By OBAKENG MAJE
9 June 2025- The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee has lambasted the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management over illegal occupation of GD Monthioa Airport. The committee said there is a gross dereliction of duty.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Freddy Sonakile said the illegal occupation led to the revenue losses. Sonakile said it was revealed during a recent committee meeting that two aviation schools—Fly Paramount Aviation Academy and African Union Aviation Academy (AUAA)—had been operating at the airport without valid lease agreements.
“Despite being aware, the department failed to intervene. The previous airport operator had collected rent until 2023, when the matter was referred to the National Treasury for investigation.
“Although a new leasing process was initiated in 2024, no lease was ever finalized, and both schools continued operating unlawfully. Fly Paramount was only removed following an oversight visit by the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, while AUAA remains on-site under curatorship due to the illness of its director,” he said.
Sonakile further said this is a textbook case of failure to safeguard public assets. He added that millions in potential revenue were lost, while the department looked away.
“The failure to act has not only compromised state property, but also undermined trust in governance.
“During the meeting, the Director of Paramount Aviation confirmed her academy had tried repeatedly to finalize a lease since November 2024, with no response from the department,” said Sonakile.
He said the Director of Paramount Aviation, has since undertaken to submit all correspondence to the committee. Sonakile said the committee has now given the department seven days to submit a consequence management report on implicated officials, providing a detailed account of lost revenue, unpaid utilities and infrastructure damage.
“Present a revenue recovery plan and submit the National Treasury report and refer the matter to the SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit for investigation into any possible irregular or unauthorized payments.
“The committee also flagged the unresolved issue of two foreign nationals—identified only as William and Paul—previously claimed by the department to be instructors at Paramount,” he said.
Sonakile said the school’s Director denied any association, stating the individuals were linked to AUAA. He said the matter has been referred to Home Affairs and SAPS to verify their identities, legal status, and whereabouts.
“This was one of the most frustrating oversight visits we’ve endured. Had the department been transparent from the start, this matter would have long been resolved.
“This committee will not tolerate sleeping on duty,” he said.
The Guardian 