The College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs hosted part two of the Aerotropolis Institute Africa (AIA) Webinar series on Developing Resilient Aerotropoli.
Facilitated by senior academic at the School of Management, IT and Governance and AIA Project Manager at UKZN Professor Henry Wissink, the session investigated Contingency plans to rebuild brand South Africa/KwaZulu-Natal: The impact of the recent social unrest and COVID-19 on the Aviation Industry and Tourism Sector.
The panel included Mr Hamish Erskine, Chief Executive Officer at Dube TradePort Corporation; Ms Phindile Makwakwa, Acting CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Ms Azwifaneli Mphaphuli, Group General Manager: Client and Passenger Services: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
Welcoming participants, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Brian McArthur said he is happy that the AIA which was initiated in the Research Office under former colleague Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, has now found its home within CLMS and will continue the trajectory it started off with.
‘As a knowledge partner of the AIA, facilitating economic growth and job creation through skills development, research and collaboration between professional entities within the aviation sector, is a key priority of UKZN. With the AIA and the Durban Aerotropolis as major catalytic projects for our province, we are committed to playing our part in ensuring progress despite the disruption and impact of the pandemic and the recent unprecedented unrest,’ he said.
‘With inputs from industry specialists, UKZN, around which the skills development of the Durban Aerotropolis pivots, is actively involved in the expansion of short courses, promoting postgraduate research in aerotropolis development and in the longer term, exploring the feasibility of undergraduate degrees in aerotropolis studies.
‘Within this industry-academic synergy, we are committed to helping boost economic growth and ultimately, much-needed job creation in our region and province,’ said McArthur.
Erskine spoke on the massive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent unrest on the airline industry. Now that the country is in the recovery stage, air-service re-development is required.
He added that business confidence was negatively affected by the unrest, calling for strong efforts to ensure stability and boost business confidence and partnerships.
Makwakwa reflected on the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on tourism in the country, especially in KZN, and noted that the social unrest has affected the rebuild and recovery plan. ‘We now have two crises to deal with, with people cancelling travel plans to the province due to the unrest.’
She highlighted the recovery plan with campaigns like KZN Rising to reassure citizens that the province is rebuilding and re-opening for business, as well as the tourism relief fund to assist especially small business to keep their heads above water during these unprecedented times.
Mphaphuli’s presentation focused on growing and sustaining airport cities/aviation-enabled business during and post-COVID-19.
She noted the devastating impacts lockdown restrictions had on travel, with many airlines suspending operations and some withdrawing from routes. For example, before the pandemic ACSA had five airlines coming to KZN, but there are currently only two. This not only resulted in a decline in the number of passengers, but a R189 billion loss in revenue which had a ripple effect on the economy and employment.
Mphaphuli identified strategies to help turn this situation around, including collaboration with airlines like Qatar.
‘Our vision is still the same of being the most sought-after partner in the world for provision of airport management by 2030,’ she said.
The webinar concluded with an interactive Q&A session.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photographs: Supplied