level 2 in South Africa

Four more airports have been given the green light to resume operations, bringing the total to 18 airports which are permitted to operate in South Africa, says Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula. International air travel remains prohibited.

The four airports are: Mthatha Airport, Hoedspruit Airport, Phalaborwa Airport and Margate Airport as the new additions.

“Air travel is crucial to our efforts to gradually resume economic activity. In re-opening our airspace, we have put protocols in place to determine the state of readiness for our airports to resume operations in a phased manner.

“This process is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, which has done a splendid job in ensuring compliance with safety and health measures. Despite the movement to alert level 2, we will continue on the same trajectory until every one of our airports meets the strict protocols,” Mbalula said. South Africa moved to lockdown level 2 from midnight on Monday, 17 August 2020.

Public transport in South Africa

Under level 2 interprovincial travel is now permitted, subject to restrictions on public transport vehicles.

“Mini-buses, midi-buses and buses are only permitted to carry a maximum of 70% of their licensed passenger carrying capacity when undertaking long distance travel.

“For the undertaking of short distance public transport of 200km or less, buses, mini-buses, midi-buses, e-hailing services, metered taxis, shuttle service, chauffer driven vehicles and scholar transport vehicles are permitted to carry 100% of their maximum licence capacity,” the Minister said.

Long distance has been defined as any distance in excess of 200km, irrespective of whether it crosses provincial boundaries or not.

Rail operations are permitted to carry a maximum of 70% of their licensed passenger capacity.

Maritime

Cruise ships remain prohibited from calling at any of the South African ports, except for the disembarkation of returning South African crew, South African citizens or holders of permanent residence permits.

Foreign crew changes for any vessels are permitted only at the Cape Town Port and at the Port of Durban, subject to compliance with certain conditions.

Road Traffic Amendment Bill

Meanwhile, The Road Traffic Amendment Bill, which introduces 0% alcohol level for all motorists, was introduced in Parliament in June 2020.

Research conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council and the University of South Africa, shows that driver alcohol intoxication accounts for 27.1% of fatal crashes in South Africa.

This is estimated to cost the economy R18.2 billion annually. – SAnews.gov.za