MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ALDERMAN JAMES VOS
Aviation training and job creation takes off thanks to proposed smart real estate sale
Today, the Mayoral Committee has agreed to recommend to Council the sale of the Vissershok site to the Morningstar Flyers Association. This move aims to help ensure that this vital hub for aviation training, aircraft maintenance and flight activities can continue to thrive and expand. Read more below:
I have visited the facility several times and have seen first-hand the positive impact the Morningstar Flyers Association makes, not only in the aviation economy of our city but also in the incredible empowerment programmes they run for underprivileged youth. The skills and opportunities they provide for aspiring aviators and technicians are truly inspirational.
The proposed sale consists of about 32,4 hectares of agricultural zoned land. This includes the initial lease area of about 26,8 hectares plus an additional area of about 5,6 hectares. The association has been leasing this City land for about 30 years and over time developed it as an airfield with current facilities. Hangars to keep aircraft have been erected by the individual club members.
By securing ownership of the site, the Morningstar Flyers Association will be able to make long-term investments, expand their activities, and further enhance the facility with improved runway infrastructure and additional hangar space. This will unlock even greater opportunities for skills development, employment, and economic growth in this high-value sector.
I was proud to motivate the report for adoption because land ownership paves the way for ambitious initiatives that benefit both industry and the broader community. This transaction is a great example of how the City’s smart real estate strategy is not just about disposing of land, but about enabling economic expansion, investment, and job creation.
This decision underscores Cape Town’s position as a leading aviation hub and reflects our commitment to industries that drive innovation and opportunity. I look forward to seeing the Morningstar Flyers Association soar to new heights!
Mayco’s recommendation will be tabled at the next Council meeting for their final decision.
The property has been thoroughly assessed and is not required for municipal purposes. The funds generated from the sale of this land will go towards service delivery city-wide.
