On Friday 31 March 2023, an unannounced oversight visit was conducted at the Dick Montshia Airport by the chairperson of the North West Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile. He was accompanied by the member of the Committee, Aaron Motswana. 

According to the statement issued by the Provincial Legislature, the oversight visit follows after the committee was alerted by service providers who alleged that the contracted company, Best Both Security Services, is short-selling the department by reducing the number of guards deployed at the airport. 

It's alleged that after the guards are transported to the airport, the company would reduce the number of guards at the unit and redeploy them to the main office in town. The security company is allegedly not contracted by the main office. 

During his oversight visit, Cwaile confirmed the allegations with a loco head count. Cwaile further expressed his disappointment at the shocking state the airport building is in. In a statement, Cwaile said the building is covered with bushes, and lights are not functioning at night, which also made him wonder if security guards are conducting perimeter patrols under those conditions.

"The situation is exacerbated by a lack of torches with batteries and their only weapon is a baton, even though the company's services are deemed to be of a specialised nature. There is a shortage of security personnel on-site as prescribed by the contract, except at the cargo site where there are two security personnel. This after checking varying points such as the main entry gate, cargo, control, VIP, terminal airbus, fuel farm and central search point," he said.

It was further revealed that the vehicle stationed on site was not available and is allegedly being used to transport security personnel from the airport to the offices of the department based in Mahikeng. Cwaile also stated that the company is claiming more than R750 000 a month for 23 guards which they are expected to pay between R16 000 and R17 000. It was, however, discovered that they are only paying the guards R5000 a month.

"The nature of this work, which is mere access control and patrols, could be performed by a local company. The Portfolio Committee fails to understand why the department had to use a company from Gauteng (Mamelodi), whereas the services do exist in the province.

"Cosatma is not even making efforts to revamp the airport yet they continue to spend R9 million annually on security at the airport. Calculated since 2018, the department has already spent R45 million. This huge amount of millions benefits Gauteng companies whereas North West companies are deprived of opportunities,” Cwaile concluded.

Cwaile has since called on the MEC for the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Sello Lehari, to respond to allegations of fraud and corruption committed at the Dick Montshioa Airport.

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