Plans Luxury Private Terminal at OR Tambo Airport
By Thabo Mosia
Johannesburg –
Businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala had big dreams of setting up a top-end luxury private terminal at OR Tambo International Airport, and he was deep in discussions with Nedbank to secure R70 million each year in funding to make it happen.
This ambitious project aimed to cater to high-net-worth travellers, offering exclusive services like fast check-ins, plush lounges, and seamless private jet handling, but it has been overshadowed by Matlala’s tangled web of controversies, from failed tenders to serious criminal charges.
The plan, which surfaced in recent revelations, highlights Matlala’s flair for grand ventures in South Africa’s aviation scene.
Yet, it also raises questions about how such deals come together, especially for someone with a chequered past in government contracts and ongoing legal battles.
For airport users and the economy, a luxury terminal could boost tourism and business travel, but Matlala’s involvement adds layers of doubt about its feasibility and ethics.
The Vision for a Luxury Private Terminal
Matlala’s idea was to create a bespoke facility at Africa’s busiest airport, designed for the elite – think VIPs, celebrities, and corporate bosses who want to skip the crowds.
The terminal would feature high-end amenities like private suites, gourmet dining, spa services, and direct tarmac access for jets.
This setup would rival similar spots at global hubs like London’s Heathrow or Dubai International, aiming to put Johannesburg on the map as a premium gateway for Africa.
Funding was key, and Matlala approached Nedbank for a hefty R70 million annually to cover building costs, operations, and upkeep.
Talks focused on a long-term partnership, possibly through loans or investments, with the bank eyeing returns from fees charged to users. Such a deal could run for years, pumping money into construction jobs and airport upgrades.
OR Tambo, handling over 20 million passengers yearly, has room for growth in private aviation, especially with rising demand from wealthy travellers and charter flights.
But the project never took off, stalled by Matlala’s mounting troubles. Insiders say the talks were exploratory, with Nedbank weighing risks tied to his reputation.
In South Africa, where public-private partnerships often face scrutiny, this kind of venture needs clean hands to avoid red flags from regulators like the Airports Company South Africa.
Matlala’s Controversial Business Background
Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala is no stranger to big deals, but his track record is spotted with failures and allegations. He built his name as a tenderpreneur, landing government contracts worth millions in sectors like security, logistics, and infrastructure.
However, many of these ended in disputes, with claims of unfinished work, overbilling, and corruption.
For example, one major contract to supply equipment to state entities fell apart amid probes into irregular spending, leaving taxpayers out of pocket.
His empire grew through connections in political circles, often linked to influential figures in the African National Congress and beyond.
Matlala has been accused of using these ties to win bids, sometimes without delivering value.
In one case, a multimillion-rand deal for fleet management services was flagged for lacking proper procurement processes, leading to audits and calls for accountability.
Beyond South Africa, Matlala’s reach extended to Eswatini, where he allegedly obtained a national ID through dodgy means.
A Home Affairs officer there was arrested for fraud after helping him, sparking questions about his cross-border dealings.
Eswatini’s monarchy even distanced itself from him, saying invitation cards to royal events had leaked into the wrong hands, and he was not officially welcome.
These incidents paint a picture of a man skilled at networking but often stepping into grey areas.
Ongoing Legal Battles and Criminal Charges
Matlala’s high-flying plans come at a time when he is fighting serious charges. He is on trial for attempted murder, stemming from a 2023 shooting incident where he allegedly fired at a rival during a heated argument.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with Matlala claiming self-defence, but prosecutors argue it was premeditated.
If convicted, he faces years behind bars, which would ground any business ambitions.
He has also been pulled into police scandals.
In recent parliamentary hearings, Matlala testified before an ad hoc committee probing allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
He was grilled on claims of funding vehicles for top officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, as part of supposed political games.
Matlala denied wrongdoing, saying he was being used as a pawn in bigger power plays, but the revelations tied him to murky networks involving crime intelligence and syndicates.
Other probes link him to figures like Shadrack Sibiya, a former Hawks boss, in stories of corruption and influence-peddling.
These connections have led to calls for deeper investigations into how tenders are awarded and who benefits, with Matlala often at the centre.
Potential Benefits and Risks for OR Tambo
If Matlala’s terminal had gone ahead, it could have added sparkle to OR Tambo, attracting more private jets and boosting revenue.
Luxury terminals worldwide charge premium fees – think R10,000 or more per flight – for services like customs on-site and concierge help.
This would create jobs in hospitality, security, and maintenance, while easing congestion in main terminals.
But risks abound. Funding from a major bank like Nedbank would need tight checks to avoid scandals, especially with Matlala’s history.
Regulators would scrutinise environmental impacts, safety standards, and fair competition with existing operators.
Past airport projects in South Africa, like upgrades at King Shaka International, have faced delays over funding disputes and corruption probes, serving as cautionary tales.
For passengers, a luxury option sounds great, but critics worry it widens inequality – fancy perks for the rich while ordinary travellers deal with long queues and basic facilities. Balancing this with public needs is key for any airport expansion.
Broader Implications for South African Business
Matlala’s story reflects wider issues in the country’s business landscape, where ambition meets allegations all too often.
Tenderpreneurs like him thrive on government links, but when deals sour, it erodes trust in the system. Calls for stricter rules on procurement aim to weed out bad actors, ensuring funds go to those who deliver.
His airport plan also spotlights aviation’s growth potential. With tourism rebounding post-pandemic, OR Tambo could use more capacity for private travel, serving mining execs, celebrities, and diplomats.
Successful models elsewhere, like Signature Flight Support terminals, show how such facilities drive economic spin-offs.
Yet, for Matlala, the future looks grounded. With trials ongoing and probes deepening, his R70 million funding talks may stay just that – talks.
South Africans watching hope for transparency, so big ideas benefit everyone, not just a few.
As details emerge, this saga underscores the need for clean deals in high-stakes sectors.
Whether Matlala’s vision ever flies remains to be seen, but it has already lifted the lid on the complex world of business, politics, and ambition in Johannesburg’s skies.
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