subject: 60,000 Delighted Visitors Enjoy Moses Mabhida Stadium Sky Car Safely [print this page] The Sky Car has been in operation for nearly four months and has seen unprecedented levels of public interest. Durbans newest attractions at the stadium - including the Sky Car, big swing, Skywalk (Adventure Walk) and stadium tours have really captured the imagination of local and international visitors and helped to generate a huge amount of excitement around this architectural masterpiece and the imminent FIFA World Cup.
Over 60 000 people, of all ages, have made the trip to the top of the 106 meter arch to experience stunning views of the city and Indian Ocean. Every single person has been safe in the Sky Car, undoubtedly one of the safest tourist attractions in South Africa .
Given its safety features and its newness, it is to be expected that we would experience certain teething problems. However, it is important to note that at no time has the Sky Car ever been considered unsafe. The Sky Car is programmed to stop should there be any possibility of a technical problem. Ironically it is this safety mechanism that creates the perception that the Sky Car is not safe. Of the over 60 000 visitors who have made the trip up the arch less than 150 have been inconvenienced through unscheduled stoppages initiated by the advanced safety features of the Sky Car.
Following each and every such stoppage a full review is undertaken to determine what the issues were and what technical adjustments can be made. Over the past four months the stadium has identified and implemented procedures to better deal with such instances. These include having umbrellas as well as water available for those who may be delayed on the viewing platform.
Evacuation procedures are in place and completely safe. The safest place for people to remain is either in the Sky Car or on the viewing platform where we endeavor to make people as comfortable as possible until the problem is rectified. The service providers response time is 20 minutes and the longest anyone has had to remain on the platform is approximately two hours. Tour guides are available to assist members of the public that choose to exit the platform via the Sky Walk rather than to wait until the Sky Car is operational again. Safety harnesses are available at the viewing deck for this purpose.
