SANParks take a stand against flying drones

SKUKUZA – South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a warning to individuals against the flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (such as drones) either for game viewing, filming, photography or any other purposes during their visit/stay in any of the natonal parks, particularly the Kruger National Park (KNP). This practice is illegal as national parks are legislated protected areas with restricted airspace and is therefore  a no-fly zone for all unauthorised aircraft systems.

“We have had two incidents reported by tourists in the KNP recently of people flying such aircraft illegally, getting out of vehicles on undesignated areas, interfering in sightings; disturbing and stalking animals; only to plead innocence upon questioning. We would like to inform such people and other drone users that, should they be found flying them in the park at any time, they will be arrested on the spot and their equipment will be seized, ” said KNP’s general manager, communications & marketing, William Mabasa.

Not only is this a contravention of the NEMA Protected Areas Act, but there are also restrictions in terms of the aerial filming rights and therefore an infringement of SANParks’ filming/photography policy. The Act states that “it is illegal to fly below 2,500 feet above the highest point of any national park, including the KNP, with any aircraft/drone without the express permission of the management authority of the particular national park i.e. SANParks.

“These kinds of incidents can negatively impact on the well-being of animals as well as the experience of other visitors. We would like to specifically thank the guests who reported one of the incidents to the nearest camp.

“We would also like to encourage all law-abiding citizens to report such incidents to the Emergency Call Centre numbers so that these people can be caught in the act,” concluded Mabasa.

Emergency Call Centre: 013 -735- 5516/076- 801- 9679.