The Wonderboom Airport Interest Group (WAIG) and flight schools operating at Wonderboom National Airport have hit back at the Tshwane metro, warning that proposed increases to airport training fees could cost the local economy up to R1-billion annually if schools are forced to relocate.

The dispute stems from a legal battle between the metro and a group of flight schools over what the municipality claims are unpaid tariffs.

Last month, the chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), Councillor Godwin Ratikwane, conducted an oversight visit to the airport, highlighting dilapidated infrastructure and accusing tenants, including flight schools, of refusing to pay increased rent, in line with a council resolution.

The metro argued that at least nine flight schools have refused to pay full rates, despite resolutions passed in the 2021/22 and 2024/25 financial years, and has sought court intervention to enforce payments.

The flight schools and the group insist they are fully compliant with a valid court interdict issued on July 20, 2021.

The interdict allows them to continue paying fees according to a long-standing structure, adjusted annually in line with normal municipal increases, until the legal matter is fully resolved.

A subsequent metro appeal last month was dismissed, confirming the schools’ right to operate under this structure.

“We are not refusing to pay. Flight schools are paying fully, on time, and in line with national aviation regulations. The metro’s claims of deliberate non-compliance are misleading,” said the schools.

They argue that their fee structure follows national aviation policy, as set out in government gazettes, and is applied consistently at all major airports in South Africa, including Airports Company of South Africa-managed facilities.

They stress that Wonderboom should not be treated differently.

The group emphasised that the airport’s management should focus on collaboration rather than conflict.

“All tenants support a fair, sustainable, and legally compliant operating environment. The solution lies in working together on transparent, shared airport management and maintenance plans,” said WAIG Secretary Hanlie du Toit.

Beyond legal compliance, the schools warn of significant economic consequences.

According to WAIG, around 1 000 students currently train at Wonderboom.

Each student spends roughly R1.2-million on training over two years, with an additional R800 000 on accommodation, food, transport, and other living costs.

Du Toit said this collectively injects about R1-billion into the city annually, supporting local businesses such as aircraft maintenance companies, fuel suppliers, and ancillary services.

“If the schools relocate or close, the metro would not only lose the disputed R30-million in fees, but also hundreds of jobs and the broader economic contribution that sustains the airport and surrounding businesses.”

The flight schools also stress their role in supporting transformation and skills development in aviation, with a large portion of students being South African, including those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to WAIG, hiking of fees could undermine access to aviation careers, jeopardising the future of South Africa’s pilot and technical workforce.

The group has repeatedly proposed alternative tariff models designed to reduce costs while increasing revenue through efficiency and industry-aligned fee structures.

Du Toit said they also suggest co-investment in airport upgrades to offset costs for training schools, provided such projects are transparent and equitably managed.

According to Ratikwane, nine tenants are refusing to pay the revised tariffs introduced in the 2021/22 financial year, collectively owing the city about R30-million in unpaid rental fees.

Meanwhile, 16 tenants have complied and are paying their dues in line with the latest council resolutions.

The dispute dates back to 2021, when the council resolved to remove all rental discounts at the airport.

In an attempt to cushion the blow, the metro later revised its decision in the 2024/25 financial year, introducing a three-year phased reduction in discounted rates.

Despite this concession, several flight schools opted to continue paying at a self-imposed 80% discount, a move Ratikwane said was indefensible.

“Most of these flight schools accommodate international students whose studies are subsidised by their home governments or institutions. There is no justification for refusing to pay the city its due,” he said.

He stressed that the issue went beyond compliance.

“This is about much-needed revenue. In a municipality where compliance is the order of the day, we cannot allow deliberate non-compliance by institutions that should know better.”

The municipality has already taken legal action to recover the outstanding amounts.

MPAC confirmed it is monitoring an ongoing court case seeking to compel the non-compliant schools to pay and begin adhering to the current rates.

“If the current court action does not bear fruit, the committee will look into possible legal avenues to escalate enforcement,” Ratikwane explained.

The municipality has not ruled out terminating leases for persistent defaulters.

“There is an existing contractual obligation that binds the metro, but yes, terminating the contracts of non-complying schools remains an option,” he said.

The metro estimates that more than R30-million in revenue has already been lost, though the exact figure continues to climb due to ongoing non-payment.

This revenue is critical, Ratikwane said, especially as Wonderboom Airport has not undergone major maintenance in over 20 years.

ALSO READ: Waterkloof fair a feast of friendship

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.