“Let us work together to secure a bright future for our country, our continent and the world through investing in the education of our children and to help them to access opportunities within the civil aviation industry,” said MEC, adding that by presenting such opportunities to young people, the civil aviation industry would undoubtedly enable the sustainability of the air transport industry not only in South Africa but globally.

ICAD is a global observance which aims to generate and reinforce global awareness of the importance of International civil aviation in the social and economic development.

The day also commemorates the ICAO’s role in promoting the safety, efficiency and regularity of international air transport.

One of the leaners, Abongile Guldeng from Komani High School, expressed his excitement after the viewing the exhibitions: “My interest in Aviation started after South African Air Force visited our school and what I have seen here today makes me confidently say, I am joining aviation”.

“We salute the schools that brought their learners together with their educators to learn more about civil aviation and we hope that in the next few years we will see some of the attendees becoming pilots, captains, instructors, air traffic controllers or running aviation business” said Marawu .

The Chairperson of the Joint Aviation Awarenes Programme Sibusiso Ketwa also conveyed his sincere gratitude for the joint efforts and dedication in ensuring the success of the 2011 ICAD. He applauded this globally celebrated event saying “such initiatives are to make sure that previously disadvantaged youth have access and play a part in initiatives aimed at education, awareness and career development”.