Pietermaritzburg Airshow Secured as Annual Fixture
Sifiso Chuma, an engineer and head of maintenance for Fuze Aviation Academy, is positive about the airshow set to be held at the Oribi Airport in August. Photo: Chris Ndaliso
The Msunduzi council has formally approved the Pietermaritzburg (PMB) Airshow as an annual event for the next three years, following its successful return in 2024 after a decade-long hiatus. Scheduled for 11–12 July 2025 at Oribi Airport, the airshow attracted around 5,000 spectators last year and is anticipated to draw even larger crowds this year, in a welcome economic boost for the region.
Driven by Fuze Aviation Academy, a key tenant at Pietermaritzburg Airport, the airshow is being promoted as both an entertainment highlight and a platform to drive awareness of aviation career paths. A Career Day will precede the airshow, giving local pupils insight into professions such as piloting, air traffic control, and aeronautical engineering. The city has allocated R1.45 million for the event and R200,000 for the Career Day, with support from public safety and traffic departments. The event has received Civil Aviation Authority accreditation and features a broad programme of aerial displays, skydiving, hot air balloon flights, and static exhibitions. Local economic development bodies, including uMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency, have endorsed the show as a catalyst for tourism and economic activity in the region.
Source: The Witness