By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency), in partnership with KNP(Kruger National Park), met with farmers and community leaders at Sphelanyane Community Hall, in the City of Mbombela, to address escalating human-wildlife conflict after lions escaped from the park and terrorised nearby villages.
The meeting was reportedly convened through the leadership of the Provincial People and Parks structure, as well as affected farmers dealing in crops and livestock from Sphelanyane, Buyelani, Mvangatini, Luphisi and Lubambiswano Forum.
The communities are said to have been terrorised by lions escaping from the KNP since early April this year citing factors including the perimeter fence being in a porous state due to vandalism by poachers, and the interference of evidence (carcasses) by affected farmers.
MTPA Biodiversity Executive Manager, Nomcebo Kunene, appealed to community members and farmers to report incidents of livestock predation promptly, in order to assist response teams in tracking and managing animals effectively.
The community was further encouraged by Kunene to observe and respect buffer zones around protected areas as a preventative measure.
“The theft and damage of fencing remain a significant challenge, not only for Kruger National Park but for other nature reserves as well,” said Kunene.
Lucia Hlatshwayo from the Kruger National Park Socio Economic Transformation, emphasised a commitment to working in partnership with the affected communities, urging members of the community to refrain from tampering with the fence, as such actions contribute to poaching and increase the risk of human wildlife conflict.
Hlatshwayo welcomed the concerns raised by both the farmers, the communities, and Parks leadership.
“We welcome your concerns, and Kruger National Park is currently reinforcing sections of the fence that have been tampered with due to illegal poaching activities. We further request community members to report any sightings of wild animals within community areas to MTPA without delay,” said Hlatshwayo.
According to the MTPA, the meeting concluded with a shared resolution to strengthen collaboration and jointly implement measures aimed at ensuring the safety of community members, livestock, as well as wildlife.
