SEDIBENG. – The Sedibeng District Municipality’s (SDM) failure to maintain Vereeniging Airport has resulted in the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) cancelling the Airport’s licence.

Rian Lubbe, Freedom Front Plus (FF+) Councillor in the SDM said that this step has a direct and detrimental impact on the region’s aviation sector and is further hampering the already fragile economy of the Sedibeng District (Lesedi, Midvaal and Emfuleni).

Failure to meet requirements leads to fines or even closure

According to regulations, airport licenses must be renewed annually and are subject to stringent audits and inspections. Failure to meet the relevant requirements could lead to fines or even closure.

“In the Vereeniging Airport’s case, its inadequate fencing was the main reason for the cancellation of the licence. The SACAA requires a secure fence, so, the current dilapidated fencing, which allows uncontrolled access to the premises and jeopardises the fuel farm, is inadequate.”

Lubbe added that furthermore, the runway approach lights have been stolen, making night flights impossible.

SDM approved R180 000 tender

“Animals roam the premises and sewage flows freely between the buildings — clear signs of decay and neglect. Although the District Municipality approved a R180 000 tender for maintenance work in July 2025, the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) could find no evidence of any repairs or upgrades during a recent oversight visit.”

Lubbe said that the Freedom Front Plus will propose to the Council that the Airport should be temporarily closed until all the repairs, as required by the SACAA, have been completed.

“This negligence also creates the risk that the aviation school, which currently uses the Airport for training, will cancel its contract and move elsewhere. The Freedom Front Plus will keep pressuring the Municipality to repair and maintain the sewerage system, fencing, lighting and other critical infrastructure.”

The SDM had not commented at the time of going to print.

The closure will have serious consequences on the Vaal region

Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (DA) has said that it has persistently warned the SDM about the dire consequences of the Vereeniging Airport being non-functional, however, despite its warnings, no action was taken.

“This shutdown will have adverse consequences on the already struggling economy of the Vaal region, as both travel and commerce will be disrupted. Additionally, the closure of the airport also means that the aviation school operating from it will in all likelihood close. 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.”