The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has revoked the licence of Vereeniging Airport.
Political parties have stressed that this is a significant blow to the Vaal region’s already strained economy and aviation sector.
The decision to withdraw the airport’s licence was due to what is described as neglect by the Sedibeng District Municipality, which owns and manages the facility.
According to regulations, airport licences must be renewed annually and are subject to strict audits and inspections, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines or closure.
In this case, officials said the airport failed to meet basic safety and infrastructure requirements.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) said the primary issue was the state of the perimeter fencing, which has deteriorated to the point where it no longer secures the premises.
“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,” the party said.
“In the Vereeniging Airport’s case, its inadequate fencing was the main reason for the cancellation of the licence.”
The VF Plus added that the poor fencing allows uncontrolled access to the premises and jeopardises the fuel farm, while further issues have compounded the safety risks.
“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.”
The party noted that despite a R180,000 maintenance tender being approved in July 2025, no visible repairs or upgrades were identified during a recent oversight visit.
It warned that the airport’s decline could drive away existing users, including an aviation school that operates from the site.
“This negligence also creates the risk that the aviation school will cancel its contract and move elsewhere,” it said.
Still plans for a new airport in the region
The Democratic Alliance (DA) echoed these concerns, placing the blame squarely on what it described as mismanagement and poor oversight by the municipality.
“The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has decided to cancel the licence of the airport as a result of neglect and safety risks due to the misallocation of funds by the Sedibeng District Municipality,” the party said.
It added that essential infrastructure had been allowed to deteriorate despite budget allocations.
The DA said it had repeatedly warned about the risks of allowing the airport to fall into disrepair, but that these concerns were ignored.
“This shutdown will have adverse consequences on the already struggling economy of the Vaal region, as both travel and commerce will be disrupted,” the DA said.
The party has called for accountability from municipal leadership. “The Speaker of Council, alongside the Mayor, must now explain why over R100,000 was allocated, a tender awarded, but no fence maintenance took place,” it said.
“The DA will submit additional questions in this regard and will demand accountability for those involved in this complete failure.”
Despite the closure, ambitious plans are being put forward to develop a new international airport and a smart city in the Vaal area.
TopAuto reported that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is currently conducting public consultations on the proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which aims to attract domestic and foreign investment.
The project, led by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, includes plans for an “aerotropolis”, an economic hub built around a major airport.
The proposed Vaal International Airport is expected to handle millions of passengers and significant freight volumes annually.
