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The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, has set the record straight regarding the aviation academies operating at the GD Montshioa Airport, following speculation and confusion that surfaced on social media last week.
Speaking during a media briefing, MEC Morweng addressed growing concerns about the legitimacy and operations of two flight schools currently based at the former air force base. He revealed that the presence of the academies – African Union Aviation Academy and Paramount Aviation – is no longer sanctioned by the Department, and the operators have been given a 14-day ultimatum to vacate the premises.
“We called this media briefing to clarify the insinuations that flooded social media platforms earlier last week on the aviation academies run from the GD Montshioa Airport,” said Morweng. He highlighted that while the provincial government had historically invested in airport infrastructure, this model proved unsustainable. As a result, the government previously sought a strategic external partner to manage both provincial airports economically.
The African Union Aviation Academy, which had an initial lease with the Department dating back to 2006, had also played a pivotal role in reviving the vandalized air force base buildings. “They renovated all the buildings from 2007 to 2008, including constructing lecture rooms and an auditorium,” Morweng said. He added that one of the academy’s proudest achievements was producing the first black woman pilot from the North West, who was among three students funded by departmental bursaries.
Paramount Aviation, the second academy, is co-owned by Kaela Seoe-Okafor, a South African, and her Nigerian husband. The academy currently hosts 11 students, eight of whom are Nigerian nationals legally residing in South Africa. Morweng clarified that both academies originally operated under a private management company that had a formal agreement with the Department. However, that contract has since ended, rendering the academies’ current operations unauthorised.
“The Department has written to the two academies on several occasions and gave them a grace period to leave but they did not comply. Last week, we gave them a final 14-day notice, which expires next week,” Morweng stated firmly.
Looking ahead, the MEC reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to revitalising the GD Montshioa and Pilanesberg Airports. “These two airports are strategic assets and are going to play an important role contributing to the economy of the Province,” he said.
Morweng also revealed that a new strategic investor is on the horizon and will soon be announced. The investor will be tasked with transforming the airport into a hub of economic activity, including cargo transportation and servicing of international airlines.
However, he acknowledged that several non-compliance issues identified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) remain unresolved due to budgetary constraints. Despite these challenges, the Department remains optimistic.
“We will call you again to announce that strategic partner and the expectations as well as the business strategy to be implemented henceforth,” concluded Morweng.
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