NCOP Raises Alarm Over Security and Infrastructure Failures at PC Pelser Airport and Goudkoppie Heritage Site

Permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), together with members of the North West Provincial Legislature, have raised serious concerns over security lapses and deteriorating infrastructure at the PC Pelser Airport during oversight visits in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality.

The oversight visits form part of the NCOP's annual Taking Parliament to the People programme currently underway in Stilfontein.

The municipal airport, situated between Klerksdorp and Stilfontein, has a 1 500-metre runway and 49 hangars, 11 of which belong to the municipality. However, the facility is grappling with aging infrastructure, inadequate lighting, limited security systems and the absence of a full-time air traffic control tower.

Briefing the delegation, Director of Community Services at the City of Matlosana, Mr Phehello Setona, said the lack of security remains the airport's greatest challenge. "We do not have a record of aircraft landing and taking off at this airport and this makes the facility a potential hub for criminal activities, especially considering the prevalence of illegal mining activities in the area," said Mr Setona.

He said the municipality intends revitalising the airport into a logistics and cargo hub to support tourism, warehousing and transport industries. "This airport has significant potential. We can even establish an aviation school here, but the municipality currently lacks the budget required to implement the improvement plans," he added.

Mr Setona appealed to the delegation to assist the municipality in securing funding for the proposed upgrades.

Responding to the concerns raised, NCOP delegate Mr Mpho Modise said the NCOP would facilitate a joint oversight visit involving committees responsible for safety, policing and mining matters. He stressed that the airport's security shortcomings require urgent intervention.

The delegation also visited the Goudkoppie Heritage Hill, a provincial heritage site that reflects the region's rich mining, cultural and historical heritage.

The site suffered extensive vandalism and damage linked to illegal mining operations and vandalism between 2017 and 2022. It has since undergone partial restoration through the efforts of Leano la Bophelo, a community-based organisation funded by the National Lottery.

Museum Curator Ms Alta Blom told members of the delegation that inadequate fencing and poor security continue to expose the site to vandalism, illegal dumping and occupation by vagrants. "We need funding to restore this site to its former glory. There is also a need for proper signage and infrastructure upgrades," said Ms Blom.

She noted that the site's proximity to the Anglo-Boer War Connection Old Cemetery attracts international visitors tracing family history and visiting ancestral graves. "This site is strategically located and presents a valuable investment opportunity that can generate revenue and create employment opportunities for the community," she said.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, the Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, called on the municipality to strengthen collaboration with community-led heritage initiatives. She emphasised the importance of preserving heritage sites as part of protecting the country's history while also supporting local economic development.

The Taking Parliament to the People programme continues today at the Spirit Word Church in Stilfontein, where delegates are expected to undertake further oversight visits to projects across the City of Matlosana.

Masego Dlula
13 May 2026