An Open Skies Policy could unlock billions for Cape Town’s economy. So says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos. He says they are calling on the national government to implement an Open Skies Policy. He says such a move could significantly boost the city’s economy, lower air travel costs and unlock new tourism and trade opportunities.

Vos says, ” Cape Town International Airport exceeded its 2024 passenger target by 125%, reinforcing the city’s status as a leading aviation and tourism hub.”

Open Skies Policy Could Unlock Billions for Cape Town’s Economy

Vos says a formal request has been submitted to Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, urging urgent action to liberalise the country’s airspace. He says while the policy centres on aviation, its impact goes far beyond runways and terminals. Vos says it’s about jobs, investment and economic growth for Cape Town and the country.

An Open Skies Policy removes restrictions on air routes

He says an Open Skies Policy removes restrictions on air routes, pricing, capacity and market access. This allows airlines to operate more freely and competitively. Vos adds that International experience shows that this leads to greater connectivity, increased competition and more affordable airfares. This, in turn, makes destinations more accessible for tourists and business travellers alike.

 

He added, “The demand for Cape Town as a destination is undeniable.”

The demand for Cape Town as a destination is undeniable

Vos says South Africa has already committed to aviation liberalisation through the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). However, ongoing bureaucratic and protectionist barriers are preventing these agreements from delivering their full economic benefits.

The demand for Cape Town as a destination is undeniable. Cape Town International Airport exceeded its 2024 passenger target by 125%, reinforcing the city’s status as a leading aviation and tourism hub. Yet without a fully liberalised air transport framework, the city risks missing out on further investment, visitor growth and job creation.

Calls for air transport liberalisation

Vos says, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air transport liberalisation could generate 155,000 new jobs. This could also contribute more than R24 billion to South Africa’s GDP each year.  He says that with every 12 international arrivals supporting one job in tourism, more affordable and accessible flights directly translate into employment opportunities for residents.

To unlock these benefits, the national government is being urged to take decisive action by:

• Fast-tracking South Africa’s SAATM commitments and expanding air access across Africa
• Strengthening competition regulations to ensure fairer and more affordable air travel
• Scaling up infrastructure investment to improve capacity and efficiency at key airports
• Granting additional traffic rights to stimulate competition and improve connectivity

Vos added that ongoing engagement with international airlines and global aviation stakeholders is already underway to attract more routes and increase flight frequency.

Vos concluded, “An Open Skies Policy is essential to build on this momentum, grow the visitor economy and firmly position Cape Town as Africa’s leading gateway for tourism, trade and investment.”

A primary school in the Eastern Cape has temporarily closed after two educators were fatally shot during school hours on Thursday.  

The incident happened at Ntabankulu Primary at lunch time, when an assailant entered the school premises and then its staff room before opening fire.  

“[He] forcibly gained entry to the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence. The suspect proceeded directly to the school kitchen,” read the SAPS statement.  

The Eastern Cape Education Department confirmed that all the educators were at the school’s staff room.  

The man then shot three teachers: one of whom died on the scene, another teacher later died in the hospital, and a third teacher is wounded. All the victims were women. 

 The department said the gunman, who is a former teacher at the school, then turned the gun on himself.  

According to SAPS, the suspect allegedly breached his bail conditions. 

“[He] was out on bail for sexual assault charges involving learners.” 

The investigation docket includes two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one inquest docket – as police try to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the suspect’s bail status. 

“A full investigation into the circumstances of the attack is underway, including the suspect’s breach of bail conditions,” read a SAPS statement on the matter.  

The Eastern Cape Education Department said that learners were dismissed after the incident and that the school would remain closed until next Monday. It further noted that psychosocial support is being provided.  

“As the sector, we send our condolences to the bereaved families. We will ensure that the Alfred Ndzo East Education district provides counselling and debriefing to the bereaved families and learners. We condemn the incident with the strongest terms it deserves,” said the department head, Sharon Maasdorp.  

Cape Town commuters are in for a smoother ride as MyCiTi begins rolling out new digital bus stop posters this month.

The upgraded posters feature QR codes that give passengers instant access to the latest bus times and service updates.

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, says commuters will now be able to scan the QR code at bus stops, which will then load the latest times for that stop and the direction of travel via the MyCiTi website.

“Since our buses are tracked, passengers will be able to see the most accurate times based on the bus’s last known location. In our efforts to keep Cape Town moving, our aim here is to make the travelling experience most convenient for our customers by ensuring that MyCiTi remains the reliable public transport service that it is.”

Quintas says that by shifting to digital bus times at stops, MyCiTi hopes to make public transport more accessible, accurate, and user-friendly.

“Scanning the code with your phone will instantly connect you to the most accurate information at the palm of your hand. The buses are GPS-tracked, and you will be able to see your bus’s last known location and any relevant service updates.”

The new system means commuters no longer have to rely on static schedules and can make travel decisions with real-time information at their fingertips. Passengers can still access bus times through the MyCiTi website, app, or by calling 0800 65 64 63 for free.

The QR code rollout will happen gradually across routes where MyCiTi buses operate, ensuring that Cape Town commuters can enjoy a seamless and modernised travel experience.