Passionate about uplifting and empowering communities
FOR the past 25 years, Airports Company South Africa has improved the quality of life for many South Africans, particularly the historically disadvantaged communities, by positively impacting on their lives.
On its part, and as a key role player in South Africa’s economic development in general, and aviation in particular, the company is uniquely positioned to significantly contribute to the country’s social and economic development agenda.
Airports Company South Africa’s Goodbye Malaria partnership is one that supports youth entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
This private-sector partnership was launched in November 2016 with two pop- up stores selling branded Goodbye Malaria merchandise at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Since then, Airports Company South Africa has opened a retail outlet at Cape Town International Airport and more recently, at George Airport in the Western Cape.
To date, over eighteen jobs have been created for youth who live in the areas surrounding the three airports. The profits realised from the sales at the airport retail pods are shared between support for on-the-ground malaria elimination programmes in Mozambique, and the youth on the retail programme. Learner & Teacher Development Programmes.
The Eastern Cape has historically been identified as having the worst performing schools by the Department of Education. Airports Company South Africa therefore took a decision to channel part of its socio economic development funds to improve educational outcomes in the province by introducing a Learner and Teacher Development Programme in East London and Port Elizabeth.
The programme commenced in April 2017 with Walmer High School in Port Elizabeth and Umtiza High School in East London.
The programme focuses on Mathematics, Physical Science and Accounting for learners in Grades 10 to
12 and offers Saturday and holiday classes.
Teachers also receive capacity and development training. Both schools saw an immediate improvement in their results following implementation of the programmes. The performance reports showed that Walmer High Schools results went from 22% in 2016 to 76% in 2018 and Umtiza High School from 50% in 2016 to 70% in 2018. Supporting the Disability Sector
From about the early 2000, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) through its then Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme focused on supporting people with disability, as part of its Mobility Programme.
At the time, the Company endeavoured to put disability first and create a barrier-free environment, accommodating everyone. This was also correctly displayed in the infrastructure designs of all its airports where it provides universal access and enabled passengers with disabilities a dignified experience.
Through its business of ‘moving people, changing lives’, Airports Company South Africa deliberately selected projects that support the aim and assisted the integration of people with disabilities.
The Company supported several such initiatives, including Wheelchair, Tennis South Africa (WTSA), Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge, the Wheelchair and assistive Devices Donations Programme and the Disability Trade and Lifestyle Expo and Conference.
The Company is also working in partnership with the Department of Social Development on the Project Izingane Kuqala, translated in English – ‘children first’, a White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD) pilot project aimed at improving outcomes for children with disabilities experiencing compounded marginalisation in rural and underserviced communities
These projects contributed positively to the lives of many South Africans
with disabilities, and Airports Company South Africa continues to improve