ETHEKWINI city mayor Obed Mlaba yesterday downplayed the incident that is said to have marred the country's hosting of the World Cup.
ETHEKWINI city mayor Obed Mlaba yesterday downplayed the incident that is said to have marred the country's hosting of the World Cup.
The chaos experienced by passengers in the congestion at the new King Shaka Airport forced up to six flights of World Cup spectators to miss the Germany and Spain semifinal on Wednesday.
But Mlaba said glitches such as the congestion "would have no impact on our ability to host future international events".
Durban intends bidding to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
"When you are hosting a big international event, it can be expected that such unfortunate incidents may occur," he said.
"But what is important is that over 60000 people watched a very successful semifinal match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
"We know that Acsa is looking at the matter and we are confident that corrective measures will be taken.
"Our excellent record shows that we can successfully handle any big event," said Mlaba
Acsa's chief of operations Bongani Maseko confirmed that the passengers who missed the match in Durban on Wednesday would be reimbursed if they produce their tickets.
On whether any heads would roll at Acsa as a result of the debacle, all Maseko would say was "the matter is being investigated in detail".
lThe Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority have said it's still too early to predict how much revenue the city raked in from the World Cup.
Mlaba said the event was part of the city's Integrated Development Plan.
He said their planning was "always being guided by the 2010 and Beyond programme".
"We will continue with the usual business of the municipality, of which 2010 was a part.
"Our programmes include economic development and the social reconstruction of our society," Mlaba said.
Mlaba says King Shaka Airport glitch is not a disaster
ETHEKWINI city mayor Obed Mlaba yesterday downplayed the incident that is said to have marred the country's hosting of the World Cup.
ETHEKWINI city mayor Obed Mlaba yesterday downplayed the incident that is said to have marred the country's hosting of the World Cup.
The chaos experienced by passengers in the congestion at the new King Shaka Airport forced up to six flights of World Cup spectators to miss the Germany and Spain semifinal on Wednesday.
But Mlaba said glitches such as the congestion "would have no impact on our ability to host future international events".
Durban intends bidding to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
"When you are hosting a big international event, it can be expected that such unfortunate incidents may occur," he said.
"But what is important is that over 60000 people watched a very successful semifinal match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
"We know that Acsa is looking at the matter and we are confident that corrective measures will be taken.
"Our excellent record shows that we can successfully handle any big event," said Mlaba
Acsa's chief of operations Bongani Maseko confirmed that the passengers who missed the match in Durban on Wednesday would be reimbursed if they produce their tickets.
On whether any heads would roll at Acsa as a result of the debacle, all Maseko would say was "the matter is being investigated in detail".
lThe Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority have said it's still too early to predict how much revenue the city raked in from the World Cup.
Mlaba said the event was part of the city's Integrated Development Plan.
He said their planning was "always being guided by the 2010 and Beyond programme".
"We will continue with the usual business of the municipality, of which 2010 was a part.
"Our programmes include economic development and the social reconstruction of our society," Mlaba said.
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