CAA to host International Symposium on Aviation Security

NEWS RELEASE

TUESDAY, 08 FEBRUARY 2005

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will be hosting an international symposium on aviation security which will be held in Rustenburg, North West Province, from 16 -18 February 2005.

The purpose of this symposium, whose theme is “Working together, finding best practices”, is to bring together key decision makers from around the globe to share ideas and best practices on issues pertaining to aviation security. Delegates are expected from countries such as Japan, Israel, Canada, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kenya, Senegal, Singapore, New Zealand and Brazil.

A similar symposium was held last year in Canada, and South Africa was requested to host this year’s event.

The events of “9/11” have ushered in a new era for aviation security around the globe. Since then, aviation security has been high on the agenda of most countries, and more resources have been allocated to the reinforcement of aviation security. Taking this into cognizance, many countries around the world are coming together to share their knowledge, expertise and best practices with each other in order to beef up aviation security throughout the world. It is through symposia such as this one that different countries converge to share best practices.

Mr Mongezi India, Acting CEO of the South African Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief: Aviation Security for South Africa, said: “We are very honoured to be hosting this event. For us it indicates that the world is showing increasing confidence that South Africa can play an important role in improving aviation security throughout the world. But more importantly, South Africa will also learn best practices from other countries.”

Mr India said at the end of the 3 day symposium, the CAA hopes to have achieved three main objectives, namely:

· To have networked with experts from around the world in order to enhance South Africa’s co-operation with other states;

· To have acquired new knowledge and information on best practices which will ultimately be shared with the local civil aviation industry;

· To have identified new measures that could be put in place in order to reinforce aviation security in South Africa.

Mr India said the Minister of Transport, Mr Jeff Radebe, will officially open the symposium on the first day. He said the delegation will consist of key decision makers from the Civil Aviation Authorities or directorates of different countries.

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For More Information Contact:

Ms Poppy Mhlungu

Acting General Manager: Aviation Security Department: CAA

Tel: (011) 545 1080

Cell: 0836277366

Issued by:

Moses Seate

Communications

Tel: (011) 545 1156

Cell: 082 857 9494.