GAAL'S ILS SCANDAL: QUESTIONS RAISED OVER DECOMMISSIONING AND DONATION

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

The decommissioning and donation of Polokwane International Airport's Instrument Landing System (ILS) has sparked a firestorm of controversy, with The Azanian seeking answers from Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL) on the questionable decision-making process.

As we reported earlier, the R30 million ILS, procured in2005, has been out of commission since 2024, with a book value of R1.5 million. Now, questions are being raised about the technical report that concluded the ILS was no longer serviceable, and the company that commissioned the assessment. Who exactly is the company that commissioned this assessment, and what were their qualifications? Was it a thorough and independent evaluation, or was it a cursory glance that led to the ILS being written off?

Sources close to the matter reveal that GAAL may have acted hastily in decommissioning the ILS, without exploring alternative options for repair or maintenance. Were attempts made to service the ILS, and if so, why were these efforts unsuccessful? The Azanian has learnt that GAAL was aware of the ILS model installed at Cape Town Airport before donating the system, but why was a second opinion not sought, considering the potential for PIA to revamp the system?

The donation of the ILS to Cape Town International Airport has also raised eyebrows, with critics questioning why GAAL would give away a valuable asset without proper consideration. Was the Department of Transport and Treasury involved in the approval process, and who exactly approved the donation? The Azanian has sent a list of questions to GAAL, seeking clarification on these issues and more.

The timing of the donation is particularly suspicious, coming as it does amidst the ANC's National General Council meeting in Johannesburg, where the party is expected to express its discontentment with the DA-led Western Cape provincial government. The fact that Cape Town International Airport is located in a DA-led province, a member of the Government of National Unity, has raised allegations of political favoritism and cronyism.

The people of Limpopo, who overwhelmingly voted for the ANC in the previous elections, giving the party a whopping 74% of the vote, are left wondering why their airport is being stripped of its assets to benefit a rival province. 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.

GAAL CEO Mokgadi Matli has yet to respond to our inquiries, but The Azanian will continue to press for answers. The Azanian will continue to investigate and provide updates on this developing story.