The North West Department of Transport is facing heavy criticism over the deteriorating state of the GD Montshioa Airport in Mahikeng, which remains non-operational amid a legal battle between the provincial government and aviation training schools.
Allegations of Illegal Occupation and Departmental Ignorance
A recent oversight visit by the Portfolio Committee revealed tensions between the department and two aviation schools accused of operating at the airport without proper leases. Paramount Aviation Academy, one of the schools in question, denied claims of illegal occupation, stating that the department had previously engaged them to train its students.
“The MEC says he has no knowledge of us even being at the airport,” a representative from Paramount Aviation Academy said. “How does he not know when the department itself asked us to train their students? We’re being portrayed as if we’re avoiding rent or occupying illegally—it’s the department’s ignorance, not ours.”
The committee confirmed that while a contract was pending, delays in finalizing leases led to confusion over the schools’ legal status. “These people have been seeking leases, but department officials failed to sign them,” a committee member stated. “It’s not that they entered unlawfully—they’ve been trying to regularize their operations.”
Revenue Loss and Accountability Concerns
The committee raised concerns over potential financial losses due to the department’s mismanagement. One school operator argued that the province lost revenue because officials neglected to formalize agreements.
“Her operations were ongoing while the lease remained unsigned, meaning the province lost money because someone didn’t do their job,” the committee noted.
The Head of Department, Dr. Hans Kekana, defended the department’s report as “true and correct,” but the committee has demanded a consequence management report within seven days.
Airport in Dire Condition
Amid the dispute, the airport remains non-functional, with lawmakers criticizing the department for its poor state. The committee has vowed to ensure accountability, but the future of the facility remains uncertain.
For now, the standoff continues, leaving the GD Montshioa Airport grounded and the North West government under scrutiny.
