MUNICIPAL
NEWS WELCOME TO THE CITY OF CITY OF UMHLATHUZE MATLOSANA Airlink aircraft upgrade enhances capacity and CITY OF PEOPLE ON THE MOVE economic opportunities The City of Matlosana Municipality is situated approximately 164 km South West of Johannesburg, strategically located on the N12 Treasure Route, which is the North West Province’s primary tourism corridor.
Mayor Ngwezi emphasized Richards Bay’s vital role in South Africa’s economy, highlighting the necessity for reliable air services to connect the city’s businesses with broader markets. In his speech, he lauded the new jet service’s potential to bolster connectivity and spur economic growth. Richards Bay, primarily a commercial tourism city, stands to benefit as the increased seating capacity positions it as an attractive destination for both corporate and holiday travelers.
The scenic N12 starts from Mpumalanga and is the gateway to the Western Cape Province. The route takes you from eMalahleni, to the vibrant Gauteng Province and the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and continues to Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Kimberley, Beaufort West, up until George. It is the Transformation of the N12 Treasure Route that has unlocked regional opportunities and resulted in massive activity and mobility along the Matlosana portion of the corridor. It has alaunch multi-dimensional character that The of Airlink’s new 75-seater has created employment, enhanced Embraer E170 jet service at Richards commuter enhanced Bay Airportmovement, marked a pivotal moment investment opportunities, for uMhlathuze’s economicincreased prospects. economic activity, etc. The attendance of Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, Airlink’s ChiefOF Executive and WHY VISIT THE CITY Managing Director, Mr. Rodger Foster, MATLOSANA? and ACSA’s Regional General Manager, Mr. Nkosinathi Myataza, underscored Create unforgettable memories the collective vision to propel at our quality business and leisure uMhlathuze’s growth trajectory. accommodation venues which Forming a strategic partnership, ACSA include conferencing, wedding and entered into a multi-year contract with spa facilities. The City has a wealth of uMhlathuze Municipality to manage attractions for visitors: the Richards Bay Airport after its closure of close to two years due to • Adventure tourism Covid-19. • Wildlife tourism • Medical ACSA noted that tourism since the reopening • the airport Wellness tourism of Airlink was the only
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Municipal Focus Focus Municipal
Create unforgettable memories at our carrier that returned to operate quality business and out of Richards Bay, servicing the leisure accommodation Johannesburg-Richards Bay route, out venues which include of conferencing, the three that previously operated wedding from Richards Bay. and spa facilities. Since resumingAS itsAoperations, the MATLOSANA MEDICAL HUB growing demand for passenger and cargo services at Richards Bay Airport To us health care is of paramount has seen Airlink's fleet operating importance as a healthy city is at full capacity, necessitating the upgrade productive and constitutes prosperity. from the J41 (25-seater) to the muchWe boast well-developed medical needed larger E170 (75-seater) aircraft. facilities, which enhances and promotes the competitive advantage The ACSA-uMhlathuze partnership of Matlosana as a major Medical will see the transfer of skills and Hub in themuch-needed North West Province. Services bring revitalisation include: general and private medical of the local economy through fascilities, casualty/trauma and dental the optimisation of the transport services. Most where clinics focus infrastructure, ACSA on willprimary health care services. play a pivotal role.
Mr. Rodger Foster emphasized Airlink’s commitment to meeting the region’s escalating demand for enhanced air services. Airlink currently The city prides itself on having operates flights between Richards five private hospitals, two government Bay and more than 45 destinations hospitals, including theexpressed largest the within South Africa. He state hospital the North importance of in efficient andWest reliable Province and 15for clinics including air connections uMhlathuze’s mobile clinics. also boasts the only businesses and Itindustries, affirming fully contained oncology unit in the Airlink’s dedication to facilitating North West Province, which offers seamless connectivity. a comprehensive service at four Mr. Nkosinathilaboratories Myataza, ACSA’s pathological and has Regional General Manager, the latest MRI scanner at the commended the strategic partnership radiology unit. between Airlink and Richards Bay Airport highlighted the positive PRIME and LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT impact this collaboration will have on economic development and tourism N12 Development Route was potential in the region. identified by the municipality as a flagship project for golden Richards Bay, a thriving commercial opportunities in the following sectors: tourism hub, stands to benefit housing, business, immensely from thisindustrial, upgrade,heritage, mining, tourism, sport asand well as attracting both business recreation. leisure travelers.
