The North West Provincial Government says the refurbishment of the long-dormant Dirk Montshiwa Airport in Mahikeng should not be prioritised until a clear economic purpose for the facility has been established.
This emerged during a debate in the North West Provincial Legislature on a Notice of Motion concerning the continued inactivity of the airport, with Democratic Alliance (DA) MPL Freddy Sonakile questioning the government’s lack of progress in reviving the facility.
The airport, which opened in 1984, ceased commercial operations in 2014 following insufficient passenger numbers to sustain viable airline services. Its closure has left Mahikeng without a functioning commercial airport, despite years of proposals to reposition the facility as an economic and logistics hub.
In 2013, the provincial government announced plans to transform the airport into an airport city, with proposals for a freight hub, industrial development and projects aimed at stimulating investment and creating jobs. Infrastructure upgrades were also announced as part of the plan.
Sonakile argued that the province already has the land, runway and potential to turn the airport into a major economic hub. He questioned why the previously announced plans had not materialised, maintaining that the province has the budget and capacity to refurbish and redevelop the infrastructure.
He argued that what the province currently lacks is an operational airport capable of delivering the economic benefits that North West residents deserve.
Meanwhile, MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Virginia Tlhapi, maintained that the airport’s revitalisation should go beyond restoring its infrastructure.
Tlhapi said the project presents an opportunity to reposition Mahikeng as an economic gateway capable of connecting people, markets and investment. However, she cautioned that the government cannot simply reopen the airport without first establishing its intended economic purpose and long-term sustainability.
She said the government’s immediate priority is to address infrastructure shortcomings, as well as safety and security concerns, before the airport can resume operations.
The debate has once again brought the future of Dirk Montshiwa Airport into focus, particularly the need to determine how the facility can contribute to economic development, attract investment and create opportunities for communities across the province.
