Key Takeaways
- Thaba ‘Nchu Airport was opened in 1988 as part of Bophuthatswana’s drive for economic independence
- The airport was once a thriving hub for international and domestic travelers, but has since fallen into disrepair
- The airport’s decline has had a significant impact on the local economy and employment opportunities
- Poor leadership, mismanagement, and neglect have been cited as key reasons for the airport’s collapse
- There are plans to revive the airport, including the possible development of a solar energy project on the site
Introduction to Thaba ‘Nchu Airport
Thaba ‘Nchu Airport, which was opened in 1988, was built at the height of Bophuthatswana’s drive to achieve economic independence. The airport was marketed as a gateway for international and domestic travelers, and it briefly transformed the small Free State town into a lively tourism hub. The town of Thaba ‘Nchu, which is home to approximately 56,000 people, was formally established in 1873 with the arrival of the Barolong under Chief Moroka II. The town was later absorbed into the Bophuthatswana Bantustan under the apartheid regime, and after 1994, it was reintegrated into the Free State and eventually merged into the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality alongside Bloemfontein and Botshabelo.
The Airport’s Heyday
At the airport’s peak, visitors flew directly from OR Tambo International Airport to Thaba ‘Nchu, heading straight for nearby attractions like the Naledi Sun Hotel and Casino. Hundreds of jobs followed, and the town enjoyed a short-lived economic boom. Local resident Liboko Mabede, who worked in hospitality during Thaba ‘Nchu’s glory years, recalled the bustling atmosphere of the town. "There used to be so many tourists who would come here," Mabede told Newsday. "Those days are long gone. Now we operate like a ghost town." The airport’s success was a significant boost to the local economy, and it brought a sense of excitement and opportunity to the town.
The Airport’s Decline
However, the airport’s success was short-lived, and it has since fallen into disrepair. The roads leading to the airport are now riddled with potholes, and vegetation has swallowed the signage. The terminal itself has been stripped almost bare, with windows and roofing gone, concrete cracked, and trees growing where passengers once queued. The abandoned grounds have even been linked to criminal activity. Critics point to years of poor leadership, mismanagement, and neglect as key reasons for the airport’s collapse. The closure of tourism facilities removed a critical source of employment in a town already struggling with high rates of joblessness. The decline of the airport has had a significant impact on the local community, and it has left many feeling frustrated and disillusioned.
The Impact on the Local Community
The decline of the airport has had a profound impact on the local community. Many people who were employed at the airport or in related industries have lost their jobs, and the town has struggled to recover. The lack of economic opportunities has led to high levels of unemployment and poverty, and the town has become increasingly reliant on government support. The airport’s closure has also had a significant impact on the local business community, with many businesses closing or relocating to other areas. The town’s reputation has also suffered, and it is no longer seen as a viable tourist destination. DA councillor Raynie Klaasen expressed his frustration with the situation, saying, "For me, it feels like a concerted effort to destroy anything that came pre-1994. Even if there were some good things, like the airport, they want it gone."
Plans for Revival
Despite the challenges facing the airport, there are signs of hope. In May 2024, Mangaung mayor Gregory Nthatisi announced plans to revive the airport, including the possible development of a solar energy project on the site. This could potentially bring new economic opportunities to the area and help to revitalize the local economy. The plan is still in its early stages, but it has already generated a lot of interest and excitement in the community. If successful, the revival of the airport could have a significant impact on the local economy and help to restore the town’s reputation as a thriving tourist destination. However, it will require significant investment and effort to bring the airport back to its former glory, and it remains to be seen whether the plan will come to fruition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thaba ‘Nchu Airport was once a thriving hub for international and domestic travelers, but it has since fallen into disrepair. The airport’s decline has had a significant impact on the local economy and employment opportunities, and it has left many feeling frustrated and disillusioned. However, there are signs of hope, and plans to revive the airport could potentially bring new economic opportunities to the area. The revival of the airport will require significant investment and effort, but it could have a significant impact on the local economy and help to restore the town’s reputation as a thriving tourist destination. As the town looks to the future, it is clear that the revival of the airport will be a crucial part of its recovery and growth.
