Name change on the cards for airport in South Africa’s capital
The City of Tshwane Council is looking to rename the Wonderboom Airport, with plans to recognise the original Ndebele landowners of the area where the airport is located.
Tshwane MMC for economic development and spatial planning, Sarah Mabotsa, noted that the proposal to change the name was submitted in April 2018 and resubmitted in 2024.
Mabotsa said that the name change is being considered under the city’s Geographical Names Policy, approved in 2023.
The name “Wonderboom” refers to the historic fig tree found in the Wonderboom Nature Reserve. The tree is believed to be older than 1,000 years.
It was named by Voortrekker leader Hendrik Potgieter in 1836. The MMC said that the site became associated with the commemoration of the Day of the Vow under the tree’s shade.
While the tree was damaged by fire and disease, several of its branches developed roots, creating new trunks and extending the canopy.
Mabotsa said that the proposal before the council seeks to honour the Ndebele nation as the original landowners of the area in which the airport is situated.
Proposed names submitted as per the application also sought to reflect the Ndebele historical and cultural significance.
She added that the city’s Geographical Names Policy states that renaming may be considered for purposes that include:
- Honouring or commemorating noteworthy individuals associated with the city, province or country;
- Commemorating places, events and memories of cultural or historical significance; and
- Strengthening local heritage and promoting the character and identity of an area.
Council has thus approved the commencement of a public participation process to allow the city’s residents and stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the proposal before any decision is made.
The MMC said that details of the public participation meetings will be communicated in due course.
Objections to the move
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said that it does not support the proposed renaming of Wonderboom Airport.
The DA’s Dana Wannenburg said that in a period where residents are demanding reliable service delivery, economic growth, and functioning infrastructure, the city should not engage in a costly renaming.
“Wonderboom Airport is an important economic asset with the potential to contribute meaningfully to investment, tourism, aviation development, and job creation in Tshwane,” said Wannenburg.
“The discussion around the airport should therefore centre on sustainability, expansion, and economic opportunity.”
She said that the DA’s position is that municipalities should not operate airports where doing so places ongoing financial pressure on the city and ratepayers.
He added that airports require specialised operational expertise, long-term investment, and commercially driven management to remain competitive and viable.
While not directly related to the renaming process, the DA said that there should be a long-term public-private partnership (PPP) through a lease agreement for the airport.
Dana said that the PPP would allow the private sector to invest in and maintain the airport, while the city retains ownership of the asset. He said that the partnership would lead to the following:
- Improve and modernise airport infrastructure,
- Increase commercial and aviation activity,
- Ensure long-term operational sustainability and profitability,
- Create employment opportunities,
- Reduce financial risk and pressure on the municipality.
“Tshwane residents deserve a government focused on economic growth, infrastructure delivery, and creating jobs,” said Wannenburg.
Images of Wonderboom National Airport
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