Media Statement

30 June 2020

Deputy Minister Botes to visit the COVID-19 Humanitarian Staging Area at ORTIA

The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, at the invitation of the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Director for Southern Africa, Ms. Lola Castro, will visit the COVID-19 Humanitarian Staging Area at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on Wednesday, 01 July 2020.

President Ramaphosa granted approval for the UN to establish a temporary humanitarian staging area in Johannesburg as part of wider international efforts aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the accessibility of humanitarian assistance throughout the Southern African region.

Deputy Minister Botes has overseen the process of the establishment of the hub and will, therefore, conduct a visit to the premises to see the operation of the air passenger aviation element of the Staging Area with a flight departing from South Africa to Addis Ababa at 10:00 am.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister will interact with humanitarian workers who will join the crew on the departing flight. The Deputy Minister will also be shown the operation of the aviation stream.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084