News

South African National Parks (SANParks) led a historic two days consultative workshop of the Greater Kruger Strategic Development Programme in Tzaneen Limpopo on Monday, 9 and Tuesday, 10 March 2020. The gathering was attended by Traditional Leaders; Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET)Department; Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF); municipal councillors; business representatives; NGOs and Civil Society representatives.

The aim of the gathering was to look at ways in which the Kruger National Park (KNP) can be used as a catalyst to unlock economic opportunities for SMMEs and ordinary people especially the youth and women. The meeting emphasised collaborations and cooperation of all participants to make sure that this initiative succeeds and benefits people staying along the western boundary of KNP. The initiative is seen as a means to involve all parties to make the most on conservation as a channel for rural economic development and to take on opportunities as presented by the existence of the Kruger National Park (KNP in the area.

Speaking at the meeting, SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni told delegates that “it was time to drop mind fences that KNP was an island; but that it should be viewed as a catalyst for development. He urged delegates to begin to talk business amongst themselves and how they can eradicate unemployment which is very high in the region and has a negative impact on the communities. He further said “studies have shown the social impact that KNP has in the region but that is not enough, we need everybody to put an effort if we are to succeed with this framework by working with traditional leaders, local municipalities, social grouping and National Departments to implement the programme. We need to mobilise resources to make this a reality within the frameworks of government priorities as outlined in the National Development Plan as espoused by the sixth administration of government”; said Mketeni.

He urged government representatives to facilitate local business with the KNP as the park was ready to transact with local communities. He lamented the fact that services and products within the Park were being supplied by companies based outside the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Mketeni indicated that community-based entrepreneurs need to be supported by relevant government departments.

Responding to the SANParks CEO’s statement, the MEC of LEDET, Thabo Mokone said he fully supports SANParks in this initiative and urged all parties to work together to improve the lives of people in the Province “we have been elected to serve our people and create opportunities for them, I’m happy this is not a plan or a strategy but a call to partnership and implementation. I expect officials to facilitate the program to awaken Limpopo which is a sleeping giant”; concluded Mokone.

The meeting concluded by setting a task to all stakeholders to push the initiative forward by creating an enabling environment to see material impacts on communities through deliberate actions to empower everybody and make a difference in people’s lives.

Timelines have been set to make progress on the consultation programme and to come up with realistic plans to implement the initiative outlined by the gathering. A similar consultation session with Mpumalanga based stakeholders will be held in the near future.

The delegates included Traditional Leaders; Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Department; Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF); municipal councillors; business representatives; NGOs and Civil Society representatives.

The SANParks Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fundisile Mketeni.

The MEC of Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Department, Mr Thabo Mokone.

Issued by:

South African National Parks – Kruger National Park: Communications & Marketing Department.

Media enquiries:

Ike Phaahla: GM: Communications and Marketing – KNP, Tel: 013 735 4363/012 426 5034; Cell: 083 673 6974 and Email: [email protected]