The establishment of the Siyandhani international airport in Limpopo has hit a rock as the Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) has distanced itself from the Giyani private commercial airport.

GAAL, an entity responsible for managing public aviation assets in Limpopo, says the infrastructure development of the airport did not follow legal and regulatory processes.

The Siyandhani traditional authority partnered with Bombo Investment to reopen the then Gazankulu private airways as F.Y Siyandhani International airport, with the first phase of the project having been launched on Friday, 16 May and is said to create about 500 jobs.

Gazankulu’s homeland airport was closed at the dawn of democracy, when the homeland system in South Africa came to an end.

However, on Sunday, 18 May, the Limpopo’s aviation authority released a media statement distancing the entity and the Department of Transport and Community Safety from the unauthorised activities taking place at Siyandhani Airport.

“This action was taken despite a formal directive issued by the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety (DTCS), instructing them to halt all planned activities associated with the airport’s development.

“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 as such any investment or development related to it must follow due legal and regulatory processes.

“Given the circumstances, GAAL and the Department of Transport and Community Safety hereby formally distance ourselves from the unauthorised activities currently taking place at Siyandhani Airport. The matter has been referred to our legal advisors for review, and appropriate actions will be taken based on their guidance,” said Tshepo Ramakgopa in a statement.

The entity has further urged all the stakeholders to respect due process and engage with them, and the transport department to ensure legal compliance and proper coordination on all infrastructure development efforts.

Bambi managing director, Nkateko Baloyi, says they have gone through all the necessary processes to run 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.

“We just need to meet up with the department to explain that. So, I think we must bring them into our confidence,” he said.

Speaking to SABC’s Munghana Lonene radio station, Hosi Famanda Chabalala of Siyandhana traditional authority accused both Giyani municipality, the department of transport and community safety and Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba of trying to sabotage the airport project.

“Look now, where are Giyani Municipality, Limpopo premier and MEC of transport, they are not here because they wanted to sabotage this project. As the chief am confident that this project will create jobs for the people of Siyandhana, “ said Chabalala.

Attempts to get comments from the Limpopo premier drew blanks.