Durban - KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) MEC Siboniso Duma has expressed concern over the wild animals that escaped from the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and were reportedly seen roaming around in nearby communities.
Speaking on SABC radio station Ukhozi FM, Duma said the department and its leadership were worried about the safety threat posed by the animals to locals.
He said that communities and nature can live together in peace and harmony, provided that there is responsibility and understanding.
“And yes we are aware of instances where some in the community would have been tempted to remove the fencing for reasons related to socio-economics and this is unacceptable as it puts our peoples lives in danger,” said MEC Duma.
He committed his department to an engagement with the Department of Agriculture in a bid to see how they can both intervene to provide water dams, manage both grass and water ecosystems.
He expressed a belief that such an intervention would ensure that wild animals and community livestocks do not share these necessities and cause a problem or even fuel tensions between the game reserve authorities and the neighbouring communities.
Duma also appealed to the surrounding communities to be cautious while the issue is attended to, pointing out that the government regarded it as an urgent matter.
On Tuesday, the MEC, accompanied by department officials, met with community stakeholders near the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park to deal with the situation and ensure safety.