The Sedibeng District Municipality’s failure to maintain Vereeniging Airport has resulted in the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) cancelling the Airport’s licence.
This step has a direct and detrimental impact on the region’s aviation sector and is further hampering the already fragile economy of the Sedibeng District (Lesedi, Midvaal and Emfuleni).
According to regulations, airport licences must be renewed annually and are subject to stringent audits and inspections. Failure to meet the relevant requirements could lead to fines or even closure. In the Vereeniging Airport’s case, its inadequate fencing was the main reason for the cancellation of the licence.
The SACAA requires a secure fence, so, the current dilapidated fencing, which allows uncontrolled access to the premises and jeopardises the fuel farm, is inadequate.
Furthermore, the runway approach lights have been stolen, making night flights impossible. Animals roam the premises and sewage flows freely between the buildings — clear signs of decay and neglect.
Although the District Municipality approved a R180 000 tender for maintenance work in July 2025, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) could find no evidence of any repairs or upgrades during a recent oversight visit.
Die VF Plus sal in die raad voorstel dat die lughawe tydelik gesluit word totdat alle herstelwerk, soos deur die BLO voorgeskryf, afgehandel is.
This negligence also creates the risk that the aviation school, which currently uses the Airport for training, will cancel its contract and move elsewhere.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressuring the Municipality to repair and maintain the sewerage system, fencing, lighting and other critical infrastructure.
