Deputy Chairperson, neither I nor my department have entered into discussions with the authorities of African countries and/or the African Union to secure agreements to deregulate the operations of African airlines in the airspace of African countries. Both state-owned airlines have extensive African route networks. South African Airways operates in 20 African countries, while SA Express operates in six African countries connecting to the domestic and intercontinental network of SAA, which is based at its hub airport, O R Tambo International Airport.
Both SAA and SA Express are licensed by the International Air Licensing Council to operate African routes established by means of bilateral air service agreements negotiated by the Department of Transport and concluded by my colleague, the Minister of Transport, who is promoting the deregulation of inter-African air services. Whilst the Department of Public Enterprises is consulted on these matters, this remains the mandate of the Minister and Department of Transport. As Minister of Public Enterprises I, therefore, have no authority to pursue air service negotiations with other countries. Thank you.
Upgrading of national roads in Mpumalanga and co-operation between provincial and national government in this regard
71. Mr A Watson (DA) asked the Minister of Transport:
(1) (a) What progress has been made with the upgrading of the national roads in Mpumalanga and (b) what is the co-operation between his department and the provincial government of Mpumalanga in this regard; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter? CO241E