GAAL Distances itself from Siyandhani International Airport in Giyani
- GAAL and the Limpopo Department of Transport have not approved the Siyandhani International Airport project
- Bombo Investment Group claims to have secured necessary documentation and intends to create 500 jobs in the first phase
The Gateway Airport Authority Limited (GAAL) has raised concerns over the recent launch of the Siyandhani International Airport in Giyani, Limpopo.
The private commercial airport, spearheaded by Bombo Investment Group in collaboration with the Siyandhani Traditional Authority, was officially unveiled on May 16, despite clear directives from provincial authorities to halt proceedings.
GAAL, which is mandated to manage public aviation assets across Limpopo, along with the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety (DTCS), has formally distanced itself from the recent developments.
According to GAAL CEO Mokgadi Matli, the project proceeded without following the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks.
“The launch went ahead despite the communication to the investment group to halt the proceedings as the correct processes had to be followed and the correct authorisation had to be obtained,” said Matli.
“Siyandhani Airport is a public property and as such, any investment or development related to it must follow due legal and regulatory processes.”
Matli said that GAAL and the DTCS would continue engaging with the relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter and reiterated that the facility remains a state-owned aviation asset.
The airport, historically known as Giyani Airport during the Gazankulu homeland era, has been inactive since the early 1990s.
Its revival, however, has been championed by Bombo Investment Group as a strategic project to boost regional connectivity and create employment.
The launch event was attended by high-profile guests including Mamelodi Sundowns manager Tiyani Mabunda, social media influencer Chavi CMC, and Mughana Lonene FM presenters Rose Chabalala and Bot Pat.
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Bombo Investment Group said that it is in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Managing Director Nkateko Baloyi stated that the group had gone through necessary steps to secure documentation for operating an aviation business.
“We believe that we are very compliant, because we have gone through the process to attain all the necessary documentation to run an aviation business,” Baloyi said.
“We just need to meet up with the department to explain that. So, I think we must bring them into our confidence.”
According to company spokesperson Ntiyiso Sibuyi, the initial phase of the airport’s construction is expected to create approximately 500 jobs, with further employment opportunities anticipated in later phases.
Despite these claims, GAAL maintains that no development approval was granted and has referred the matter to legal advisors.
In a formal statement, the authority warned that any steps taken without proper authorisation may be in violation of public procurement laws.
“Bombo Investment Group was adequately informed that any further steps toward the development of the Siyandhani Airport would be premature and potentially in violation of public procurement laws. The facility is a state-owned aviation asset, and any investment or development related to it must follow due legal and regulatory processes,” the statement read.
GAAL and the DTCS have urged all prospective investors and stakeholders to engage directly with the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures.