Mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said that as of January 1, 2024, Cape Town’s status as a tourism destination had seen a boom in the number of flights landing in the Mother City.

In the bustling month of December (2023) alone, our airport efficiently processed a staggering 317,000 international two-way passengers, with the city welcoming nearly 2.9 million passenger arrivals over the past year, highlighting the growing appeal of Cape Town as a global hub.

That’s why Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) – along with OR Tambo International Airport and four other airports in South Africa – is getting a monumental R21.7 billion expansion injection.

Vos notes via Moneyweb that this momentous move will help reshape the country’s aviation and economic terrain – “an achievement that deserves our applause” he said.

As the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) embarks on this ambitious plan, Vos highlights how the plan transcends the boundaries of mere airport upgrades.

“This expansion is not just about our airports; it is a testament to unwavering advocacy, meticulous planning, and a shared vision for the economic prosperity of Cape Town.”

With the primary objective to attract investments that create jobs and economic opportunities, the mission is hinged on leveraging the potential of our aviation sector, a key component for economic development through tourism and trade.

“Through strategic city-to-city agreements and innovative campaigns, we have successfully secured 215 international flights every week, connecting Cape Town to 31 diverse destinations worldwide.”

Vos also mentioned that the significant expansion of CTIA not only promises increased flights but also a substantial boost to the city’s cargo capabilities, creating exciting prospects for export and global product placement.

Meanwhile, the V&A Waterfront is also set for lekker billion Rand injection. IOL notes that the establishment is funding its own R20 billion upgrade which is expected to be rolled out in phases over the next 15 to 20 years. The plan hopes to break ground in the year 2025, bringing an influx of tourism, economic, residential, cultural and job opportunities.

According to V&A Waterfront’s planning team, this is probably the single biggest infrastructural investment in the city since the Soccer World Cup.

The V&A is one of the most visited destinations in Africa and attracts about 25 million people a year. Donald Kau, communications manager for the V&A Waterfront, said they were in the process of applying for an additional 440000m² in development rights across its entire current footprint, with the majority of new build planned to be in the Granger Bay precinct.

It is envisaged that Granger Bay would be developed as a residentially led, mixed-use development with significant public and cultural amenities, including re-establishing public access to the ocean edge.

Eddie Andrews, the city’s deputy mayor and Spatial Planning and Environment Mayco member said the plans would go ahead with the input of the city and the public this year. Kau added they were waiting for the approval from the city.

“In order to obtain approvals from the authorities, a land use application has been submitted to the City of Cape Town and should be advertised for public comment in the first half of this year.”

The rezoning application would allow the V&A Waterfront to move into the next development phase, having successfully developed the Silo, and the Canal districts recently and it provides a compelling opportunity to expand the Waterfront’s public spaces, contribute to economic growth, job creation, and create new access to the sea, Kau said.

Planned developments for the Granger Bay site encompass several pivotal features, such as a public walkway bridging the city center and Mouille Point, seamlessly integrating with the existing Atlantic seaboard promenade. Additionally, there will be the establishment of a new bay area, bolstered by coastal protection measures, tailored to facilitate watersports activities. Moreover, the project aims to unveil public access to a newly protected swimming area, complemented by adjacent public amenities for enhanced enjoyment and convenience.

Kau added the V&A Waterfront is funding its own development. The V&A Waterfront is jointly owned by the Government Employees Pension Fund (represented by Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd) and Growthpoint Properties Limited, which is the largest property investment company on the JSE.