{"id":54055,"date":"2026-03-27T04:59:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T04:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=54055"},"modified":"2026-03-27T04:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T04:59:14","slug":"unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/03\/27\/unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look\/","title":{"rendered":"Unisa airport claim falls flat on closer look"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p><h2>Unisa&#8217;s aviation push comes under scrutiny after its airport is found to be a small airstrip with limited visible facilities.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>The University of South Africa (Unisa) has touted its latest aviation venture as a groundbreaking milestone, boasting that it has become the first African university to acquire an airport. <\/p>\n<p>But a visit to the site tells a much more modest story: a quiet tarred airstrip sandwiched by crops on the outskirts of Pretoria East. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unisa-s-new-airport-appears-to-be-a-basic-airstrip\">Unisa\u2019s new \u2018airport\u2019 appears to be a basic airstrip<\/h2>\n<p>The privately owned facility, the Aeropark Zynkraal in Bronkhorstspruit, appears to fall short of what most would consider an airport. <\/p>\n<p>On the ground, it is little more than a 900m asphalt landing strip with minimal visible infrastructure. <\/p>\n<p>Farmworkers in the area said light aircraft do occasionally take off and land, but operations are sporadic and largely recreational. <\/p>\n<p>However, there was no sign of flying when <em>The Citizen <\/em>visited the site this week. <\/p>\n<p>Last week, Unisa announced that it had acquired a 20-hectare \u201cairport\u201d to cement its planned expansion into aviation training, including aircraft maintenance, drone technology, and aeronautical systems. <\/p>\n<p>The institution said the facility will offer students hands-on experience in a sector where practical skills are critical. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hands-on-experience-in-sector\">Hands-on experience in sector  <\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-825x550.jpg 825w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1250px) 100vw, 1250px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Landing-strip-825x550.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1250px) 100vw, 1250px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Unisa says it will deliver world-class, practice-based training at Aeropark Zynkraal. Picture: Nigel Sibanda<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Unisa spokesperson Prof Boitumelo Senokoane described the acquisition as a step toward innovation and institutional growth. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis airport will give our students a unique opportunity to apply their studies in practice and gain skills in high demand in the aviation and engineering industries,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>Central to any such operation is compliance with the South African Civil Aviation Authority, which strictly governs training organisations and licensing pathways. <\/p>\n<p>Unisa has not confirmed whether it has secured the necessary accreditation. <\/p>\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <strong>Unisa moves to close troubled enterprise<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The university\u2019s broader model as a distance-learning institution adds another layer of complexity. <\/p>\n<p>Aviation training typically demands intensive, in-person instruction, supervised flight hours and hands-on technical experience \u2013 elements not easily replicated remotely. <\/p>\n<p>In response to detailed questions about accreditation, regulatory compliance, funding and programme roll-out, Unisa said the acquisition forms part of a broader strategic initiative, with operational details still being finalised. <\/p>\n<p>The university would not reveal the location of the \u201cairport\u201d and how much it paid for the property. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-university-wouldn-t-reveal-airport-location\">University wouldn\u2019t reveal \u2018airport\u2019 location<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774587553_367_Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-825x550.jpg 825w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1250px) 100vw, 1250px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774587553_367_Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774587553_367_Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg?resize=640%2C427&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4395658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774587553_367_Unisa-airport-claim-falls-flat-on-closer-look.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-456x304.jpg 456w, https:\/\/media.citizen.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Farmlands-825x550.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1250px) 100vw, 1250px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The university\u2019s facility is situated east of Pretoria near Bronkhorstspruit. Picture: Nigel Sibanda<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Senokoane instead explained that this acquisition formed part of Unisa\u2019s broader strategic programme to activate one of its 10 catalytic niche areas, namely aviation and aeronautical studies. <\/p>\n<p>He said the initiative involves the introduction of formal academic programmes in the aviation and aeronautical sciences fields and will ensure students receive world-class, practice-based training. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cUnisa is also securing relevant facilities where practical learning, skills development and research activities can occur. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe airport will serve as an important platform for practical training for students enrolled in aviation and aeronautical studies,\u201d Senokoane said. <\/p>\n<p>He said the university was finalising all modalities, requirements and business processes associated with this acquisition. <\/p>\n<p>Once these processes have been completed, Senokoane said Unisa will publicly communicate the full details relating to the facility, its intended academic integration and its long-term value to the higher education and skills ecosystem. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-standard-practice\">Standard practice <\/h3>\n<p>\u201cThis is standard practice all over the world. Furthermore, we will ensure you are among the stakeholders to whom the details will be communicated at the right time,\u201d Senokoane said. <\/p>\n<p>The previous owners of the facility confirmed it had already been transferred to the university.<\/p>\n<p><strong>NOW READ:<\/strong> <strong>Unisa wins restraining order against former registrar<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<h3>Support Local Journalism<\/h3>\n<p>Add The Citizen as a Preferred Source on Google and follow us on Google News to see more of our trusted reporting in Google News and Top Stories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#Unisa #airport #claim #falls #flat #closer<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unisa&#8217;s aviation push comes under scrutiny after its airport is found to be a small airstrip with limited visible facilities.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":54056,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54055","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54055","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54055"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54055\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54057,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54055\/revisions\/54057"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54055"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54055"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54055"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}