Latest news with #DeonCloete
The South African
04-08-2025
- Business
- The South African
Development of Cape Town's new airport hits important milestone
The Cape Winelands Airport, which will be Cape Town's second airport, is one step closer to reality as its Environmental Authorisation (EA) application has been formally submitted to the government. According to BusinessTech , the milestone was announced during a recent Chamber Chapter meeting at Groot Phesantekraal Wine Estate in Durbanville, where Cape Winelands Airport Managing Director Deon Cloete confirmed the official submission earlier this month. A decision from the relevant authorities is expected later this year. 'We've been working for five years, last week we made the final submission for EA,' Cloete said, emphasising the years of planning and preparation behind the project. With environmental compliance now in motion, the R7 billion project shifts into a more advanced phase. Cloete also revealed that a dedicated finance team has been appointed to manage investment and loan proposals, a crucial step in securing funding for the ambitious infrastructure development. The proposed airport, located in the Cape Winelands region, is envisioned as a key alternative to Cape Town International Airport, easing regional air traffic and supporting tourism, trade, and economic growth across the Western Cape. The coming months will determine how quickly construction can commence, pending environmental approval and financing arrangements. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
23-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
New Cape Winelands Airport a step closer to taking off
Plans for Cape Town's long-anticipated second international airport have reached a significant milestone, with the formal submission of an Environmental Authorisation (EA) application, bringing the Cape Winelands Airport project closer to reality. The announcement was made at a recent aviation networking event at Groot Phesantekraal Wine Estate in Durbanville, where industry leaders, government officials, and developers gathered to discuss the project's momentum and its regional implications. The proposed airport is being driven by a consortium of aviation industry veterans. According to Managing Director Deon Cloete, the EA application marks the culmination of five years of groundwork and paves the way for regulatory decisions expected before the end of 2025. 'We have officially submitted the EA application,' Cloete confirmed. 'This is a major step forward, and we are optimistic about the outcome.' The Cape Winelands Airport is planned for the Joostenberg area in the city's northern suburbs – a location selected for its strategic value, access to key transport routes, and potential to ease pressure on Cape Town International Airport. The airport aims to accommodate over five million passengers annually by 2050, according to Cloete, and funding talks are already underway. 'A dedicated finance team is currently evaluating offers to secure the long-term viability of the project,' he said. Urban experts see the new airport as critical for Cape Town's fast-growing population. Jeremy Wiley of the Western Cape Property Development Forum noted that the city is on track to become a megacity, with more than 10 million residents expected by 2050. 'Cape Town's growth is accelerating. Infrastructure needs to keep up,' said Wiley. 'This project shows leadership is responding with foresight.' Mikhail Manuel, speaking on behalf of the City's Urban Mobility Committee, described the Joostenberg node as a zone of imminent economic expansion. 'This is more than a transport development. It's a trigger for real investment, job creation, and spatial transformation over the next decade,' said Manuel. 'The City is fully committed.' While no official construction date has been confirmed, developers remain cautiously optimistic. The final environmental decision is expected by year-end, after which more concrete timelines will likely follow. If greenlit, the Cape Winelands Airport could mark a pivotal shift in the Western Cape's infrastructure and mobility landscape – unlocking new regional growth, tourism potential, and connectivity for South Africa's second-largest city. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
