Pretoria - Since its opening seven days ago, the New King Shaka International Airport has been a hive of activity following the successful transition from Durban International Airport.
King Shaka International Airport's General Manager, Terence Delomoney said the successful move to the airport is a huge accomplishment for the country at large.
"It makes all of us proud to stand here today and report that the airport is running smoothly," Delomoney said on Wednesday.
Within the first few days of operation, the airport saw thousands of people coming through to view KwaZulu-Natal's latest attraction.
Delomoney said the airport's development has impacted positively on people, adding that R27.9 million was set aside for socio-economic intervention for needy communities as well as R29 million for enterprise development.
"Eighty-two percent of the approved community projects were from the communities around the airport development precinct and the approved community projects focused on uplifting communities in the various categories including HIV and AIDS, welfare, sport, environment, infrastructure development and education," he said.
Airport's Assistant General Manager for Operations, Bongiwe Pityi attributed the successful transition to good planning. "The transition required meticulous planning and execution, sharing of information and 100 percent commitment," she said.
President Jacob Zuma will on Saturday grace the official opening of the airport and the Dube Trade Port at La Mercy.
The event to be hosted by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and relevant transport agencies, will also include the launch of the Dube Trade Port terminal as well as the unveiling of the King Shaka statue.
