eThekwini Municipality has rescinded the eviction notices that it sent to several tenants of Virginia Airport, which the city had identified as a site for an upmarket mixed residential and commercial development.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, confirmed the news on Monday but declined to respond to detailed questions regarding whether the notices would be reissued later, and an alternative site found for the busy airport. In terms of the eviction notices, the tenants were expected to vacate the premises by February 28.
“A decision was taken to suspend the eviction notices pending the outcome of discussions between the city and the operators,” Mayisela said.
Several airport operators had earlier declined to comment on the controversy regarding the notices.
"The municipality previously announced major plans to sell or lease and redevelop the R365-million airport site when it called for public participation regarding the decision in December 2020.
Democratic Alliance ward councillor Nicole Bollman welcomed the immediate rescission of the eviction notices. She said the decision had come in the wake of recent meetings with elected officials, operators and city officials, which had included a city-led site visit.
“A working committee, comprising operators, officials, and other key stakeholders, is set to discuss various issues, including outstanding debt owed by certain operators and the way forward,” Bollman said.
“A proper process, including public participation for operators and the community at large, needs to be followed before any further decisions are made regarding the Virginia Airport site. It is important that an airport of the scale of Virginia exists in eThekwini and that any changes to the use of the site occur in the best interests of the city’s residents.”
The issue had been "marred by bad politics and a deep mistrust" had developed, she added.
“The city’s interests and economy must be prioritised and greater transparency is required."
In 2020, the city issued a public notice regarding the development, stating that a 2018/19 study had favoured the issuing of a long-term lease agreement for “a mixed use development which complements the unique tourism, hospitality, sports, entertainment node” along the M4 corridor. The study envisaged that the city would consider development elements, including a luxurious precinct with residential units and supporting retail, tourism accommodation, and leisure activities. Airport tenants expressed their shock at the publication of the notice, which they said had taken them by surprise at the time.
