THE KZN MEC for Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma has praised game rangers for their dedication in the fight against wildlife crime.
The MEC said he was briefed about an attempted white rhino poaching incident which resulted in the arrest of a suspect at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
He said unfortunately, the Hi Park manager Amos Khetha Tembe was injured by the suspect when he was effecting an arrest as the suspect was trying to cut off the rhino's horn.
“He was admitted to one of the hospitals. On behalf of the department, we wish him a speedy recovery. We wish to salute game rangers for their dedication in the fight against wildlife crime,” he said.
Duma said the cutting-edge technology and their alertness is the reason why they had stopped poachers from removing the rhino's horn.
He said despite being under threat due to poaching, this protected species continues to contribute towards the growth of eco-tourism not only in KZN but in South Africa and the whole continent.
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He said: “As it is known, most of the white rhinos can trace their origin to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Park. It is for these reasons this HiP is known as the birthplace of place of rhino.”
“We have agreed with the newly appointed CEO Sihle Mkhize that more resources must be deployed to strengthen the work of Game Rangers,” said Duma.
He continued to praise game rangers, stating that they are unsung heroes and heroines who often risk their personal lives in the service of the nation.
“We have agreed with the new CEO that one of his main responsibilities is to boost their morale and ensure that their working conditions are improved,” he said.
Duma said the long-term plan is to use the portion of the revenue generated through conservation services to implement viable projects based on the needs of local communities.
He said they continue to receive reports of an increase in the number of tourists to more than 114 protected areas and close to 40 accommodation facilities managed by Ezemvelo.
“Broadly speaking, we expect more than 845 000 visitors to KZN and 52 000 will be international tourists. Tourism as a sector is projected to contribute R3,6 billion to the provincial economy,” he added.
