WELKOM, FREE STATE – Whilst mega millions of rands were apparently pledged to the Welkom Cargo Airport during the recent economic summit held in Welkom, to date there are no signs of any development at the facility.
Dr Igor Scheurkogel, representative for the DA on the National Council of Provinces, says there is still no signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that has been passed through the Matjhabeng Local Council, which is the custodian of all municipal assets.
Therefore, the ‘tender-awarded’ company cannot occupy or undertake any construction at the airport.
“Therefore, the ‘tender-awarded’ company cannot occupy or undertake any construction at the airport.
“Furthermore, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has no knowledge of the ‘airport’ upgrade, and before any contractor can enter the airport grounds, they would need the approval of the CAA,” says Scheurkogel.
Scheurkogel said that Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS) and the Airports Company South Africa SOC Ltd (ACSA Group) confirmed in an oversight interaction on 21 October that they are not aware of any developments at the Welkom Airport.
He said the ATNS also confirmed that on 23 October, a meeting was scheduled by the minister to discuss the “rumoured” Welkom Airport upgrade because the Department of Transport is not aware of any upgrade to the cargo airport.
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“This is not just about planning to upgrade an airport and then building a logistical hub.
“They will need an approved environmental impact study, and the road infrastructure will have to be examined. You cannot have lorries turning on that road, as the R59 serves as a connection between the Free State and North West,” Scheurkogel explained.
In addition, the Welkom Airport is key to the ATNS, which redirects planes coming from all of the major airports. An airway traffic study would also need to be considered
“In addition, the Welkom Airport is key to the ATNS, which redirects planes coming from all of the major airports. An airway traffic study would also need to be considered,” he said.
Scheurkogel said the push by the executive mayor and the two-day-old tender-awarded company to upgrade the airport raises concerns and indicates that there may be an ulterior motive for the actual use of the airport − a purpose which is not intended to grow the local economy and create jobs.
Scheurkogel said the “rumoured goods” that will be distributed through the airport have already been reported to the relevant authorities.
The project is linked to Sébastien Investissements and Logistique, the former company of controversial businessperson Katiso “KT” Molefe.
Molefe, who is facing multiple murder charges, was a director of Sébastien, which was awarded the redevelopment tender only two days after its registration in August 2023.
Representatives of Sébastien Investissements pledged R12,35 billion towards airport development and related infrastructure at a recent Matjhabeng Investment Summit.
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There has been speculation and people in the know have raised questions about who is financing the project and whether it is a “genuine investment or simply a looting scheme”.
The claims highlight ongoing questions about transparency and due process in municipal decision-making, particularly regarding major infrastructure projects that require extensive regulatory approval.
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