The developers of the Vaal Aerotropolis, a planned R22.6 billion smart city in Gauteng, are seeking environmental approval for its first phase.
The project is led by Vaal Aerozone. It will be built around a new international airport in the Vaal region, according to The South African.
Plans also include farming hubs, a solar farm, shops and other facilities. Daily Investor first reported that the developers had officially applied for environmental authorisation.
If the approval goes ahead as planned, the developers will then build the main airport infrastructure.
This includes a runway that is 4.2 km long. It is designed for Code F aircraft and will have two rapid-exit taxiways.
The airport will have a passenger terminal and a separate cargo terminal. The passenger terminal is expected to handle 7.2 million people a year at first.
The cargo terminal is planned to move 150 000 tonnes of freight every year.
Building work on the first phase is set to run from 2029 to 2031. If everything stays on track, Vaal Aerozone will start operations in 2032.
According to the Sedibeng District Municipality, the whole project will cost about R22.6 billion. Of that amount, R12.2 billion will go to the new international airport.
Three years ago, Citibank SA promised R1.38 billion towards building the first phase of the project.
The site is nine kilometres west of the N1 highway and Vanderbijlpark. When finished, the aerotropolis is expected to cover parts of 13 farms.
Vaal Aerozone said the project will include Vaal Airport City. The company described it as one of the first purpose-built aviation cities in Africa.
The company said the city will have at least a 4-star green rating. It will offer offices, shops, hospitality and a hotel rated at least 4 stars.
Vaal Aerozone said there will also be medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals, as well as leisure facilities.
An agricultural zone is also part of the plan. The company said it will create a joined-up supply chain for fresh produce that spoils quickly.
This zone will have climate-controlled greenhouses, packhouses and a tissue culture lab. Vaal Aerozone said it will also host Africa’s first air platform for live animal exports.
The project could also create work. Building the aerotropolis could create at least 12 000 jobs, according to The South African.
Once the aerotropolis is running, it could lead to 6 000 permanent jobs.
Members of the public can send written comments on the plan to the environmental assessment practitioner, EMS Africa. The deadline for comments is 2 December 2026.
Source: this article is based on reporting by The South African. Image: The South African. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Business desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Anelisa Nkuna covers business and money news for Tzaneen Voice. Anelisa reports on the rand, fuel prices, interest rates, jobs, Eskom, Transnet, farming and company results. The aim is simple: explain what the numbers mean for household budgets, small businesses and workers in South Africa.