BLOEMFONTEIN – Businesses at the Tempe Airfield, as well as the community of Groenvlei, have lodged complaints against the intention of the Mangaung Metro to sell Tempe Airport to a private estate. Johan Pretorius, DA Councillor and the DA in Mangaung’s spokesperson on economic development, said more than 50 written objections were submitted, reflecting deep concern regarding the metro’s apparent disregard for due process, transparency, and public participation.
Tempe Airfield is one of 14 assets in the metro that have been advertised, inviting public input. These assets include Naval Hill. The process closed end of October.
In response to numerous inquiries by the media Sello More, city manager, said the tender was aimed at leveraging growth in the city’s assets.
This, while many of the businesses at Tempe Airfield generate good income for the city also.
Pretorius says the DA believes the proposed alienation of these strategic municipal assets is procedurally flawed and potentially unlawful.
Tempe Airfield is a certified and operational airport under the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Any attempt to repurpose this site would undermine its aviation status, threaten local jobs, and erode a part of Bloemfontein’s transport and economic infrastructure.
Recently, a notice was circulated to hangar owners and tenants indicating that no lease agreements would be renewed, as the metro had received formal expressions of interest from external parties in the airport land currently occupied by hangars and aviation-related businesses.
Another occupier is the Bloemfontein Gliding Club. Riaan Bezuidenhout of the club says no communication from the metro is forthcoming.
“The Tempe Airfield is a strategic and high-value municipal asset – of significant regional and national importance to general aviation in South Africa. Over the years, lessees and users have personally invested in the maintenance and improvement of airport infrastructure, contributing to its ongoing functionality and safety.”
Bezuidenhout says this club alone invested millions in infrastructure and maintenance of the runways without the municipality’s support or assistance.
“Runway 33 was developed out of our own funds. This adds value to the whole flying community. The club moved to the New Tempe Airfield in 1985 and is the oldest club here.”
Bezuidenhout says it is now the beginning of the gliding season, and members are flying in from across the world to spend time in Bloemfontein in the coming months. On a yearly basis, international glider pilots fly in to use the facilities in Bloemfontein. From November to January each year, due to the good soaring conditions around Bloemfontein, the Tempe Airfield is sought after.
These yearly financial injections into the local economy happens via spending on accommodation, food, entertainment, fuel, aircraft hire and vehicle hire, to name but a few.
Pretorius also points out that Tempe Airfield is an important refueling stop when traveling between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“We strongly condemn the municipality’s failure to consult affected tenants, aviation stakeholders, and the local community before pursuing this plan. The DA calls for the immediate suspension of all actions related to the proposed sale and demands a transparent, lawful process that protects this vital public asset.”
More said that Tempe Airport “has turned into a quad bike venue.”
“What a waste,” he stated in his news release.
The Bloemfontein Off Road Club (Borc) has hosted numerous world-class national, regional and club-level events, and is recognised as one of the top motocross facilities in South Africa. Anton Engelbrecht, Borc chairman, said should the municipality proceed with the disposal of this land, it would result in the loss of the only operational motocross venue in the Free State, effectively ending all formal off-road motorsport activities in the region.
Furthermore, Tempe Airfield houses the SAPS Airwing and is a base of training for parachute soldiers stationed at Tempe.
More said the metro would give due consideration to valid objections.
“Our intention is to stimulate growth and create a bigger revenue base which will benefit all citizens of Mangaung.”
