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Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s (Ezemvelo) Acting CEO, Mr Ntsikelelo Dlulane, has appealed for help to communities adjacent to various Ezemvelo Game Reserves to look after these natural treasures.

“The organisation is always criticised for having porous fences when, at times, it is some community members who destroy our fences. The bigger risk is that one of the dangerous animals may walk out of the reserve and harm innocent human beings.” Mr Dlulane concluded his appeal

The appeal follows community protest that resulted in the destruction of the fence and gates at Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park Cibilenyathi Gate, Makhamisa Section, on Tuesday 11 May 2021.

A mob became violent and uncontrollable. Attempts by Ezemvelo officials and South African Police Services to calm them down all fell on deaf ears.

They were not prepared to talk to Ezemvelo officials but demanded the organisation to employ them.

When the protesters were told that the organisation currently does not have any employment opportunities to offer all of them, they continued with cutting down poles and burnt them and cutting the recently erected “smart fence” donated by Peace Parks Foundation.

Ezemvelo Officials were forced to retreat when they realised that their lives were in danger.

As this was the second incident within a month, the organisation fears that the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park will be without a fence if such incidents are not curbed.

A case of malicious property damage was opened at Ntambanana police station.

Issued by KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife