Students from Stellenbosch University will be able to get real-world, on-the-ground experience with the development of the ZAR8 billion Cape Winelands Airport.

The two entities have signed a co-operation agreement that will see the project acting as a platform for practical learning, research and innovation, reports Engineering News.

‘The airport expansion presents a unique long-term opportunity to connect academia and industry in a way that creates meaningful economic and educational impact,’ says Cape Winelands Airport MD Deon Cloete. ‘By working with Stellenbosch University, we are creating a platform to explore future-focused solutions that benefit the aviation sector, students, and the broader regional economy.’

Their collaboration will span agriculture and food processing, spatial planning, transport and logistics as well as space and aviation research.

Engineering is expected to play a central role in the partnership, and there is potential for research projects for master’s students from the university’s engineering management programme.

Cloete says the goal is to create a long-term skills ecosystem including aviation skills development, pilot training pathways, airport operations, engineering disciplines and future-focused transport and logistics capabilities.

‘The Cape Winelands Airport project offers an opportunity to build a dynamic ecosystem that can unlock economic growth, support emerging industries and position the region as a hub of innovation and opportunity,’ says Stellenbosch University vice-chancellor Deresh Ramjugernath.

Construction of the new aviation hub, on the former Fisantekraal Airfield site in Durbanville, is expected to start towards the end of 2026 with commissioning in late 2028. While it received environmental authorisation in October 2025, the project is awaiting final approval from government.

7 July 2026
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