By Kholofelo Maruma
The annual gathering of industry stakeholders, the 2nd Aviation Indaba held at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton on 19 August 2025 was not your usual conference. It was a space where people from different walks of life came together – from royalty, to government officials, to aviation lawyers, to professors and academics, and young people chasing their dreams in aviation. Everyone gathered with one purpose: To talk about where African aviation is going, and how it can change lives.
A melting pot of ideas and thought leaders in one room
The event organised by leading aviation company, Flying Jurist, featured some big names. The Riba Royal Family, led by Prince Freedom Khutjo Riba who represented His Majesty Kgoshi Phaswane III also graced the occasion. MEC for Finance and Economic Development in the Gauteng Province, Hon. Lebogang Maile delivered a riveting keynote address, pivoted on the Growing Gauteng Together 2030 strategy. Amongst the key highlights of his speech was the need to ensure that Gauteng becomes the preferred destination for both persons and goods, thereby catalysing the economy both at the provincial and the national levels.
Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Hon. Jabu Mabalula also formed part of a panel that looked at infrastructure and airport development. The MEC made very insightful inputs in the area of aerotropolis development and how the Free State Province is strategically placed to catalyse the aviation sector through the creation of special economic zones. Also present and delivering a message of support was Adv Kgagudi Morota, CEO of Black Forum South Africa and Head of the Law Clinic at UNISA. Mr CJ Ntsoane of CJ Ntsoane Attorneys in Polokwane also participated in this august gathering. Their presence showed that aviation is not just about airports and planes – it is also about law, policy, jobs, and community growth. Adv Anne-Lize Lourens, who also chaired the panel on Commercial Aviation, delivered a message of support from the Society for International Aviation Law; while Ms Magdaline Paledi delivered a message of support from Black Management Forum Tubatse Branch.
Professor Angelo Dube, known to many in the aviation sector as the Flying Jurist, gave a powerful speech. He spoke about how technology is changing aviation and how Africa cannot afford to sit back. He said we must embrace digital tools, from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity, and use them to build something that benefits the continent. His words carried weight: if we ignore technology, we will be left behind.
Other speakers included SASOL’s Samantha Maphosa-Mhlongo who touched on Sustainable Aviation Fuels, as well as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)’s Kido Makhubo who also spoke on the confluence of technology and aviation and showcased some of the work she does at the research hub.
The panels were rich with experience and expertise. They featured renowned personalities such as Dr Thebe Ikalafeng of Brand Africa, Dr Andre Coutzee of Henley Air, Mr George Mothema, CEO of the Board of Airline Representatives in Southern Africa, Ms Sandi Mbutuma of Pentad Quantity Surveyors, and Ms Maphefo Anno-Frempong, CEO of TETA.
All this was beautifully moderated by seasoned moderators – Ms Dineo Ranaka, Adv Anne-Lize Lourens, Karen Goldstone-Hoffman, Dr Nompumelelo Mkhize and Dr Levy Motebejane.
Why aviation matters – a question to ponder
When most people think of aviation, they picture flights, pilots, and airports. But the sector is much bigger than that. Aviation pumps billions into South Africa’s economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Tourism, hospitality, logistics, catering, all of these rely on a working aviation sector. One flight can create work for many people beyond the airport gates. One project that stood out was the Ekurhuleni Special Economic Zone. Built around OR Tambo International Airport, it is designed to connect aviation with research, trade, and city development. It is proof that airports are not just landing strips, they can be the heartbeat of a whole city’s economy.
Talking about the tough stuff
The Aviation Indaba was not just about celebrating success. It tackled the challenges head-on. One of the biggest issues raised was Africa’s aviation protectionism. While agreements like “open skies” could make it easier for African airlines to connect across the continent, politics and strict policies are holding us back. Local airlines were said to need more support. Without it, they will surely struggle to compete against international carriers that already dominate many routes. If Africa wants to own its aviation future, it has to level the playing field.
Skills, sustainability, and tomorrow
A big concern is the global shortage of aviation professionals. Thousands of pilots are set to retire in the coming years, and Africa has a chance to step in. By training pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers, the continent can meet its own needs and even supply the world. Sustainability also came up. Aviation growth must include people and communities, not just profits. From creating jobs in disadvantaged areas to making sure environmental standards are respected, the sector has to serve both the economy and society.
Closing thoughts
As the Indaba wrapped up, one thing was clear: Africa’s aviation sector is full of potential, but it needs bold investment, smarter policies, and true collaboration to get there. Aviation is not just about planes in the sky. It is about connecting people, goods, and ideas. It is about giving opportunities to communities and opening Africa up to the world. The Second Aviation Indaba showed us that if we take this sector seriously, our skies will not just be busy, they will be the pathway to a brighter future.
Kholofelo Maruma is a law student at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and a member of the International Forum of Researchers and Lecturers. He is also a member of and a mentee of the Afrikan Peer Growth Network. He writes in his personal capacity.