Key Takeaways
- The Thaba ‘Nchu Airport, once a thriving tourist destination, now stands as a symbol of a stalled local economy.
- The airport’s decline is attributed to poor leadership, lack of direction, and mismanagement.
- The town of Thaba ‘Nchu, with a population of around 56,000, is struggling with high unemployment and a lack of economic growth.
- Stakeholders are calling on the government to prioritize infrastructure maintenance to attract investment and restore economic growth.
- The airport’s revival is being considered, with plans to explore a solar-energy project on the site.
Introduction to Thaba ‘Nchu Airport
The Thaba ‘Nchu Airport, which was opened in 1988, was once a flagship infrastructure project of the Bophuthatswana Bantustan. The airport was launched during the Bantustan’s eleventh "independence" anniversary and was marketed as a gateway for international and domestic visitors. At the time, it was expected to bring in a significant amount of revenue and create jobs for the local community. The airport’s presence helped power a brief tourism boom, drawing travelers to nearby attractions such as the Naledi Sun Hotel and Casino. However, those venues shut their doors years ago, taking with them hundreds of jobs and the vibrancy that once defined this Free State town.
The Decline of Thaba ‘Nchu
The decline of the Thaba ‘Nchu Airport is a stark reminder of the town’s economic struggles. Lifelong resident Liboko Mabede, who worked in hospitality during Thaba ‘Nchu’s peak years, recalls the good old days when tourists would flock to the town. "There used to be so many tourists who would come here. Those days are long gone. Now we operate like a ghost town," he said. DA councillor Raynie Klaasen also remembers the airport’s heyday, saying, "People from all over the world used to come here… They’d fly from OR Tambo straight to Thaba ‘Nchu and head to the hotel." However, the airport’s decline has had a significant impact on the local economy, with many businesses shutting down and jobs being lost.
History of Thaba ‘Nchu
Thaba ‘Nchu, home to roughly 56,000 people, lies within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The town traces its roots to the arrival of the Barolong under Chief Moroka II in the 1830s and was formally established in 1873. Under apartheid, it was absorbed into the Bophuthatswana Bantustan, a move that shaped its governance and development trajectory for decades. After 1994, the town was reintegrated into the Free State and later merged with Bloemfontein and Botshabelo following the 2011 municipal elections. The town’s history is complex, and its development has been shaped by various factors, including its location and governance.
Current State of the Airport
The current state of the Thaba ‘Nchu Airport is a far cry from its former glory. The roads leading to the former airport are riddled with potholes, making for a bumpy ride. Upon arrival, one sees the ruins of what was once a thriving tourist destination that is now in a desolate state. Neglect and vandalism have caused immense damage, with no windows or roofing remaining. Grass and trees sprout on the concrete, indicating years of carelessness and neglect. The abandoned grounds are now a hub of criminality, with a dumped body found on the location during a recent visit. The state of the airport is a stark reminder of the town’s economic struggles and the need for investment and development.
Revival Plans
In May 2024, Mangaung Mayor Gregory Nthatisi announced that the municipality was developing plans to revive the dormant airport, including exploring a solar-energy project on the site. "We are also looking closer to that airport… to generate energy to help service our people," he said. The plans to revive the airport are a welcome development, and stakeholders are hopeful that it will bring in much-needed investment and create jobs for the local community. However, critics argue that the plans are long overdue and that the airport’s decline is a result of poor leadership and a lack of direction. DA councillor Lebohang Mohlamme said, "The airport once symbolised pride and prosperity for the community. The closure of the airport, due to mismanagement, is unacceptable as the municipality struggles with an unemployment crisis."
Conclusion
The Thaba ‘Nchu Airport is a symbol of a stalled local economy, and its decline is a reminder of the need for investment and development in the town. The airport’s history is complex, and its development has been shaped by various factors, including its location and governance. The current state of the airport is a far cry from its former glory, and the plans to revive it are a welcome development. However, stakeholders are calling on the government to prioritize infrastructure maintenance to attract investment and restore economic growth. The town of Thaba ‘Nchu has the potential to thrive, and it is up to the government and stakeholders to work together to make it happen.