Call to involve private investors to revive PR Mphephu Airport

The Freedom Front Plus [VF Plus] in Limpopo has called for the involvement of private investors to revive the PR Mphephu Airport located in Vuwani, Limpopo.

The airport, which was built by the old Venda Republic government under PR Mphephu, is now a white elephant. It has been closed for some time, as it is due for upgrades.

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But, according to the VF Plus, commercial flights continue to land there without supervision, resulting in a lack of control over passengers or goods being loaded or unloaded.

They also say the Airport’s proximity to Zimbabwe and Mozambique, combined with the lack of proper control measures, makes it easy to exploit for, among other things, human trafficking and smuggling of illegal firearms and drugs.

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The party has also raised a concern over the Airport’s condition. The main building currently serves as a storage space for documentation. The fire station is dilapidated, the grounds are overgrown with grass, and there is no fencing to keep stray animals off the runway.

“In the Freedom Front Plus’s view, the provincial government is wasting taxpayers’ money by injecting funds into the Airport,” said the VF Plus.

“The only way to ensure it is commercially viable and turns a profit is to involve private investors. A private partnership could provide the necessary capital and expertise to run the Airport safely and cost-effectively.”