3rd Floor, Ga-Rona Building Tel: +27 (18) 388-3705 Private Bag X129, Fax: +27(18) 388- 3157 MMABATHO COMMUNICATION SERVICES E-mail:[email protected] 2735 MEDIA RELEASE Friday, 23 February 2018 New name and international status for Mahikeng Airport Marikana: The North West Provincial Government has reached another milestone in the recapitalization of the Mahikeng Airport. In his State of the Province Address which was delivered at the Marikana Community Hall, in the Rustenburg Local Municipality, Premier Supra Mahumapelo announced that the name change process of the airport has been completed and the Mafikeng Airport will soon be called George Dick Montshioa Airport, in honour of the Barolong Boo Ratshidi chieftaincy. “This is a commendable progress in honouring our ANC veteran and struggle icon, Kgosi George Dick Montshioa who served our organization with diligence and commitment,” said Mahumapelo. The Premier further outlined that the airport precinct will be turned into an international cargo hub meant to boost and revitalize the economy of the Province. He expressed his disappointment at the unimpressive progress registered though. “The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management has covered much ground in addressing all compliance issues as part of accelerating the process to acquire the international airport status for Mahikeng Airport. We hope that the National government can move faster on this matter,” he said. The airport precinct development is part of the broader Mahikeng Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal Programme (MRRRP) as well as restoring Mahikeng’s stature as a real capital city. Together we move Bokone Bophirima forward Activities earmarked include developing aviation cargo logistics hub for goods destined to Africa, establishing a solar energy plant, establishing an aviation technical training centre and further developing aircraft maintenance centre. All these activities are anticipated to boost the economic growth and development of the Province. The Mahikeng Airport is currently designated as a domestic airport and serves as a link between Mahikeng and Pilanesberg airport, with a route between Mahikeng and OR Tambo airport. ENDS Issued by the Office of the Premier and North West Provincial Legislature For enquiries, contact Mr Brian Setswambung Provincial Head of Communication Office of the Premier North West Provincial Government Cell: 076 012 4501 E-mail: [email protected] www.nwpg.gov.za 2 .