The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for a full-scale Ministerial investigation into the collapse of aviation fuel supply at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, which severely impacted South Africa's tourism industry.
The party is urging Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, to act quickly and launch a thorough investigation into the root causes of this crisis, which has already caused widespread flight disruptions.
The fuel supply failure led to significant delays, cancellations, and interruptions to connecting flights, disrupting the travel plans of countless passengers.
According to the DA, this situation could have long-lasting repercussions for the country’s tourism sector, potentially leading to financial losses and damaging South Africa's reputation as a reliable destination.
Haseena Ismail, DA spokesperson on Tourism, stressed the situation's urgency, saying: “These challenges deter travelers, lead to financial losses, and tarnish South Africa's reputation as a tourist destination.” She also emphasised that the investigation must go beyond a superficial solution.
“We do not need a patch-up job, we need the issue to be solved completely so that it does not happen again,” she said.
The DA has raised concerns over Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which is already facing multiple liquidation applications due to over R500 million in unpaid service provider debts.
The DA argues that ACSA's financial instability has contributed to the airport's operational failures, including the fuel supply collapse.
Ismail also highlighted the broader implications of the crisis, noting that “Tourism is a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, sustaining thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to revenue generation.”
She stated that any negligence jeopardising this vital sector must not be tolerated, and the DA is pushing for swift action to restore stability.
The DA urges Creecy to prioritise the investigation into the crisis, saying an announcement of a full-scale inquiry today would not be a moment too soon.
IOL Politics