The implementation of a detailed integrated multidisciplinary tactical security plan has ramped up security at OR Tambo International Airport, according to airport spokesperson Leigh GunkelKeuler. Four months ago police minister Fikile Mbalula made the security changes – and it’s very much work in progress. “Our ultimate objective is to remain crime free. However, it is in the nature of crime and the criminal mind that there will inevitably be occasions when they find new ways around security measures. Our task is to remain alert and to adapt security measures when circumstances require it,” she said. A key element, said GunkelKeuler, has been the work of a joint operations committee that brings together airport management, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies, local government, airport security contractors, and other suppliers. “While the SAPS has responsibility for airport security, all the other stakeholders are providing essential contributions to supporting the efforts of the police. In addition to the breakthroughs made by the SAPS into airport-related crime, a variety of behindthe-scenes measures are combining to further strengthen the security situation at the airport,” she said. “Also essential has been the direct involvement of national government, particularly the minister of police, whose injection of urgency and pace into security matters has provided leadership on the issue.” Stuart Tonkin of ATC Aviation said security had definitely improved at the airport compared to several years ago. “The days of just being able to drive into the airport are over,” he said, indicating that policies to monitor and control access into the airport’s cargo section had been significantly improved. Chris Zweigenthal, chief executive of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, said the close working relationship between stakeholders was achieving success not only in apprehending alleged perpetrators of crime, but also for sharing pivotal security information. “There are still security concerns and I suppose that only once crime is eliminated completely will we all be happy,” he said. Zweigenthal told FTW that progress was however being made thanks to the concerted efforts and focus on security in the past few months. According to GunkelKeuler, significant progress had been made on the air cargo side. “There has been progress in monitoring and controlling access to the airport along with other measures that cannot be disclosed,” she said. “We are very encouraged by the steps taken by airfreight companies to control information and prevent insiders providing information to possible criminal elements.” She said over the next 18-24 months Airports Company SA would extend the smart security concept design to both the transit terminal as well as the domestic terminal, in order to address the pending capacity constraints.
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The days of just being able to drive into the airport are over. – Stuart Tonkin
