The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has revoked the operating licence of Vereeniging Airport, citing non-compliance with safety and infrastructure standards.
The decision has sparked concern among political parties, who warn it could deal a further blow to the already struggling economy of the Vaal region.
Safety failures and infrastructure decline at Vereeniging Airport
The airport, owned and managed by the Sedibeng District Municipality, failed to meet regulatory requirements during inspections, officials said.
Airport licences must be renewed annually and are subject to strict audits. Failure to comply can result in penalties or closure.
According to the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus), the most critical issue was the condition of the airport’s perimeter fencing, which has deteriorated to the point where it no longer secures the facility.
The party added that the compromised fencing has allowed uncontrolled access to the premises, raising concerns about safety and security around key infrastructure, including the fuel storage area.
“Clear signs of decay”
Beyond fencing issues, the VF Plus described broader deterioration at the site.
It said runway approach lights had been stolen, making night operations impossible, while animals were reportedly roaming freely on the airfield. The party also pointed to sewage leaks between buildings as evidence of neglect.
Despite an approved maintenance tender of R180 000 in July 2025, the party said no visible repairs or upgrades were observed during a recent oversight visit.
There are also concerns about the future of an aviation school operating at the airport, which could relocate if conditions do not improve.
Political fallout
The Democratic Alliance (DA) echoed the concerns, blaming what it described as mismanagement and poor oversight by the municipality.
“The South African Civil Aviation Authority has decided to cancel the licence of the airport as a result of neglect and safety risks due to the misallocation of funds,” the party said.
The DA added that it had previously warned about the risks of allowing the airport to fall into disrepair, but that these warnings were not acted upon.
The party has called for accountability from municipal leadership, questioning how funds were allocated without corresponding maintenance work being carried out.
