GAAL'S GAFFES: POLOKWANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT'S LINGERING LANDING SYSTEM LOBOTOMY

GAAL CEO Mokgadi Matli.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

A damning indictment of Gateway Airports Authority Limited's (GAAL) incompetence and alleged corruption has emerged in the wake of Polokwane International Airport's Instrument Landing System (ILS) dysfunctional saga.

The R30 million ILS, procured in 2005, has been decommissioned since 2024, with a book value of R1.5 million, leaving a trail of questions and allegations of mismanagement.

GAAL CEO Mokgadi Matli confirmed that the airport did not have an ILS when it was handed over to the provincial government in 1994, but the system was acquired in 2005 as part of an upgrade to a higher license category. However, the system's decommissioning has raised serious concerns about the decision-making process and the role of outgoing board members.

Sources close to the matter reveal that the ILS was functioning until its decommissioning, with no clear evidence of technical problems. The decision to decommission and donate parts of the ILS to another airport has sparked allegations of corruption and mismanagement, with critics questioning the rationale behind the move.

"The gun is equal to the task, but it's surprising that they allowed certain individuals to push their own selfish interests," said a source close to the matter. "It's clear that they were advised wrongly, and now the airport is paying the price."

The ILS system, which cost approximately R30 million, has been a subject of controversy, with allegations of overpricing and irregularities in the procurement process. The Azanian has learnt that some parts of the ILS were traded off to another airport in exchange for a newer navigation aid worth R6 million, raising further questions about the transparency of the process.

A letter seen by The Azanian, dated 08 July 2025, reveals that GAAL CEO Mokgadi Matli approved the donation of the decommissioned ILS parts to ATNS Cape Town International Airport, citing a desire to "support your organization's efforts in assisting Cape Town International Airport to sustain their operations."

However, critics argue that this decision has crippled Polokwane International Airport, causing significant disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations, and has been a thorn in the side of Limpopo's economy. Premier Phophi Ramathuba has criticized GAAL for its failure to address the issue, stating that it's unacceptable and a threat to the province's economic growth.

The DA Limpopo has called for the privatization of Polokwane International Airport, citing GAAL's incompetence and mismanagement. "GAAL's free ride must come to an end," said Marie Helm, DA Provincial Spokesperson on Transport and Community Safety.

The Azanian demands accountability and action from GAAL. The people of Limpopo deserve better. It's time for GAAL to take responsibility and prioritize the province's aviation infrastructure.

The province is attracting significant investment, with a record R170 billion in pledges at its 2025 Investment Conference, focusing on agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure like roads.

This makes GAAL's mismanagement all the more egregious, as it threatens to undermine the province's economic growth and job creation efforts.

The Azanian will continue to investigate and provide updates on this developing story.