/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA calls on the Head of the Executive, Premier Stan Mathabatha, to take responsibility over rebuilding of Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL).

Since 2014, GAAL has had 5 MECs presiding over the entity’s activities and not one seems to have made an impression on GAAL to effect sound financial government to date.

The preventable shutdown of the Polokwane International Airport earlier this month highlighted GAAL’s incompetency to effect their mandate, which is simply to manage and develop non-private airports to provide ease of access to our province for both investors and tourists.

The Polokwane International Airport was, until it’s de-categorisation, the only operational airport that accommodated commercial flights in its stable.

The department for Transport and Community subsidised GAAL’s proposed income of R26 million with R54 953 000 in the 2020/2021 financial year to enable them to keep the doors open.

In October 2020 the Provincial Treasury issued a scathing report on the utilisation of R14 million, specifically requested by GAAL from the Department of Transport to address issues of non-compliance which was meant to avert a shutdown of the Polokwane International Aiport.

Treasury found inter alia:

• Unauthorised expenditure of R3 107 919,91 for procuring CCTV installation, compliance training and runway resealing, road markings and a helipad construction.
• Irregular expenditure of R2 984 332,42 for procuring compliance training, an air-conditioning system and a lighting obstruction and flood system.

Treasury recommended that a forensic investigation into the R4.8 million payments for resealing and road markings as well as corrective measures to prevent the recurrence of Supply Chain Management (SCM).

We will put continuous pressure on GAAL’s Accounting Authority to comply with Treasury’s recommendations.

Since all reshuffles gave us 5 MECs in the Department in both the 5th & 6th Legislatures made by the Premier, the DA now calls on Premier Mathabatha to ensure compliance with the legislative framework in which GAAL operates and specifically with SCM, Procurement and Treasury regulations.

The DA believes that GAAL has an important role to play in the revitalisation of Limpopo’s economy post-Covid and the Premier cannot continue to keep silent on issues of GAAL, to ensure that GAAL now toes the line.

Issued by DA