Keynote address by the Honourable Deputy Minister of Transport, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi (MP) at the launch of the Aviation Personnel Card License by the SACAA at the SACAA, in Midrand on 21 April 2021
Programme Director
The SACAA Board led by the Chairperson of the Board, Mr Ernest Khosa
The Director of Civil Aviation, Ms Poppy Khoza
Chief Executive Officers of State-owned Entities and Industry Associations
SACAA Executives
Members of the Industry
1st Recipients of the new card licence
Members of the Media
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Introduction
Let me take this opportunity to thank the South African Civil Aviation Authority for the opportunity to take part in a historical moment defining the future of civil aviation in this country.
It is a moment that puts this country on the map with the best civil aviation countries in the world.
Milestones such as these should not be celebrated in isolation as in reality they are key steps that move us forward as a Continent and serve as symbols of the actualisation of the African Union Goals and Priority Areas of Agenda 2063.
In this regard, and looking at the specified aspirations, goals, and the set priority areas, the African Union calls for among others:
- A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. This together with other specified aspirations, goals require States to consider:
(a) Environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities;
(b) Sustainable consumption and production patterns
(c) World Class Infrastructure that criss-crosses Africa; and
(d) Well educated citizens and skills revolution underpinned by science, technology and innovation (just to name a few)
- Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner.
Focus on Building Infrastructure that Grows the Economy Programme Director, allow me to point out that Chapter 4 of the National Development Plan (NDP) calls for the development of economic infrastructure as the foundation of social and economic development.
The realisation of this call requires focus on developing an efficient, competitive and responsive economic infrastructure network, hence the department’s emphasis on mobility and access to social and economic opportunities.
This is achievable by facilitating and creating an enabling environment for maintaining the entire road network, modernising passenger rail and improving services with a commitment to integrated public transport.
The department’s strategic goals are thus, among others to ensure an efficient and integrated infrastructure network that serves as a catalyst for social and economic development; ensure a safe and secure transport sector; improve rural access, infrastructure and mobility, and increase the contribution of the transport sector to job creation.
The implementation of transport functions at the national sphere takes place through public entities or agencies that are overseen by the department.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority must thus be commended for its commitment to technological innovation as we develop new measures and new tools for more effective and efficient implementation of a safe and secure civil aviation industry.
The South African civil aviation industry is highly regarded globally in terms of compliance with global standards that regulate air transport. This is not by sheer luck, but through determination and steadfast focus on the assigned mandate.
It is our conviction that social progress is in one way or another dependant on advanced research capabilities, technological innovation and design.
In addition, it is also clear that a progressive understanding of the need for continuous change in systems that support the needs of society and the dynamics of the current and future environments is very necessary.
The SACAA has remained committed to both industry development and contributes to our broadest commitment, that of better life for all.
Change is inevitable
William C Pollard, once said, and I quote:
“Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”
I am therefore very pleased that the SACAA is today joining the frontrunners in introducing this much awaited nifty and secure card licence.
It shows that we are not only driven by forced change, but remain active participants in the delivery of the desired change and future.
The introduction, back in 2015, of regulations to allow legal operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS in short) or drones, as commonly referred to; as well as the issuing of the first RPAS pilot licence serve as testimony to the organization’s regulatory farsightedness.
Similarly, we are also encouraged by the CAA’s ability to take firm regulatory steps to complement the innovative nature of air transportation technologies.
More importantly and in relation to our purposes today, we take great pride in the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s pioneering initiative to eradicate the existing and almost archaic licensing system.
It is important to note that this system has been in existence for many years provoking a migration to a digital solution in line with the trends of our times.
Speaking at the Science, Technology and Innovation Dialogue in 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa had this to say about the value of science, technology, and innovation; and I quote:
“While discussion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has been focused on manufacturing and the implications for global supply chains, it is important to have a holistic perspective of the impact of these disruptive new technologies on all aspects of human endeavour and well-being” Unquote.
Towards a Paperless Office Environment
During the 39th ICAO Assembly, South Africa became the 100th State to submit the State Safety Plan that documents South Africa’s commitment towards preserving the environment.
Programme Director, the innovation we are launching here today further accentuates the commitment of South Africa to introducing technological innovation in a responsible manner.
It is no rocket science that the migration to a licence card will save many trees thereby minimising the footprint of aviation activities on the environment.
This is after all the intention of the State Safety Plan; i.e, to reduce the impact of aviation activities on the environment.
It is clear that our nation’s commitment to ultimately eradicate the use of paper has found appropriate and necessary expression in the development of the card license we are unveiling today.
It is also clear as shown by research that environmental considerations and policies can ultimately influence technology innovation.
However, given the intensive use of paper and its impact on the environment, the world has been slow in responding to the challenges presented by excessive use of paper.
Security features of the card
Through the card license we are again demonstrating our enduring commitment to not only save our trees, but to equally exert efforts towards a more secure licensing system.
It is notable as mentioned by our Director of Civil Aviation, Ms Poppy Khoza, that the card license comes with critically important security
features, which it must be mentioned are bound to enhance the safety of air transport.
Innovation is the bedrock of human advancement
It has been slightly over 100 years since aviation became part of modern society. Notably, through each decade there has been ground-breaking and innovative solutions that have propelled aviation to where we are today.
Ladies and gentlemen, this card licence we are launching today is a certainly a continuation of our efforts to embrace technology and remain relevant to the needs of the people we serve, especially in this digital era.
Government in broad terms is today replete with innovative technologies in order to bring about efficiency and many other benefits achievable through continuous technological innovation.
The Department of Transport is not immune to these influences but has instead embraced these influences as definitive milestones to be realised for operational progress and sustainability.
More than a week ago, the Minister of Transport stated at the National Aviation Conference that technology and innovation will certainly play a pivotal role in simplifying processes and making air travel more attractive.
Almost 12 months ago, the Director General of the Department of Transport, Mr Alec Moemi, announced to Parliament then that we will soon launch a new electronic driving licence card.
Efforts are ongoing to ultimately implement an integrated ticketing system in the public transport environment, through which we aim to efficiently and more effectively cater for passenger needs and promote public transport.
In addition, the Department of Transport is hard at work to find appropriate technologies to be used by persons with disabilities to safely navigate complex public transport environments.
This is while we continue to promote the improvement of universally accessible infrastructure design in all public transport environments.
These, ladies and gentlemen, are just a few examples of the initiatives the Department of Transport entities are embarking on to propel the transport industry to world class standards.
COVID-19 Nudged Technological Advancements
Programme Director, it is clear to us all that technology is becoming a major solution in our drive to contain the spread of the current pandemic.
As alluded to by the Director of Civil Aviation in this card, there will be no need to hand over a booklet for Inspectors to page over in order to ascertain a licensed personnel’s credentials.
With just a simple scan using a smartphone, the information about the aviator becomes accessible.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thus shown us the need to exploit technology to provide efficiency in terms of customer services.
I am thus encouraging the regulator to continue to work hand-in-hand with the aviation and travel industry to ensure that South Africa becomes one of the pioneers or contributors to seamless travel.
Conclusion
In closing, allow me to reiterate the important declaration made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO in short) that 2021 must be marked as a Year of Security Culture.
This declaration marks an excellent time for our operators such as airports to invest in face recognition terminals, which will elevate security standards at access control points.
The introduction of similar technologies will make seamless travel a reality, not only for elite travellers but also across all travellers.
I wish to thank the Board and the Management of the South African Civil Aviation Authority for heeding the call by our Government to embrace technology in order to enhance efficiencies in the services we offer to our stakeholders.
This in my view is definitely a step in the right direction towards building a capable State, a better Africa and a better world.
Well done for the pioneering work. Thank you.