News

It is alleged that on 25 May 2014, a woman who identified herself as Thuli Hlubi phoned the GGHNP and later visited the park to request a venue for a “conference” scheduled for the following day. The quotation was granted as per procedure and promised to “make all the payments as soon as possible” but this was never done though the “conference” took place.

According to Park Manager at Golden Gate, Ms Sithembile Mhlophe, it emerged that the conference which was attended by about 16 people who all had to pay to attend was labelled “training for jobs in the park”. The park was only made aware of this scam after two days, when one of our employees walking in QwaQwa was assaulted by people who accused him and colleagues of taking money for their promised jobs.

“It is against this background that SANParks would like to distance itself from this incident and want to appeal to anyone who has the information to contact the police so that they handle the matter and also advise fellow stakeholders on this criminal activity,” said Mhlophe who further said “The Park has good relations with people from surrounding communities and we believe this is just a way of trying to dent our image and we would not allow it.”

“All jobs advertised in the Park follow proper organisational channels and we would not at any given time ask people to pay any money in exchange for jobs” Mhlophe concluded.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Northern Region Communications

Enquiries

Divhani Maremba
SANParks Regional Communications Manager: Northern Region
Tel: 012 426-5304; Cell: 074 588 5789
Email: [email protected]