The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane does not support the proposed renaming of Wonderboom Airport.
At a time when Tshwane residents are demanding reliable service delivery, safer communities, economic growth, and functioning infrastructure, the City should remain focused on addressing these urgent priorities instead of engaging in unnecessary renaming processes which would cost taxpayers.
Wonderboom Airport is an important economic asset with the potential to contribute meaningfully to investment, tourism, aviation development, and job creation in Tshwane. The discussion around the airport should therefore centre on sustainability, expansion, and economic opportunity.
The DA’s position is that municipalities should not continue operating airports where doing so places ongoing financial pressure on the City and ratepayers. Airports require specialised operational expertise, long-term infrastructure investment, and commercially driven management models to remain competitive and viable.
For this reason, the DA supports the exploration of a transparent long-term Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through a lease agreement that would allow the private sector to invest in, improve, maintain, and expand the airport while the City retains ownership of the asset.
Such a partnership could:
• Improve and modernise airport infrastructure,
• Increase commercial and aviation activity,
• Ensure long-term operational sustainability and profitability,
• Create employment opportunities,
• Reduce financial risk and pressure on the municipality.
Tshwane residents deserve a government focused on economic growth, infrastructure delivery, and creating jobs. The DA will continue advocating for practical solutions that strengthen the City’s finances and unlock economic opportunity for residents.