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The MEC for Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Ravi Pillay, has strongly condemned acts of vandalism taking place at the Makhamisa Section of the Hluhluwe iMflozi Park. 

The acts of vandalism were first reported on Tuesday the 11th of May 2021, where a group of people destroyed and set alight a section of the fence and a gate. Today (Thursday the 13th of May 2021) we have received reports that another section of the fence has also been vandalized at the reserve.

“We are deeply concerned by the threat that such acts pose to the staff at the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Destroying and burning down infrastructure such as the fence, also puts surrounding communities in danger of attacks from wild animals. This will also have huge financial implications for Ezemvelo which is still reeling from the financial pressures precipitated by Covid-19. While the community’s right to protest is respected, such protest should be carried out in accordance with the law and should not in any way threaten the wellbeing of any individual or pose a threat to wildlife and the environment,” said MEC Ravi Pillay.

The MEC thus calls for calm from all those involved. The management of Ezemvelo has started engagements with the community representatives and the Department is being briefed on the developments.

“We will be working closely with the police, the Department of Community Safety, Cogta, councillors and the traditional leadership in the area to contain the situation,” MEC Pillay concluded.

Issued by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs