Fences need mending
District mayor urges community and Ezemvelo Wildlife dialogue
THE alleged pulling down of a game reserve fence by an angry community is receiving top level attention.
uMkhanyakude District Mayor, Siphile Mdaka has suggested that the community of Phindisweni, under the traditional leadership of the Mdletshe clan, should elect a representative committee.
This will represent the community at an open forum where all stakeholders can sit around the table to discuss issues pertinent to them.
This after the same community was recently accused of pulling out the management gate about one kilometre to the north of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park’s oPhindisweni.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife alleged that members from this community ‘further destroyed 200m of the fence line, stealing wire and some poles’.
“They are demanding employment from Ezemvelo.
”Recently, the same community destroyed the oPhindisweni gate.
”The incident was reported to the Isibayeni SAPS. The latest incident will also be reported at Isibayeni SAPS shortly,” Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife said in a statement posted on social media.
At a meeting last week at oPhindisweni, Mdaka said communication with the community was critical because whatever happens at the park affects them first as they live alongside it.
Mdaka urged the community to desist from cutting the fence because doing so makes them and their livestock vulnerable to dangerous wild animals.
The district mayor’s solution was that the community elect a committee that would represent it and that discussions should be held with all relevant stakeholders to address issues.