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The Journal of African Business, Issue 10

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Welcome to The Journal of African Business, your up-to-date guide to business and investment trends on the continent. A unique guide to business and investment in Africa, September / October / November 2024.

POLOKWANE INTERNATIONAL

POLOKWANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY WILL BOOST THE ECONOMY Significant upgrades are set to enhance the role of Polokwane International Airport in the aviation sector and the region’s economy. Polokwane International Airport (PIA), located in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa, has been a key gateway to the region, providing vital connectivity for both business and leisure travellers. PIA is strategically situated to serve the broader SADC region due to its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions and and abundance of agricultural resources. Currently, the airport features two runways, two large aprons, hangars and a terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. Despite its modest size, the airport has seen consistent growth in passenger movement, reflecting its importance to the region’s connectivity. As the airport continues to play a crucial role in the local economy, the future plans are set to enhance its capabilities and position it as a significant hub in the region. Upcoming upgrades and new systems are intended to enhance operational efficiency, convenience and the passenger experience, including modernised facilities and enhanced security measures. To ensure that PIA meets growing demand and aligns with the broader economic goals of the Limpopo Province, more ambitious plans are on the horizon. Partnerships with local businesses and tourism boards are being explored to maximise the economic benefits of the airport’s development. Enhancing connectivity is a key component of the airport’s future plans. The airport aims to establish new routes and increase the frequency of existing flights, making it easier for passengers to reach local, regional and international destinations. By expanding its network, PIA seeks to bolster its position as a regional hub, with cargo operations as a key strategic element that will not only increase revenue for the airport but also have a positive impact on the Limpopo Province and create jobs. The airport is situated at the helm of the N1 highway and railway infrastructure, which makes it ideal for an integrated transport network. In line with global trends, PIA is committed to implementing sustainable practices. Future plans include adopting green technologies and practices to reduce the environmental impact of airport operations. This includes initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting, waste management improvements and exploring alternative energy sources. PIA is poised for a significant transformation that will enhance its role as a vital gateway to the Limpopo Province. With ambitious plans for upgraded facilities, increased connectivity and sustainability initiatives, the airport is set to meet the growing demands of travellers and contribute to the economic development of the region. As these plans come to fruition, PIA will strengthen its position as a key player in South Africa’s aviation sector and a catalyst for regional growth. UNQUALIFIED AUDIT FOR GAAL The CEO of Gateway Airports Authority Limited (GAAL), the body that oversees Polokwane International Airport, Mokgadi Matli, lauds the announcement of the entity’s audit results for 2023/24: I am pleased to announce that GAAL has successfully completed its audit for the fiscal year 2023/24, receiving an unqualified audit opinion. This outcome underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency. An unqualified audit opinion is a testament to the strength of our financial practices and internal controls. It reflects our dedication to responsible management and our ability to provide accurate and reliable financial statements. This achievement is the result of the hard work and diligence of our finance team, as well as the unwavering support of our entire organisation. At GAAL, we recognise that trust is foundational to our relationships with stakeholders, including investors, clients and employees. This positive audit outcome reinforces our promise to operate with transparency and accountability, ensuring that our financial practices meet rigorous standards. As we move forward, we remain committed to building on this success. We will continue to focus on strategic growth, operational excellence and the pursuit of innovation, all while upholding the highest ethical and financial standards. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this achievement. We look forward to a future of continued success and shared prosperity. 24

POLOKWANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT VISION For Polokwane International Airport (PIA) to be recognised as a transformed and successful worldclass international airport that positively touches the lives of all people. MISSION PIA will be a commercially driven organisation, committed to delivering excellent economic and social benefits for all its stakeholders. OUR PRODUCT Airport infrastructure with no compromise on safety and security. PASSENGER SERVICE • Three scheduled flights daily • Charter flights • Car rental companies • Travel agencies • Shuttle services • Restaurant • Office space for rent • Shops for rental • Hangars for rental CARGO • Future cargo hub • Gateway into Southern African Development Community countries • Customised cargo facilities • Future cold storage • No congestion CONFERENCE FACILITIES • Offers more flexibility • Venue accommodates 10 to 2 000 people • Secluded • Stunning conference rooms • Good prices HANGARS • Different sizes to suit clients’ needs • Aircraft parking space INDOOR BILLBOARDS • Terminal billboards for advertising INFRASTRUCTURE • Category 7 international licence • 945ha of land with potential to acquire more land • Two runways with lengths of 3 175 metres and 2 581 metres • Four aprons with parking capacity of 74 800m² • Air traffic control and navigational aids • Accessible through roads and rail • Rescue and firefighting services • Passenger handling and aviation security • Customs and excise • Fuelling services INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES • Working toward category 9 licensing status • Extension of runways • Construction of warehouses • New passenger building • Taxiway construction • New tower • Passenger terminal • Cargo terminal • Cold storage • Cargo warehouse • Available land for development WHAT MAKES PIA DIFFERENT? • The location makes PIA a true gateway into Africa • The first contact point from Europe or Africa into South Africa • PIA gives easy and direct access to Kruger National Park, game farms and lodges in Limpopo covering the Waterberg and Mapungubwe ABOUT POLOKWANE It is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country, with plans to establish an industrial development zone (IDZ), introduce a fresh product market and build a convention centre. LIMPOPO’S COMPETITIVE EDGE Shares borders with Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe; good road and rail infrastructure; rich agricultural and mining resources; popular as a tourism destination. CONTACT GAAL Polokwane International Airport, Gateway Drive, Polokwane Tel: 087 291 1099 | Website: www.gaal.co.za PHOTO: Wayne Jackson on Pexels 25

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