Cattle farmers unsatisfied with KNP proposal

LIMPOPO – Livestock farmers in Mahlathi village are concerned that the proposed development in their area will reduce the grazing land available for their livestock. The project, proposed by Kruger National Park (KNP), aims to create a buffer zone by fencing off a portion of land within the village to be integrated into the park.

According to the farmers, the fenced area is intended to serve as a recreational zone where tourist facilities would be developed. While they acknowledge that this could create job opportunities, they fear it will have a negative impact on their grazing land.

“We brought this issue to their attention and even suggested an alternative area for development, but they are insisting on using the land where our livestock graze,” said Soyaphi Mabunda, one of the farmers, speaking during their weekly meeting on Wednesday.

“We’ve had many meetings with them to discuss this issue, but we fear that someone might twist things behind our backs to make it seem as if we agreed to the proposal,” said another farmer, Victor Baloyi. One person they are concerned about is Musa Chavalala whom they believe wants to build his lodge in the park.

When asked about this, Chavalala denied that the development was for his gain, stating that it was intended to benefit the entire community.

“What is happening here is not the work of one person; it is a community-driven initiative that began in 2017 with the construction of tent camps,” he explained.

“Unfortunately, our funders ran out of money, but that didn’t stop our plans to develop the area as it stands to benefit many people,” he continued, adding that the park was not overlooking farmers. He explained that there are plans to divide the zoned area into two sections, with one part designated for growing animal feed, which the park will manage for local farmers. The majority of the community understands this. It’s only a few older individuals who oppose it, and if you ask them how many jobs they’ve created with their 96 kraals, or how many children they’ve helped send to school from those kraals, they won’t have an answer,” he continued, insisting that development was needed for job creation.

He added, however, that if stakeholders in the village fail to reach an agreement, a community resolution would be implemented. “Since we live in a democracy, the only option left if all else fails is a community resolution, where everyone will have a chance to vote on which side they support,” he said.

Headman Mahlathi also supported the idea of a community resolution, stating that his village could not be held back by a few individuals.

“Anyone who disagrees with the resolution will have to pack up and go. Remember, this is not only about livestock farmers other people need opportunities too, and that can happen through job creation that comes with this project,” he said.

KNP’s socio-economic transformation general manager told the Herald that creating a buffer zone is something that holds significant potential to benefit the entire Mahlathi community, including livestock farmers.

“The buffer zone is not just about setting aside land for conservation; it’s also designed to accommodate various activities that contribute to the wildlife economy. In addition to this, we aimed to create what is known as ‘range land’ – an area where grass would be specifically grown and managed for livestock grazing. This would ensure that the community’s livestock in the area has a sustainable source of feed, contributing to agricultural stability while protecting the environment,” explained Mmethi.

He added that it is important for communities with land to tap into the wildlife economy, as it offers far more benefits than many other economic activities in rural areas.

“Beyond preserving ecosystems, it creates opportunities for ecotourism, job creation, and sustainable agricultural practices. It also helps diversify income streams for communities, lessening their dependence on a single sector and fostering a more resilient local economy. In the case of Mahlathi, the buffer zone could be a key driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship, bringing lasting benefits to both people and the land,” she continued.

She gave the example of designating the area as a hunting spot, explaining that it could attract people from across the country who might not otherwise visit the area. “The tourism concept goes far beyond simply constructing lodges. Before embarking on such developments, there needs to be a foundation of tourist attractions that make the area appealing, such as designating it as a prime spot for activities like hunting. In that case, temporary tent accommodations could be set up, which are more suitable for such experiences,” she said, suggesting that Mahlathi was one such area.

“If the buffer zone is established, the conservation land used for rearing wildlife could be placed under community ownership. This would ensure that the benefits of the wildlife economy, such as income from hunting, biltong production, or other related activities, directly flow to the local community, rather than solely benefitting the park,” she explained.

Mmethi also appealed to communities in areas bordering the park to embrace the development brought by Sanparks to help boost their local economies.

“We face a similar challenge in Magona village (around the Vhembe area), where a community from another village is opposing development on the basis that they do not fall under the Magona tribal office. Unfortunately, when issues like this arise, it’s the innocent, unemployed people who suffer the consequences,” she said.