Airport security 'okay'

Security at South Africa's airports is in line with international standards, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe assured MPs on Tuesday.

"It is very clear... that the conundrum about safety at airports is that we engage in a constant tussle where syndicates and criminals attempt to (defeat) whatever systems that we try to put in place," he said, responding to debate on his budget vote in the National Assembly.

In March this year, gunmen held up guards at the gates of Johannesburg International Airport, while others armed with AK-47 assault rifles held up guards and police at an SA Airways aircraft and helped themselves to bags of currency flown in from Britain.

Radebe said government was generally satisfied airport safety plans were in place, and that airport management was doing whatever it could to ensure systems were in order.

"This is in accordance with the national aviation safety plan that has been developed by the department, together with the chief of security for aviation in South Africa.

"Of course, all these incidents, especially these high-profile incidents, are a matter of grave concern to us, and the appropriate authorities are dealing with these matters in order to ensure that we can be able to... [deal with] the perpetrators."

A number of security steps had been taken, including the completion of a security wall at Johannesburg International Airport, the installation of closed-circuit TV cameras, and the appointment of a dedicated security manager.

More robust "internal checks" were also being carried out by the Airports Company of South Africa.

"We are of the view, compared to other countries, our airports are in fact compliant with the international civic aviation authority standards...," Radebe said.

Earlier in the debate, Democratic Alliance spokesman Stuart Farrow said airport security in South Africa needed serious attention.

"Security at both the aircraft side and passenger side need serious investigation as to suspected inside information leaks, and the role of private security contractors and the SA Police Service at these facilities," he said.

News24