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“Lala palm which is one of the rare species in the Park seems to be dwindling outside; as KNP we could not turn a blind eye. We identified the crafters at this area, who could produce art and craft from these plants in a sustainable way. South Africa is full of talented people; this is one way of assisting existing talent from historically disadvantaged communities while seeking business opportunities for them to showcase their indigenous art and craft”, explained Mabasa.

The village”s traditional leadership offered the crafters a portion of land, which they can use to grow the Lala palm plant as well as explore other markets such herb and vegetable gardens. Mabasa encouraged the beneficiaries to regularly check on the trees” progress and told them that not only will the species offer employment and income; but they would have planted something that would serve as accessories to their area.

“The idea is to prevent the species from heading to local extinction; but ensure it also remains one of the most economically important plants. Whilst watching the species at Ndindani grow, we will from time to time allow crafters some harvesting of the Lala palm as part of the sustainable use of natural resources and still ensure that the remainder in the Park develops fully”, continued Mabasa.

This is a long term project and part of the government”s expanded public works programme; which forms part of the KNP”s broader strategy for economic empowerment and social responsibility line-up aimed at communities around the Park. The celebrations in the KNP will continue throughout the Week, with planting of more trees at various areas in the local communities bordering the Park.

The Park engages with community forums and other relevant committees to build capacity and assist local communities to come up with ideas, develop and implement sustainable greening projects in their communities. Some of the local crafters already sell their wide variety of products to tourists at entrance gates such as Paul Kruger, Numbi, Crocodile Bridge, Phalaborwa and Orpen; which are permanent symbols of the market place provided by the Park.

Crafters Mr Fungani Munawa (left) and Ms Khubani Baloyi showcase their artistic skills by hand-making products out of the Lala palm at the launch.

Traditional Leader, Ndabezitha Ndindani (middle) thanks the KNP Management for the tree donation. With him are KNP General Managers: Ms Helen Mmethi (People and Conservation Department) and William Mabasa (Communications & Marketing Department).

Issued By

Communications and Marketing Department, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4262, cell: 082 807 1441
E-mail: [email protected]

Enquiries

William Mabasa
GM: Communications and Marketing Department, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919
E-mail: [email protected]