The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) most senior officials, including President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, touched down at Bulembu Airport, in Bhisho, on Wednesday, the latest arrivals among several planeloads of visitors from that country.
The UAE royal family and guests are reportedly on a private visit at a luxury game reserve between Makhanda and Bedford.
Employees of the game reserve say it was purchased by people from the UAE two years ago. This celebration will mark the official opening.
This weekend, Muslims from around the world are expected to celebrate Eid, the ending of the holy month of Ramadan.
Security at the airport was tight on Wednesday, with members of the police, SA National Defence Force and SA Military Health Services visible.
About 60 people arrived at the airport on three flights on Sunday and Monday, after obtaining special permission from home affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi to use it as a port of entry at Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane’s request.
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On Wednesday, three more passenger flights arrived during the day, as well as a phalanx of large turbine helicopters, and a large transport aircraft that unloaded vehicles.
More planes were seen landing at the airport into the night.
A number of the guests, including the UAE president, were flown directly to the game farm by helicopter, aboard more than 10 flights. Other guests were transported by bus.
Several trucks, carrying cargo, also departed the airport for the game reserve, some escorted by armed private security guards.
Airport employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said security was so tight they were not allowed to take pictures.
“They don’t want any information going out. What you are asking is exactly what they don’t want out,” an employee told the Dispatch.
Another, who had been hired as a driver, said they were transporting hostesses back and forth between Qonce and East London.
An employee of the game farm said an official opening ceremony would be held there, but security was so stringent even police were not allowed inside.
“When you get inside, they scramble your phone ... When you’re there, your phone changes time zones to the UAE.”
The employee said the royal family had brought in their own security, who were visible at the gate.
The total number of guests expected has not been established but more than 150 people were believed to have arrived by Monday.
This contradicts remarks by home affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza, who said 60 visas had been processed and approved.
A guest at the farm told the Daily Dispatch that hunting would also take place during the royal visit.
UAE ambassador Mahash Saeed Salem Mahash Al Hameli confirmed the president of the UAE was visiting the province: “The visit is of benefit for both countries and this should be celebrated. This will bring good investment to both countries.”
He declined to give further details, and asked that the family be allowed to enjoy their private visit.
Provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said: “They [have landed] at the airport, a feat that is a testimony to the capacity of this airport to land huge aircraft. The delegation has invested in the painting of the runway, grass cutting as well as procurement of the generator used to power the airport in case of load-shedding.”
He said the visit would be a boost for the province and South Africa's tourism sector and economy. “The delegation is set to bring about an injection in the tourism sector, and any other economic spin-offs will emerge from that,” Binqose said.
He said the presence of the SANDF at the airport was nothing new. “The SANDF has been occupying Bulembu Airport for a while now, while their base adjacent to the airport is being renovated.”
Mabuyane dismissed reports he would meet members of the delegation, saying it was a private event and he had already met the royals during his recent visit to the Emirates.
The visit augurs well for the future of the Bhisho airport. The UAE’s late president, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayel Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi, pledged about R50m to upgrade the facility. And in his recent policy speech, transport MEC Xolile Nqatha said several UAE investors were planning to invest about R50m to upgrade the airport.
Though the UAE delegation was clearly expecting every luxury during their stay at the game reserve, about 2km from the airport, the residents of the small village of Nonkcampa still lack basic services.
One resident, who works at the airport, said he was fortunate to have a job, but his village was neglected: “It is rare to see this airport operating. We are just happy to gain an income so we can sustain our livelihoods.”
The groundsman was unaware of the activities taking place at the airport. “We do not know what is going on, all we know is that it is prominent people,” he said.
“We hope they will help our economy, because the people in my village are suffering, and the government is not doing anything about it.”
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