Lanseria International Airport has just been sold to a new consortium of investors, it was reported last night.

Some of the new investors included a “Black Economic Empowerment consortium which included the women’s empowerment company Nozala; and the Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF), through the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).”

Sandton-based Pan African infrastructure development fund manager Harith, was another of the new investors, and said in a statement:

A group of private investors who have owned and developed the Lanseria International Airport over the past 21 years have sold 100% of their shares in the airport. The transaction is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory approval.

Harith CEO Tshepo Mahloele, was equally pleased with the transaction:

This is a landmark transaction for private sector infrastructure deals in South Africa. We are very pleased to have been involved with the financing of this very important growth project and envisage that it will continue to foster regional interaction and convenience for the [Southern African Development Community] region, [the] rest of Africa, as well as the local business and tourism sectors.

Said PIC chief investment officer Dr Dan Matjila, of South Africa’s only privately-run airport:

The long term infrastructural development opportunities emanating from the acquisition and expansion of the airport will create jobs and facilitate the expansion of critical infrastructure in Gauteng and thus contribute to the economic transformation endeavours of the country.

It goes without saying that Lanseria International represents a strategic asset for any investor, and its position as a low-cost alternative to OR Tambo International, and the support from consumers it continues to receive, will ensure that it remains as such.

John Oliphant, actuarial head of the Government Employee Pension Fund, said the investment ensured that “public servants and pensioners increased their ownership of strategic assets in the South African economy.”

[Source: TimesLive]