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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 70739, member: 636"] Economic Freedom Fighters representative Daniel Mekgwe criticized governing party leadership for allowing Mafikeng International Airport to deteriorate from its status as a regional aviation gateway. The facility, which opened during the Bophuthatswana administration with Africa's second-longest runway spanning 4.8 kilometers, previously facilitated substantial tourism and commercial activity before passenger operations ended over regulatory compliance issues. Mekgwe argued the infrastructure could have developed into an aviation training center, generating employment opportunities for regional youth. The politician invoked warnings attributed to former leader Kgosi Lucas Mangope regarding administrative shortcomings while characterizing electoral support for current authorities as self-destructive. Proposals to convert the site into a commercial hub never materialized, leaving the airport limited to private aircraft use. [/QUOTE]