Central RegionZoom Map

MAFIKENG AIRPORT

Management & Organizational Structure:

Currently the airport management falls under the North West Province Department of Transport and Roads (Directorate: Transportation Services).

The airport is operated in accordance with internationally accepted norms and standards as laid down by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO).

Operations and safety manuals are in place and have been approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

It is envisaged that future management may be engaged by means of a Public Private Partnership process in terms of the Treasury Regulations promulgated in terms of the Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999.

Runways

The main runway orientation, 04-22, is 4 500 meters long, 45 meters wide with 7, 5 meters shoulders.

Both runway and shoulders have asphalt surfaces.

The necessary taxiways (23 meters wide and with 10, 5 meters shoulders) link the runway with the apron at the terminal building and the hangars at the former Air Force Base.

This allows the airport to classified as a Code E (Aerodrome Reference Code 4E – ICAO Annex 14), capable of handling the largest general commercial aircraft presently in use.

The runway specifications and markings conform to the required international standards stipulated by Annex 14 to the Chicago Convention of 1944.

Buildings

1. The facilities at Mafikeng Airport consist of:
• The main terminal building;
• A technical block;
• A fire station;
• A water tower and pump house;
• Electricity – standby power center;
• Maintenance workshops;
• General aviation hangars and apron;
• Technical hangars, training academy and accommodation blocks (old Bophuthatswana Air Force Base), with separate apron; and
• Aero club buildings.

2. The terminal buildings are well constructed and provide for a separation between international and domestic passengers.

3. Provision has been made for security equipment at arrivals and check-in counters.

4. A fully equipped cafeteria/restaurant is accommodated.

5. Conference facilities are available, as well as a private departure lounge.

6. Office space is available, to house Customs and Excise, Immigration, Border Control (SAPS), Port Health and other departments or institutions who have an interest in accommodation and other arrangements within the terminal buildings.

Navigational aids:

1. In terms of an agreement concluded with Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited ("ATNS"), an aerodrome control service is in place at Mafikeng Airport. The service levels in terms of the agreement are flexible and can accommodate a transition to cater for international air transport operations.

2. A transition to an approach control service can be accommodated within the current agreement with ATNS, although this is not deemed to be necessary in the circumstances;

3. All necessary navigational and air traffic control aids are installed and available for use, including an Instrument Landing System ("ILS").

Security:

The following security arrangements have been provided for at Mafikeng Airport:
• Perimeter security fencing around the airport, and around the international clearance area, constituting a restricted area;
• Access control to restricted areas;
• Channelling of passengers through a central terminal building, ensuring that all international passengers cannot arrive or depart without reporting personally to Customs and Immigration;
• Security personnel – those presently employed on Mafikeng Airport are duly qualified (AVSEC trained). North West Province has recently entered into a contract with a security company for the provision of professional aviation security services at Mafikeng Airport.

It is submitted that this aspect has been comprehensively dealt with by North West Province.

Fire fighting and classification:

Mafikeng Airport is duly licensed and equipped to meet its present classification as a Category 5 aerodrome.

Mafikeng Airport is capable of being licensed as a Category 9 aerodrome as and when the need arises, subject to compliance with the requirements of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

Immigration, Customs and Border Control (SAPS) facilities and services:

Facilities required for these services are available, it being pointed out that these services were previously provided whilst Mafikeng Airport enjoyed international status, and can be reinstated at limited or no cost.

Customs and Excise, Immigration and Border Control personnel are stationed in and around Mafikeng already in order to service the nearby border post with Botswana.

Other Inter-Departmental and Institutional Support Arrangements:

Arrangements have been formalised with the following additional departments or institutions in respect of ancillary or related services required at an international airport:
• South African National Defence Force (local)
• Department of Health (Port Health)
• Department of Agriculture
• Central District Municipality and Mafikeng Local Municipality
• Local hospitals and clinics
• Agreements have been entered into with local hospitals and clinics to provide extra medical facilities and services in emergency situations.

HISTORY

AROUND MAFIKENG

politician, journalist, campaigner for human rights, novelist & translator

He was the first known black person to keep a diary during a protracted war. During the siege of Mafikeng he wrote his 'Boer War Diary' - a valuable historical document, unique in its presentation of an African perspective.

Places linking him to Mafikeng at the time of the siege include his residence, his newspaper office and printing works.

more about Sol Plaatje ...

more about the Boer War ...

NORTH WEST ICONS