Confusion surrounds the proposed cargo airport that is to be developed at the Welkom airport, and the project is being mooted just another failed white elephant designed to syphon money through government entities.
“So far all we have are indications of poor planning, vague outcomes and no clear facts that all the correct procedures have been followed. In fact there is evidence that the correct tender processes were not followed,” says Councillor Igor Scheurkogel.
He says they are in favour of development and any project that will boost the Matjhabeng economy. Vistaunderstands that the mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha has granted a 30 year lease to a company to develop the cargo airport.
There is also a confusion as to the role the Lejweleputswa district will play, as according to the Municipal Structures and Systems Act, the district must be involved.
There is a viable and functioning aviation community at the airport, which include extensive hangars, office blocks, and subsidiary businesses.
Informed sources confirm that none of the current lessees have been informed. Tshediso Tlalsi, spokesperson for Matjhabeng, says they are dedicated to ensuring that significant decisions undergo a rigorous and transparent process.
“We are now finalising arrangements with the successful bidder, the council, in its meeting (9 January) authorised the municipal manager to engage in negotiations for necessary agreements. A formal stakeholder meeting will also be held to inform current airport lessees.”
According to the Municipal Finance Act any transfer of ownership of a capital asset must be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and consistent with the supply chain management policy (SCM).
Based on this the airport upgrade is an unsolicited bid. Vistaunderstands that the developer is the only bidder.
Because it is an unsolicited bid the MM must decide whether it is a unique bid, and of exceptional benefit and cost. The bidder must be a sole provider.
This decision must be communicated to the public. Vista understands this has not happened. According to law, reasons must be given as to why the bid should not be open to other competitors. An invitation to the public or other potential suppliers to submit their comments must happen within 30 days of the notice. All bidders and other potential suppliers comments and the contract itself must be submitted to national treasury (Vistaunderstands this has not happened). A source says the proposed upgrade is not in line with legislation and council cannot endorse it until all relevant legislation is adhered to. The municipality has not applied to the national aviation board to become a cargo airport.
“They have done absolute no public or stakeholder consultation. On 20 May 2023 the apex court ruled that it is the role of government to foster the ideal contemporary democratic theory of ‘a government of discussions’.
“Furthermore, the ruling stated the importance of public participation in South Africa cannot be understated and the affected persons must be afforded the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the legislative process. This is not the case here and therefore red lights are all around indicating that this process is being steamrollered for personal or political benefit,” he says.
