Dundee airfield still at the mercy of those who are seemingly oblivious of the key role the facility plays
There are concerns over the lack of security at the airfield, although officers who work at the abandoned nearby disaster management centre are sometimes seen in the area.
The often-talked-about state of Dundee Airfield was again in the spotlight with the resumption of the KZN Health Department’s community outreach programmes that render medical assistance to rural areas in KwaZulu-Natal.
Four doctors from Greys Hospital (two for Dundee Hospital and two for Newcastle Hospital), who are doing their internships, arrived last Tuesday on a chartered plane by the Health Department to assist patients and medical staff at both Dundee Provincial Hospital and Newcastle Hospital.
However, Dundee Airfield was again a challenge for the pilots, Yusuf Vahad and John Sargood.
The major concern is the number of pedestrians who meander across the runway, using it as a shortcut to town. Cattle are also driven onto the airfield via a broken section of fencing to gain access to the property.
There are also concerns over tents being pitched on the property for music festivals and parties. It is not clear if permission was given for the airfield to be used for such events.
Horses are also raced on the airfield; the traditional horse racing track is adjacent to the property.
It was previously said that council puts aside around R220,000 for the upkeep of the facility. Cllr Naresh Gopie has called for the amount to be ring-fenced to ensure that the money does go into the airfield. Local pilot Tom Honiball said the toilets have been vandalised and are not fit for use. He is also concerned over the state of the runway, which is breaking up on the southern end. Tourists previously used the airfield when chartering flights to Dundee.
In 1997, King Charles III and a young Prince Harry (and their entourage) landed in Dundee and were met by the late historian, David Rattray. He hosted the royal couple at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge during their tour of South Africa.
