Despite rumours that the much-criticised Sikhupe Airport in Swaziland is to open by the end of the year, Bertram Stewart, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, could not confirm this.

Sabelo Dlamini, Swaziland Civil Aviation Authority Marketing (SWACAA) and Corporate Affairs Director, said unfortunately he could only relay second-hand information regarding the progress of the airport as the construction was entirely in the hands of the Swazi government. He hoped, however, that the airport would open in seven months’ time.

Dlamini said he was aware of the strong criticism from tourism industry players with regard to the airport but claimed that sometimes leadership needed to envisage the future and lay the foundation for generations ahead. “Sadly, there are other pressing needs in Swaziland, including unemployment and poverty, but we can’t put away all other projects. We need to plan for generations to come. The airport might not benefit this generation but it is a necessary investment.”

According to Dlamini, SWACAA is in talks with three major airlines to start operations from the new airport. Although he said the airlines had requested confidentiality, he could reveal that routes would include Durban, Cape Town and Victoria Falls as well as regional routes to East Africa and a route to the Middle East.

Dlamini added that, although Swazi airlines had been blacklisted by the European Union as unsafe to fly in European airspace, Swaziland was well on the way to reversing this situation. He explained the main issue was the lack of skilled people within aviation security. Swaziland has been working with the international civil aviation organisation to adequately train people and equip them with the necessary skills.

Dorine Reinstein