Unisa’s bold claim that it has become the first African university to acquire an airport is facing fresh scrutiny after a closer look at the site linked to the project. Reports say the facility is not a full-scale airport in the way many South Africans would expect, but rather a small airstrip on the outskirts of Pretoria East.

Airstrip, Not Major Airport

The site is Aeropark Zynkraal in Bronkhorstspruit. According to the report, it is a privately owned facility that appears to be a 900-metre asphalt landing strip with very limited visible infrastructure. Farmworkers in the area said light aircraft sometimes use the strip, but activity is sporadic and mainly recreational. The report also stated that there was no visible flying activity when journalists visited the site this week.

Unisa Says Move Will Boost Practical Training

Unisa announced last week that it had acquired a 20-hectare “airport” as part of plans to expand into aviation training. The university said the facility would support practical learning in aircraft maintenance, drone technology and aeronautical systems. Unisa spokesperson Professor Boitumelo Senokoane said the site would help students apply their studies in practice and build skills that are in demand in the aviation and engineering sectors.

Senokoane also said the acquisition forms part of a wider strategic initiative to develop aviation and aeronautical studies as one of Unisa’s catalytic niche areas. He added that the university is still finalising the operational details, business processes and requirements tied to the acquisition.

Key Questions Still Unanswered

It is alleged that Unisa has not confirmed whether it has secured the accreditation required for aviation training under the South African Civil Aviation Authority. That matters because aviation training relies on strict regulatory compliance, supervised instruction and hands-on technical experience. Those demands could pose a challenge for a distance-learning institution.

Unisa also did not disclose the exact location of the facility or the purchase price when asked. However, the previous owners confirmed to the publication that the property had already been transferred to the university. For now, the university says fuller details will be shared once all processes have been completed.