Mahikeng: The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management, led by Freddy Sonakile, has expressed its concern over a video circulating on social media. In this video, Wessels Morweng, the MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, is seen confronting individuals allegedly occupying the George Dick Montshioa Airport, formerly known as Mafikeng Airport, without proper authorization.
According to South African Government News Agency, the committee has urgently requested Morweng to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a comprehensive report detailing the facts, corrective actions, and preventive measures to avoid future breaches. The committee has raised questions about the 24-hour security surveillance by Eagle Eye Security and the presence of a full-time site manager at the airport, questioning how such unauthorized occupation could occur unnoticed.
The committee is also probing whether there is an aviation school operating at the airport and if any lease agreements exist with individuals or entities. Additionally, the role of the Department of Public Works and Roads, as the custodian of government properties, is under scrutiny.
Sonakile emphasized the need for accountability if there are no valid lease agreements and no rental income has been collected while individuals used the state property without compensation. The committee stresses that allowing unauthorized and rent-free occupation undermines the rule of law and could lead to corruption and mismanagement.
The Chairperson made it clear that the committee will not accept vague explanations or deflections, advocating for firm and visible consequences to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public assets in the North West.