Sky’s the limit after Margate airport upgrade
The upgrade has many potential spin-offs for the region.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma, officially reopened Margate airport recently, following its R11-million upgrade.
With him were other dignitaries, including Ray Nkonyeni Municipality mayor Skhumbuzo Mqadi, Ugu mayor Phumlile Mthiyane, speaker Zodwa Mzindle, speaker of Umzumbe, Sibonelo Maphumulo, and other municipal officials.
This was in conjunction with the celebration of his 100 days in office. Duma performed the official ribbon cutting ceremony.
“Ugu is one of the municipalities suffering poverty, when you speak of unemployment and inequality you will find that in Ugu.”
He said this district needs to be developed and it has the strength to be developed because of its beaches – and the potential that exists through ocean economy.
He said he wanted divers and shipyards to use this area, hence the recent launch of plans for a maritime university at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre.
“This airport is going to be used to change people’s lives, it is also designed in a manner that will attract tourism, linking it with the other airports. We want to also increase job opportunities.”
The upgrade was undertaken in partnership with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, the Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), and the private sector.
This forms part of EDTEA’s commitment to modernising small airports, such as this one, for an easy flow of passengers, while also making attractive destinations for future investments.
The municipal-owned Margate Airport has undergone extensive refurbishment, upgrading the airport to a Category 4. This elevated position allows for two scheduled flights daily – morning and afternoon – (except Saturdays) with an aircraft capacity of 47 passengers.
This renovation focus was more on the land side of the airport which included an infrastructure upgrade and extension of the terminal building, the restrooms, parking areas and the commercial precinct.
CEO of CemAir Miles van der Molen said its plans for the airport are vast.
“We want to increase the number of flights and passengers that visit this part of the coast and to strengthen the link between Johannesburg and Margate.”
He said CemAir also wants to re-introduce the Margate to Cape Town flights.
Currently, the Margate airport has flights between Margate to Johannesburg from Monday to Saturday.
The total investment created 800 temporary jobs with the potential to create hundreds more permanent jobs.
The regional airport now boasts investment opportunities in the form of aviation schools, hangars, restaurants and hotels, as well as car hire agencies.
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