Committee calls for action on dormant Mahikeng Airport, still costing taxpayers over R5m a year

By Thapelo Molefe

The Select Committee on Finance has urged government to take decisive action on the future of the Mahikeng Airport in the North West, following years of controversy, mismanagement, and uncertainty surrounding the dormant facility.

During a two-day oversight visit to the province this week, the committee inspected the airport and received a briefing from the provincial Department of Community Safety and Transport Management on possible plans to repurpose the facility into a cargo hub, aviation training school, or aircraft maintenance centre.

The department estimated that at least R1 billion would be needed to refurbish and upgrade the airport’s infrastructure.

The Mahikeng Airport, officially known as the George Dick Montshioa International Airport, opened in 1984 but ceased commercial operations in 2014 due to low passenger demand.

Despite its closure, the provincial department continues to spend around R5 million annually on maintenance and security.

Committee chairperson Sanny Ndhlovu commended