Game industry thriving in EC

THE multi-million rand game industry is strengthening its foothold in the Eastern Cape and developing into one of the fastestgrowing business opportunities the province has to offer.

But extended periods of drought, the limitations of hunting permits and criminal activity such as poaching are just some of the challenges the booming industry faces.

Chief executive of the East Cape Game Management Association (ECGMA) Stappie Staphorst said the growth of the industry was linked to the diversity of the game industry and the way farmers had turned regular farming into lucrative business opportunities.

“Keep in mind that the term ‘game industry’ encompasses various aspects. While some farmers make their money from organising hunting safaris, others concentrate more on auctions and trade of rare species and exceptional genetics.

“Tied into that, you also have the tourism aspect and international visitors that come to our shores either to view our wildlife, or pay top dollar to hunt it,” Staphorst said.

While the Eastern Cape has been known as a good hunting destination, only over the past decade has it truly started formalising game as a thriving industry, buying into business opportunities other provinces spotted year ago.

According to Eastern Cape chairman for Wildlife Ranching South Africa Gerhard Heyneke the growth of the industry is evident in the money involved.

“In 2015 game auctions made in the region of R30-million, and in 2016 the amount shot up to approximately R120-million,” he said. — TMG