Communities Matter
Engaging with the communities surrounding the Cape Winelands Airport remains a key priority as the development progresses.
This week, the airport team, together with WBHO and with the support of the City of Cape Town’s Ward Councillors, met with residents in Fisantekraal, Klipheuwel, Mikpunt and Philadelphia to provide updates, listen to community priorities and discuss opportunities arising from the project.
The meetings provided an opportunity for residents to hear more about the development, engage directly with the project team and WBHO, and raise questions and concerns about the opportunities and impacts associated with the project.
The response from both communities was strong, with more than 500 people attending the Fisantekraal meeting and significant interest from residents in Klipheuwel. A community-based interpreter also supported the engagements to help ensure that residents could participate fully in the discussions.
Listening to community priorities
Several key themes emerged across both meetings, including employment opportunities, skills development, transparency and accountability.
While construction-related employment was a key area of interest, residents also expressed a strong desire to understand what opportunities could become available beyond the construction phase and how local people could develop the skills needed to participate in the airport’s longer-term economy.
Questions around transparency and ensuring that opportunities are accessed fairly were also raised. The project team committed to keeping communities informed as the development progresses and to continuing to work closely with community leaders and local stakeholders.
The team also explained that, while planning is progressing, the project programme remains subject to a number of variables, including regulatory processes and approvals. The commitment is to communicate openly about any changes and maintain regular engagement throughout the development process.
Connecting communities with opportunities
A significant focus of the meetings was the WBHO employment registration process.
From Monday, WBHO will also open employment registration centres in both Fisantekraal and Klipheuwel for a five-week registration period, providing residents with direct assistance to register and ensure their information is captured.
The WBHO registration team was introduced directly to community members during the meetings, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with those responsible for the registration process and understand how they can participate.
Building the project together
The strong turnout and open discussions marked an important milestone in the Cape Winelands Airport’s ongoing relationship with its neighbouring communities.
Meaningful community engagement will remain an important part of the project as planning and development progress. By creating opportunities for residents to ask questions, raise concerns and understand how they can participate, the airport and its partners aim to build a transparent and collaborative relationship with the communities around it.
The journey ahead will be shaped not only by the development of the airport itself, but by the opportunities it can help create for the people and businesses of the surrounding communities.